30 Rock Actor Grizz Chapman Passes Away at 52

Grizz Chapman, the beloved actor from the long-running sitcom 30 Rock, has passed away. He was 52.

Chapman died on Friday, May 22, according to his representative Saideh A. Brown, who confirmed the news to TMZ. Additional details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.

The actor portrayed a character bearing his own name throughout 30 Rock's run on NBC, the Emmy-winning series that became a cultural touchstone. Beyond the show, Chapman built a following with his YouTube venture, "Grizz Chroniclez," a variety sketch video series that showcased his creative talents.

Born in Brooklyn on April 16, 1974, Chapman was notably tall at seven feet. Before his entertainment career took off, he worked as a bouncer, where he crossed paths with Tracy Morgan. Morgan subsequently brought Chapman into the 30 Rock fold, casting him alongside Kevin Brown as two of his character's primary companions on the series.

Chapman's television credits extended beyond 30 Rock. He made appearances on The Good Fight, The Blacklist, and Blue Bloods throughout his career.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

While an official cause of death has not been released, Chapman had long contended with kidney disease. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 after spending years undergoing dialysis treatment.

Chapman's cousin, Donte "Hammer" Harrison, a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, shared a heartfelt remembrance on Instagram. "Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end," Harrison 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."

Harrison added: "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."