Remembering Grizz Chapman: '30 Rock' Star Passes Away at 52
Grizz Chapman, best known for his role as Grizz in the hit sitcom 30 Rock, has died at the age of 52. Fans and colleagues are paying tribute to the actor's life and legacy.
The actor Grizz Chapman, famed for his role in 30 Rock, has passed away at the age of 52.
The news was released by his representative, Saideh A Brown, on Friday, May 22nd. While a cause of death was not immediately specified, Chapman’s cousin indicated on social media that the actor had been “fighting illness” for several years.
Chapman played Grizz, the loyal friend and assistant to Tracy Morgan's character, Tracy Jordan, on the beloved NBC sitcom 30 Rock. His character had memorable interactions with Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon and appeared in 80 episodes across all seven seasons of the show, from 2006 to its finale in 2012.
Beyond 30 Rock, Chapman's career included appearances in TV shows like The Blacklist and Blue Bloods, as well as a role in the Adam Sandler film The Cobbler. He also created his own YouTube sketch series, The Grizz Chronicles.
Grizz Chapman
According to reports, Chapman underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 after battling kidney disease, which stemmed from untreated hypertension. Following his transplant, he became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation.
rest in peace grizz chapman, you were the sweetest part of the funniest show ever made. long live grizz and dotcom! long live 30 rock!
“tracy, i love you, but i’ve known dotcom ever since we went to 'above the beanstalk', a free summer camp for giants.” pic.twitter.com/9RCFuwE8jF
— himpath (francis etc) (@gorgeousbrains) May 23, 2026
Following the announcement of his death, Donte “Hammer” Harrison, Chapman’s cousin and a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Harrison wrote: "Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end. 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. After years of fighting illness and dialysis, he passed peacefully in his sleep on May 22nd, 2026. I’m thankful we got time to reconnect 2 months before his passing. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever."
Fans of 30 Rock have also shared their condolences and memories of Chapman, with many remembering him as a beloved part of the show.
Chapman is survived by his wife and two children.
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