Andre Braugher's Costar Dirk Blocker Says He Was the 'Father Figure' ofB99Cast: 'Always There for People' (Exclusive)

Dirk Blocker (left) and Andre Braugher.Photo:Frazer Harrison/Getty, Bryan Bedder/Getty Frazer Harrison/Getty, Bryan Bedder/Getty When Dirk Blocker thinks about the time he spent shootingBrooklyn Nine-NinewithAndre Braugher, it’s always with fondness and immense respect for an actor who didn’t just portray a captain on the show but also made it a point to be a “father figure” to the cast, too. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Blocker, 66, recalls a meaningful moment during the sitcom’s first season when Fox released short introductory videos about his character, Hitchcock, and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller).

Andre Braugher's Family: All About the Late Actor's Wife and Kids

Hollywood is mourning the lossofAndre Braugherfollowinghis death at age 61. The actor, who starred on acclaimed crime series such asHomicide: Life on the StreetandBrooklyn Nine-Nine,died on Dec. 11after a recent illness, his representative confirmed to PEOPLE. Braugher was married to actress Ami Brabson and together they had three children, John Wesley Braugher, Michael Braugher and Isaiah Braugher. Though his sons weren’t in the spotlight as much as Braugher, the actor spoke fondly of his family in interviews.

Andre Braugher'sBrooklyn Nine-NineFamily Reunites to Honor Him: 'We Laughed. We Cried a Little. We Reminisced'

The cast of ‘Brooklyn 9-9’ reunite to honor Andre Braugher.Photo:Melissa Fumero/Instagram Melissa Fumero/Instagram Andre Braugher’sBrooklyn Nine-Ninecostars have reunited to honor the late actor’s memory and the impact he had on their lives. “Could not have described last night any better…!” Crews wrote in the caption, adding the series' beloved group catchphrase, “NINE-NINE.” “We laughed. We cried a little. We reminisced. We laughed some more. Nine Nine Forever,” he concluded. Andre Braugher on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’.

Andrea Bocelli and Daughter Virginia Release Emotional Duet 'Dare to Be' for Upcoming FilmCabrini

Andrea Bocelliand his daughter Virginia have joined forces once again for new music. Andrea, 65, and Virginia, 11, released “Dare to Be,” which will be featured in the upcoming filmCabrini, on Friday. “We dare to free / Visions unseen / New worlds beyond me / Sea to shining sea / With us we bring,” Virginia sings on the track. “A voice that sings / Forgotten harmonies / Even the darkest night / Beholds the light that guides you.

Andrea Bocelli Calls Singing New Holiday Album with Kids Matteo and Virginia 'The Best Christmas Gift'

Andrea Bocelli.Photo: Courtesy ForAndrea Bocelli’s family, Christmas has always been a special time filled with many traditions — attending morning mass, opening gifts and enjoying classic Italian food like tortellini soup and panettone. “We love traditions, and especially ones that warm the heart,” the operatic tenor, 64, tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. This year, the family is celebrating with a brand-new holiday album titledA Family Christmas, out now, featuring two of Andrea’s children,Matteo, 25, andVirginia, 10, the latter of whom is singing with her father on a full-length project for the first time.