Andre Braugher talks ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and sings with his dog

Andre Braugher recently picked up his seventh Emmy nomination -- and first in a comedy category -- for his supporting work as stoic precinct captain Ray Holt on the Fox ensemble cop show “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.�

The series’ first season gave Braugher a chance to display his fine sense of comic timing, a gift he showcased often in a recent video chat at the Times’ studio. Braugher, though, downplayed his abilities -- but even the act of doing this managed to highlight his dry sense of humor.

“I’m the string, they’re the kites,� Braugher said of his improv work with the show’s comedic cast. “I’m really a believer in the script. I don’t want to embarrass myself by jumping out here with professional comedians trying to catch up. They’re much too swift for me. The best I can do at this moment really is to ride the rapids and try to stay afloat.�

At this moment, right?

“Yeah,� Braugher said, not missing a beat. “Two years from now I’m going to swagger in here wearing a porkpie hat, smoking a cigar and talking about comedy gold.�

Braugher touched on many topics during our time together -- his thoughts on “Homicide: Life on the Street� as an office comedy, his “Nine-Nine� costars, thoughts on the upcoming season -- as well as proudly admitting that, yes, he has been known to sing duets with his dog on the set, “little howls,� that sort of thing.

“R&B,� Braugher elaborated when asked for a set list. “There’s the whole Beyonce album, when that came out. We do a lot of Anthony Hamilton, some James Blake.�

Said “Brooklyn Nine-Nine� lead Andy Samberg of his costar: “He understands timing; he not only finds jokes but accentuates them. He’s one of the fastest learners I’ve ever seen.�

Watch the chat and you’ll see Braugher didn’t have a steep learning curve.

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