Grizz Chapman dead: Beloved US sitcom star dies aged 52 after ‘fighting illness’ for years
Grizz Chapman, best known for playing Grizz in 30 Rock, has sadly passed away.The actor died on Friday aged 52, with his longstanding representative Saideh A. Brown confirming the news without revealing the cause of death. Chapman is survived by his wife of 24 years, Diana, and their two children, according to TMZ.His cousin claimed on social media that Chapman passed away in his sleep following years of 'fighting illness' and undergoing 'dialysis.'He appeared in 80 episodes of 30 Rock, the critically acclaimed American satirical sitcom created by Tina Fey, from its debut in 2006 through to its final season in 2013. The beloved series follows the chaotic behind-the-scenes workings of a fictional live sketch-comedy show, taking its name from 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the real-life NBC headquarters in New York City.Chapman underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2010, having previously required dialysis three times a week, the Associated Press reported. He had originally been diagnosed with hypertension before later discovering he had kidney disease, and announced in 2009 that he was in need of a transplant, reports the Mirror.Following 30 Rock, he went on to appear in television programmes including Blue Bloods and The Blacklist, as well as films such as the 2014 Adam Sandler comedy The Cobbler.He also launched his own sketch show on YouTube, the Grizz Chronicles, and featured on the Webby Award-winning channel We the Internet TV.Alongside his television work, Chapman created a series of YouTube videos known as "Grizz Chroniclez", showcasing him in a range of variety sketches.In a heartfelt tribute posted on Facebook, his cousin 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."Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
