We have some difficult times these days in Hollywood. Fans of 30 Rock are mourning the loss of Grizz Chapman, who has died at the age of 52 following a long private health battle.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of the fan-favorite actor best known for portraying the loyal and lovable Grizz alongside Tracy Morgan on NBC’s hit comedy series 30 Rock. Chapman reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 22, after years of serious health complications.
According to reports, Chapman had been struggling with several medical conditions in recent years. His manager, Renee Glicker, shared that the beloved actor had been “just struggling to stay alive” as his health declined.
No official cause of death has been released, although Chapman had openly battled kidney disease for many years and underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 after spending years on dialysis. He also dealt with severe hypertension and later became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, using his platform to raise awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.
Born Grizzwald Chapman on April 16, 1974, in Brooklyn, New York, the towering 7-foot actor was working as a bouncer when he crossed paths with Tracy Morgan, who later helped bring him onto 30 Rock. Chapman and fellow actor Kevin Brown became fan favorites as Grizz and Dot Com, the loyal confidants to Morgan’s hilarious Tracy Jordan character.
Outside of acting, Chapman was passionate about comics and entertainment. He created his own YouTube sketch series titled Grizz Chroniclez and was developing a project called The Lair, inspired by the comic store he owned in the Bronx.
News of his passing was confirmed by family members, including his cousin Donte “Hammer” Harrison of the Harlem Globetrotters, who shared an emotional tribute honoring Chapman’s strength and dignity throughout his health struggles.
Chapman is survived by his wife, Diana, and their two children.
Thank you, Grizz Chapman, for the laughs, the memorable moments, your advocacy, and your contributions to television, comics, and entertainment. Rest in peace. 
