Actor Grizz Chapman, widely recognized for his role as the loyal and humorous Grizz on the hit NBC comedy 30 Rock, has died at the age of 52 following a lengthy private battle with illness.
Chapman passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 22. While an official cause of death has not been announced, the actor had publicly discussed his long fight with kidney disease over the years. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 after spending an extended period receiving dialysis treatment.
Tributes poured in from family, friends, colleagues, and fans following news of his death. Family members remembered Chapman as a kind-hearted and resilient figure who faced years of health challenges with determination and grace.
Born in Brooklyn in 1974, Chapman’s journey into entertainment was unconventional. Before entering television, he worked as a bouncer at a strip club, where he first met comedian and actor Tracy Morgan. Their friendship eventually opened the door to Chapman’s acting career.
Chapman joined 30 Rock in 2006 as a recurring cast member, portraying a fictionalized version of himself as part of Tracy Jordan’s eccentric entourage. Alongside Dot Com, played by Kevin Brown, Chapman quickly became a standout presence on the critically acclaimed sitcom.
Although initially introduced in a supporting role, his character evolved into a fan favorite across the show’s seven-season run. Chapman appeared in 80 episodes, earning praise for his understated comedic timing, commanding screen presence, and chemistry with Morgan.
Outside of 30 Rock, Chapman also appeared in television dramas including Blue Bloods and The Blacklist. He later expanded into digital content creation with his YouTube sketch project, Grizz Chroniclez.
Fans across social media remembered Chapman for bringing warmth and authenticity to his performances, particularly on 30 Rock, where his character became one of the show’s most memorable recurring personalities.
Chapman had spoken candidly in past interviews about the realities of living with kidney disease. After being diagnosed with hypertension in the early 2000s, his condition progressed and eventually required dialysis treatments multiple times a week while he waited for a transplant donor.
During television appearances before his transplant, Chapman openly discussed the uncertainty surrounding the procedure and his determination to continue fighting the illness. His honesty about his health struggles resonated with many viewers facing similar challenges.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
The post Grizz Chapman, Beloved ‘30 Rock’ Actor, Dies at 52 After Long Health Struggle appeared first on Owink.
Source: Owink
