Beloved ‘30 Rock’ Star Dead at 52, Fans Pay Emotional Tributes

Grizzwald “Grizz” Chapman, the beloved actor best known for his role as Grizz on 30 Rock, has passed away at the age of 52. The news was first shared by his cousin, Harlem Globetrotter Donte Harrison, on social media.

“Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end,” Harrison wrote. “After years of fighting illness and dialysis, he passed peacefully in his sleep on May 22nd, 2026.” Chapman’s representative, Saideh A. Brown, confirmed the news to TMZ, and Kevin Brown, who played Dot Com on 30 Rock, also acknowledged the loss on Facebook.

Chapman’s career began in an unlikely way. While working as a bouncer at a strip club, he met Tracy Morgan, who would later star alongside him on 30 Rock. Grizz and Dot Com became Tracy Jordan’s closest entourage members on the show, creating some of the most memorable comedic moments.

Chapman was candid about earning his role, telling CBR in 2012, “I worked hard to get the part, and a lot of people think that because Tracy and me are friends, I automatically got the part. What I can say is that Tracy was an integral part in me keeping my job because there were four members of the entourage originally, but NBC came to Tina Fey and Tracy and said they couldn’t pay for all four. So Tracy said we’re gonna keep just two guys, which included me. I made the cut. I worked hard to get there. I worked really hard.”

His size sometimes made Hollywood casting a challenge. Chapman explained to The Hollywood Reporter, “I get a lot of the time, ‘We don’t know how to market you or you’re too big.’ Or, ‘We have one of you already.’ But you don’t have one of me already; you don’t have a seven foot, lovable guy. You don’t have that.”

Despite these obstacles, Chapman carved out a unique space for himself on television and in film. Beyond 30 Rock, he starred in his own YouTube series, appeared in a movie with Method Man, and guest-starred on shows like The Blacklist and Blue Bloods.

Chapman faced health challenges throughout his life, battling kidney disease for many years. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 and became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, advocating for organ donation and awareness. His dedication to the cause inspired many, as he openly shared his journey and struggles.

He leaves behind his wife and two children. Harrison reflected on his cousin’s impact, writing, “A lot of people knew him as the sitcom star from 30 Rock, but we knew the man behind the screen. A good heart, good energy, and somebody who made an impact in this life. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever.”

Chapman’s warmth, humor, and memorable performances on 30 Rock will continue to entertain fans for years to come. Even as the entertainment world mourns his loss, those who knew him personally remember a man of great heart who brought joy both on and off the screen. His legacy extends beyond his role as Grizz; he will be remembered as a passionate actor, a loving family man, and an advocate who turned personal challenges into a platform to help others.

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