Nicholas Braun, the actor beloved by millions as the awkward yet endearing “Cousin Greg” from Succession, has found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 37-year-old star was arrested in New Hampshire over the weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence, a moment that has shocked fans who until now associated him with his quirky, clean-cut on-screen persona.
The late-night arrest that stunned fans
According to reports, Braun was pulled over by police on Saturday night while driving through New Hampshire. Officers believed he had been drinking and, after conducting their checks, placed him under arrest for DUI.
He was taken into custody at the Carroll County jail, where he spent less than an hour behind bars before being released on his own recognizance. That means he was allowed to go free without posting bail, but he will be expected to appear in court at a later date to face the charge.
What has raised eyebrows further is the fact that Braun didn’t have to pose for a mugshot. Sources say the booking camera at the jail wasn’t working at the time, a detail that has already sparked debate online. Many are questioning whether the actor received special treatment, while others believe it was simply a coincidence.
A beloved role overshadowed
For four seasons, Braun was the unlikely star of HBO’s Succession, where he played Greg Hirsch—better known to fans as Cousin Greg. Tall, bumbling, and perpetually out of his depth, the character became a cult favorite. Viewers cheered for his awkward attempts to navigate the ruthless world of the Roy family empire.
The series came to an end in 2023, cementing its place as one of television’s most celebrated dramas. Braun’s performance was often singled out as a highlight, earning him Emmy nominations and a devoted following.
Now, just a year later, his reputation faces a very different kind of scrutiny. Social media lit up as news of the arrest spread, with fans expressing shock and disappointment. One Twitter user wrote, “Cousin Greg would never! This is heartbreaking,” while another added, “We all loved rooting for the underdog, and now this.”
Personal life under the spotlight
Braun has typically kept his private life out of the limelight, but earlier this year he shared rare photographs with his girlfriend, calling her the “absolute joy” of his life. The couple were first spotted in January at the HBO & Max Post Emmys party, looking smitten on the red carpet.
In one Instagram post, he wished her a happy birthday with a heartfelt caption: “HBD to my sweet, sweet darling of a girlfriend!!! You are the absolute joy of my life.” Since then, however, his social media has gone silent, with no updates for months.
Fans who once praised him for finally finding happiness in love are now wondering how this incident might affect his personal relationships as well as his career.
The actor’s battle with anxiety
This arrest also comes against the backdrop of Braun’s long-standing struggles with mental health. In an interview with British GQ, he admitted he often wrestles with anxiety and self-esteem issues.
“I guess I’m one of those people who is not instantly comfortable with people,” he explained. “It takes me a while to know what version of myself I’m going to be with somebody.”
He confessed that the adoration he receives for his acting sometimes feeds into a deeper insecurity: “I do love when people love the show, but if it makes me feel so much better about myself that someone said this to me, I think I need to work on my self-esteem more.”
Braun has also spoken candidly about his struggles with romantic relationships, saying that many of his attempts at long-term love “didn’t go on very long.” These raw admissions struck a chord with fans, many of whom admired his openness.
A career that began with Disney
Long before Succession, Braun appeared in lighthearted Disney films. His first notable role was in Sky High (2005), where he played a lanky teenager navigating life at a high school for superheroes. He went on to appear in other family-friendly projects before breaking through with Succession, which transformed him from a niche actor into a household name.
For years, he was praised as one of Hollywood’s most relatable stars—down-to-earth, humble, and refreshingly honest. This new brush with the law threatens to overshadow that image.
Public reaction: disappointment and sympathy
Reaction to Braun’s arrest has been divided. Many fans expressed sadness that someone who seemed so grounded could make such a reckless choice. On Instagram fan pages, some left messages like, “So heartbreaking, I really hope he gets help,” while others were less forgiving: “Drunk driving isn’t just a mistake—it’s a choice that puts lives at risk.”
The topic of celebrity accountability has also surfaced. Critics argue that too many stars get away with lenient treatment, while ordinary citizens face harsher consequences. The broken camera excuse for the missing mugshot has particularly fueled speculation.
Still, there are those urging compassion. One Reddit thread read, “He’s human. People make mistakes. Let’s not cancel him over this—let’s hope he learns from it.”
What happens next?
Braun will have to appear in court in New Hampshire to answer for the DUI charge. If convicted, he could face fines, a license suspension, or even jail time, depending on the circumstances. Legal experts say his lack of a criminal record may help his case, but the final outcome remains uncertain.
Professionally, the arrest could cast a shadow over upcoming projects. Studios often distance themselves from stars caught in controversy, at least until the dust settles. For Braun, whose career was on a steady upward climb after Succession, this could mean a temporary pause.
A cautionary tale
In the end, Braun’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in Hollywood. Just a year ago, he was riding the high of being part of one of television’s greatest shows. Now, he finds himself facing a criminal charge that could tarnish his reputation.
For fans, it’s a sobering moment. They watched him grow from a Disney star into a celebrated actor who embodied the lovable Cousin Greg. Seeing him stumble off-screen feels personal, almost like watching a friend make a terrible mistake.
Whether Braun can rebuild trust will depend not only on the court’s decision but also on how he addresses the incident publicly. If he chooses honesty and accountability, he may win back the affection of those who feel let down. If not, his once-bright star could dim far sooner than anyone expected.
