Fan-favorite 30 Rock star Grizz Chapman dead at 52 after years of ‘fighting illness’

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By SAMEER SURI

Published: 23:09 EDT, 22 May 2026 | Updated: 23:19 EDT, 22 May 2026

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Grizz Chapman, who was beloved by fans of 30 Rock for his recurring role as a character called Grizz, has died at the age of just 52.

The actor passed away Friday, his longtime representative Saideh A. Brown confirmed without disclosing a cause.

Chapman leaves behind his wife Diana and their two children, who are said to be devastated by his loss, according to TMZ.

His cousin has claimed on social media that Chapman died in his sleep after years of ‘fighting illness’ and being on ‘dialysis.’

His 30 Rock character was the childhood friend and adult assistant of the Tracy Morgan character, which was a heightened parody of the comedian himself. 

Along with being a loyal adjutant to Tracy, the character Grizz also has a sordid past with Tina Fey’s character Liz Lemon – and occasional liaisons in the present. 

Grizz Chapman, who was beloved by fans of 30 Rock for his recurring role as a character called Grizz, has died at the age of just 52; pictured in 2015 

Chapman on a grand total of 80 episodes of 30 Rock, from the smash hit NBC sitcom’s first season in 2006 to its final season in 2013.

Born in 1974 in Brooklyn, the real Grizz Chapman was working as a strip club bouncer when he first encountered the real Tracy Morgan. 

He went onto appear on a grand total of 80 episodes of 30 Rock, from the smash hit NBC sitcom’s first season in 2006 to its final season in 2013.

Article source: https://www.dailymail.com/tvshowbiz/article-15842533/fan-favorite-30-rock-star-grizz-chapman-dead-52.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490