After obtaining his Gymnasium-diploma he intended to study History and Theater at the University of Amsterdam.

In 1980 he briefly enrolled in the Academy of Theatre and Dance, studying directing.

Braat made his debut on Dutch television in 1984's Oma Fladder.

In 1987 he gained national recognition as the father in the McDonald's ad Ze zei meneer tegen me.

followed guest roles throughout the 1980s in shows In naam van Oranje, Medisch Centrum West, Spijkerhoek and Adriaen Brouwer.