Ami Brabson: 5 Unforgettable Roles And Her Triumphant Return To The Stage After Personal Tragedy

Ami Brabson, the dynamic actress and producer known for her profound work across television and the American stage, has been navigating a period of intense personal reflection and professional resurgence in late 2025. Following the heartbreaking loss of her husband, the legendary actor Andre Braugher, in December 2023, Brabson has channeled her grief into powerful, new artistic endeavors, solidifying her status as a formidable creative force in her own right. Her career, marked by memorable recurring roles on hit television dramas and critically acclaimed theatrical performances, continues to evolve, with new projects and touring shows keeping her at the forefront of the industry.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at Ami Brabson’s career, focusing on her latest projects, her enduring legacy on television, and the inspiring biographical details that have shaped her path. From her recurring role as Judge Karyn Blake on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* to her compelling one-woman cabaret, her recent work proves she is an artist whose voice and talent are more vital than ever.

Ami Brabson: Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Ami Brabson
• Date of Birth: February 28, 1970
• Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
• Nationality: American
• Education: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the NYU / Tisch Graduate School of Acting
• Spouse: Andre Braugher (m. 1991; d. December 11, 2023)
• Children: Three sons: Michael Braugher (b. ~1992), Isaiah Braugher (b. ~1996), and John Wesley Braugher (b. ~2001)
• Notable TV Roles: Mary Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street; Judge Karyn Blake on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; Vanessa on POWER; roles in Damages and Unforgettable.
• Career Highlights: Actor, producer, singer, and writer, with a significant focus on developing original theatrical works.

The Latest Projects: Touring Shows and Stage Triumphs (2024–2025)

Ami Brabson's recent work has seen her pivot toward deeply personal and powerful solo theatrical productions, showcasing her versatility as both a performer and a creative visionary. This focus on the stage ensures her work remains fresh and deeply connected to contemporary storytelling.

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The Acclaimed One-Woman Show: Phenomenal Women

One of Brabson's most significant current projects is her touring solo performance, Phenomenal Women, A Cabaret. This show is a testament to her passion for honoring "strong courageous women" and is a blend of music, storytelling, and personal narrative. The production has been praised for being "wildly entertaining, and thoroughly enlightening," demonstrating Brabson's command of the stage and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. This project, which was mentioned for a 2025 tour schedule, is a key part of her current professional life, highlighting her role as a producer and writer alongside her acting career.

Recent Theatrical Performances and New Works

Brabson’s commitment to theater extends beyond her solo work. In the 2024 season, she was part of the cast for the play Skeleton Crew at the Chester Theatre Company, a role that kept her active in regional theater. Furthermore, she has premiered other original works, including a cabaret titled RESILIENCE & JOY, which serves as a moving "portrait of a mother's story." Another notable new piece, *"A Change is Gonna Come"*, was set to premiere at Luna Stage, further cementing her status as a dedicated and prolific stage performer.

Her regional theater credits are extensive and include playing Kendra in the critically acclaimed production of American Son at Theaterworks Hartford, as well as starring in the New York Premiere of TOUGH TITTY by Oni Faida Lampley. These roles showcase her dramatic range and her dedication to complex, challenging material.

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A Television Legacy: Law & Order SVU and Homicide

While her stage work is currently a major focus, Ami Brabson is instantly recognizable to millions of television viewers for her recurring roles in some of the most iconic police dramas of the last few decades. Her ability to bring gravitas and authenticity to legal and familial roles has made her a reliable and respected presence on the small screen.

Judge Karyn Blake on Law & Order: SVU

Perhaps her most enduring and visible recurring role is that of Judge Karyn Blake on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Ami Brabson has appeared as the no-nonsense judge across multiple seasons, often serving as the judicial anchor in complex cases involving Olivia Benson and the SVU squad. Her portrayal of Judge Blake is characterized by a calm authority and an unwavering commitment to justice, making her a fan-favorite entity within the massive Law & Order universe. She began this recurring role around Season 13, and her appearances continue to be a highlight for longtime viewers of the series.

Mary Pembleton: The Real-Life and On-Screen Partnership

Brabson’s career began with a truly unique and memorable television role: Mary Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street. This role was particularly significant because she played the wife of Detective Frank Pembleton, who was portrayed by her real-life husband, Andre Braugher. Their on-screen chemistry and the complexity of their characters' marriage resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The couple met while working on the show, and their professional collaboration became a 32-year personal partnership, which included raising their three sons: Michael, Isaiah, and John Wesley. This shared history makes her work on Homicide a powerful, foundational element of her professional biography.

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Other Major Television Appearances

Beyond the Dick Wolf universe, Ami Brabson has secured other high-profile roles that demonstrate her range. She played Vanessa on the final season of the Starz Network hit drama POWER, a role that allowed her to explore a different, more contemporary dramatic landscape. Her television credits also include guest and recurring appearances on critically acclaimed shows such as DAMAGES and UNFORGETTABLE, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and in-demand character actress.

The Legacy of Resilience and Artistry

Ami Brabson's professional life in late 2025 is a powerful testament to resilience. Her commitment to her art, particularly through the creation of original works that celebrate the strength of women, speaks volumes about her character. Her theatrical productions, such as Phenomenal Women and RESILIENCE & JOY, are not just performances; they are acts of creative expression that honor her personal journey and her desire to uplift others. The actress continues to be a vital part of the acting community, utilizing her MFA training from NYU / Tisch to maintain a high standard of performance in both the intimate setting of the theater and the broad canvas of television. Her work, spanning from the intense drama of Homicide to the judicial authority of SVU, and now to the personal triumph of her one-woman shows, ensures that Ami Brabson's legacy as a multifaceted and inspiring artist is secure and continues to grow.