Fans of 30 Rock are mourning the loss of Grizz Chapman, who has died at the age of 52 following a long private health battle.
The actor, best known for playing the loyal and lovable Grizz in the hit NBC comedy series alongside Tracy Morgan, reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 22.
No official cause of death has been released, although Grizz had openly battled kidney disease for many years and underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 after spending years on dialysis.
News of his passing was confirmed by family members, including his cousin Donte ‘Hammer’ Harrison of the Harlem Globetrotters, who shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end,” he wrote.
“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.”
© Getty ImagesHe continued: “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 two months before his passing. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever.”
Grizz is survived by his wife and two children. Born in Brooklyn in 1974, the seven-foot-tall actor had an unlikely route into Hollywood. Before finding fame, he worked as a bouncer at a strip club where he first met Tracy Morgan, a connection that would ultimately change the course of his life.
The friendship led to Grizz joining 30 Rock as a recurring cast member in 2006, playing a fictionalised version of himself as part of Tracy Jordan’s eccentric entourage alongside Dot Com, played by Kevin Brown.
© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaWhat began as a supporting role quickly became a fan favourite, with Grizz appearing in an impressive 80 episodes across all seven seasons of the Emmy-winning comedy.
His deadpan humour, towering presence and warm chemistry with Tracy helped make him one of the show’s most memorable recurring characters.
Away from 30 Rock, Grizz also appeared in series including Blue Bloods and The Blacklist, while also launching his own YouTube sketch series, Grizz Chroniclez. Fans quickly flooded social media with tributes following the heartbreaking news.
“Grizz Chapman brought so much warmth and humour to every scene,” one fan wrote, while another shared: “This one hurts. He was such a huge part of 30 Rock.”
Grizz had spoken openly over the years about his health struggles. After being diagnosed with hypertension around the early 2000s, he later discovered he had developed kidney disease and eventually required dialysis treatment three times a week. In 2009, while waiting for a transplant donor match, he candidly discussed his fears and hopes during a television interview.
“I’m a little nervous about the process,” he admitted at the time, before adding: “But I’m definitely willing and able.” During one emotional television appearance, Dr Oz asked him what his greatest wish was. “I wanna stay alive,” Grizz replied simply.
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