WARNING: This article contains spoilers from The Residence.
Andre Braugher was initially slated to star in Shonda Rhimes' latest drama The Residence but who was he originally cast as?
The Residence has just landed on Netflix with all eight episodes released on Thursday, March 20.
Conceived by Shondaland and led by the creative genius behind Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton, Shonda Rhimes, The Residence is a classic murder mystery but on an epic scale.
When a guest is murdered during a state dinner at the White House, quirky detective Cordelia Cupp (portrayed by Uzo Aduba) is summoned to solve the case.
But with hundreds of potential culprits and a myriad of motives, it's not going to be a straightforward investigation.
In addition to a perplexing plot, the Netflix drama boasts a host of familiar faces, one of whom was set to be none other than actor Andre Braugher.
Braugher has appeared in numerous shows and films including City Of Angels, The Mist, Frequency, The Good Fight, Last Resort, Men Of A Certain Age and served as the narrator in American Experience.
Back in the 1990s, Braugher brought Detective Frank Pembleton to life in the drama Homicide: Life On The Street.
However, from 2013 to 2021, he was best known for his role as Captain Ray Holt in the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine alongside Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero and Terry Crews.
Who was Andre Braugher supposed to portray in Netflix's The Residence?The Residence had already begun filming with the talented Andre Braugher portraying the character AB Wynter, the Chief Usher of the White House and central figure in the show's mystery, when tragedy struck.
Wynter is found murdered, setting the stage for a detective to untangle the web of enmity he accrued, but behind the scenes, a real-life loss occurred.
Before he could complete his role, Braugher passed away due to lung cancer on December 11, 2023, at the age of 61.
In homage, Rhimes took to Instagram to express her sorrow: "Deeply saddened by the news of Andre Braugher's passing.
"I mourn not only the loss of an extraordinary actor but, more profoundly, the departure of a warm and kind soul.
"His talent was undeniable, but it was his genuine kindness that truly set him apart. Rest well."
The necessity to reshoot parts of The Residence saw Giancarlo Esposito step into the shoes of AB Wynter.
Braugher, remembered for performances in The Usual Suspects, Maxxxine, Parish, The Boys, and the acclaimed Better Call Saul, leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the screen.
The Residence is available to watch on Netflix.
