Summary (tl;dr)

Actor Grizzwald "Grizz" Chapman, best known for his role as Grizz in the NBC comedy series 30 Rock, has passed away at the age of 52. His death comes after a long battle with kidney disease.

Essential Background

Grizzwald Chapman was an American television actor, born on April 16, 1974, in Brooklyn, New York. He gained prominence for his recurring role as Grizz, a loyal bodyguard to Tracy Jordan, on the critically acclaimed NBC sitcom 30 Rock, appearing in 80 episodes across all seven seasons from 2006 to 2013. Chapman met co-star Tracy Morgan while working as a bouncer at a strip club, which ultimately led to his role on the show. Beyond 30 Rock, Chapman also appeared in other television series such as The Good Fight, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods, and created his own YouTube sketch series, "Grizz Chroniclez". He openly discussed his health struggles, including severe hypertension and kidney disease, for which he received a kidney transplant in 2010 after undergoing dialysis treatments.

The Full Story

Grizz Chapman died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the age of 52. News of his passing was confirmed by his representative and fellow 30 Rock co-star Kevin Brown, who posted a tribute on Facebook. While an official cause of death has not been released, his cousin, Donte "Hammer" Harrison of the Harlem Globetrotters, stated on Instagram that Chapman had been fighting illness and undergoing dialysis for years. Tributes from fans and colleagues have flooded social media, remembering his humor and impact on 30 Rock.

Why It Matters

Chapman's death is significant to fans of 30 Rock and the wider entertainment industry, as he was a beloved figure known for his comedic timing and towering presence on screen. His openness about his battle with kidney disease also made him a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, raising awareness about hypertension and kidney disease. His passing marks the loss of an actor who, despite a late entry into Hollywood, left a memorable legacy through his unique contributions to comedy and advocacy.

Geographic Location

None (The news is about his passing, and no specific geographic location for his death has been reported.)