Grizz Chapman, the beloved actor best known for his role as Grizz on 30 Rock, has died at the age of 52. His passing on May 22, 2026, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and family members, all honoring the gentle‑giant presence who became a standout favorite on the Emmy‑winning NBC sitcom.
Grizzwald “Grizz” Chapman, celebrated for his warm, soft‑spoken comedic presence on 30 Rock, died peacefully in his sleep on May 22, 2026, according to family members and his representative. He was 52.
Chapman, who stood nearly seven feet tall, appeared in 80 episodes of the series across all seven seasons, forming one half of Tracy Jordan’s loyal entourage alongside Kevin Brown’s Dot Com. His understated humor, towering physicality, and genuine chemistry with the cast made him one of the show’s most memorable recurring characters.
Though no official cause of death has been released, Chapman had openly battled kidney disease for many years. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 after spending years on dialysis and later became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, using his platform to raise awareness about hypertension and kidney health.
Family members, including his cousin Donte “Hammer” Harrison of the Harlem Globetrotters, shared emotional tributes, noting that Chapman “fought his battles with strength and dignity until the very end” and passed away peacefully.
In addition to his signature role, Chapman appeared in several television series, including The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, and The Good Fight, and acted in films such as The Cobbler, Money Monster, and Life of the Party. He also created his own YouTube sketch series, Grizz Chroniclez, showcasing his comedic range beyond the sitcom world.
Born in Brooklyn in 1974, Chapman’s path to acting was unconventional. He met Tracy Morgan while working as a bouncer at a strip club, a chance encounter that led to his casting on 30 Rock and ultimately changed the course of his life.
Chapman is survived by his wife, Diana, and their two children.
