Grizz Chapman, Beloved “30 Rock” Star, Dies at 52

Grizzwald “Grizz” Chapman was reported dead on Friday, May 22 2026, at age 52. Representative Saideh A. Brown confirmed the news to TMZ; the actor’s wife and two children were described as “devastated.” No cause of death has been disclosed. Cousin Donte “Hammer” Harrison, a Harlem Globetrotters player, said Chapman died in his sleep after years of dialysis. The family issued a brief statement expressing grief, while NBCUniversal and the National Kidney Foundation released no additional remarks.

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Born April 16 1974 in Brooklyn, Chapman stood seven feet tall. While working as a bouncer at a strip club, he met Tracy Morgan, who cast him as Grizz on NBC’s sitcom 30 Rock. The series aired from 2006 to 2013, and Chapman appeared in more than 80 episodes alongside Morgan, Kevin Brown (Dot Com), and Tina Fey. After the show he appeared on Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, The Good Fight, and The Cobbler, and produced the YouTube series Grizz Chronicles.

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Chapman publicly battled chronic kidney disease, undergoing thrice-weekly dialysis and receiving a kidney transplant in 2010 (reports vary between July 2010 and February 2011). In March 2010 he became a National Kidney Foundation spokesperson and discussed his condition on The Dr. Oz Show in 2009. His openness made him a notable advocate for kidney-disease awareness.

Grizz Chapman, ’30 Rock’ star, dies at 52 after years of illness

Cousin Harrison posted an Instagram tribute praising Chapman’s “good heart, good energy” and perseverance. Co-star Kevin Brown announced the death on Facebook, calling him “Mack Chapman.” Fans highlighted Chapman’s final Instagram post on May 17, 2026, where he danced beside an image of Sean Astin. Social-media reactions emphasized his calm, loyal presence on 30 Rock and his willingness to discuss health struggles.

‘30 Rock’ star Grizz Chapman dies at 52 after long health battles

Sources differ on the transplant month—July 2010 versus February 2011. No medical authority has disclosed the precise cause of death, and funeral arrangements remain private, leaving key details unverified.

Grizz Chapman, ’30 Rock’ star, dies at 52 after years of illness

• “Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end,” — Donte “Hammer” Harrison, Cousin, Harlem Globetrotters

People Magazine

• “I'm thankful we got time to reconnect 2 months before his passing. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever.” — Donte “Hammer” Harrison, Cousin, Harlem Globetrotters

Grizz Chapman '30 Rock' star dies at 52: Here's what we know

• “I regret to inform you that Mack Chapman aka Grizz Chapman passed today,” — Kevin Brown, Actor

People Magazine

• “I worked hard to get the part, and a lot of people think that because Tracy and me are friends, I automatically got the part,” — Grizzwald Chapman, Actor (2012 interview)

Vulture

Chapman’s death highlights the visibility he gave to kidney-disease advocacy while maintaining a steady acting career. His memorable presence on 30 Rock helped define the show’s ensemble dynamic, and his candid discussion of health challenges resonated with fans facing similar issues. As tributes continue online, his comedic legacy and public-health contributions remain part of early-21st-century television memory.

Grizz Chapman, ’30 Rock’ star, dies at 52 after years of illness