Grizzwald “Grizz” Chapman, the Brooklyn-born actor who parlayed an unlikely friendship with Tracy Morgan into one of television’s most beloved recurring roles on 30 Rock, died Friday. He was 52.
His longtime representative, Saideh A. Brown, confirmed the death, saying his wife and two children are devastated. No official cause of death was released, but his cousin, Harlem Globetrotter Donte “Hammer” Harrison, offered a candid account 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. “After years of fighting illness and dialysis, he passed peacefully in his sleep on May 22nd, 2026.”
Chapman began appearing as Grizz when 30 Rock debuted on NBC in 2006, pairing with Kevin Brown’s Dot Com as the personal protectors and sounding boards for Tracy Morgan’s erratic comedian Tracy Jordan. He went on to appear in 80 episodes across all seven seasons, with the show wrapping up its Emmy-winning run in 2013. The character’s origin mirrored his real life. Chapman was working as a bouncer at a strip club when he met Morgan, who cast him in the role.
Chapman was candid about earning his place on the show, telling CBR in 2012, “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.”
Chapman had previously spoken publicly about his kidney disease and severe hypertension. In 2010, he underwent a kidney transplant after spending years on dialysis treatments. While still filming 30 Rock, he was undergoing dialysis three times a week and awaiting a donor match. After his transplant, he channeled that experience into public service.
After shedding over 160 pounds and receiving a donated kidney, Chapman became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, urging Americans to “take care of your health even when you feel good.” He had spoken in 2009 about his fears and hopes while waiting for a transplant, admitting, “I’m a little nervous about the process — but I’m definitely willing and able.”
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Kevin Brown, who played Dot Com alongside Chapman, acknowledged the loss on Facebook. Fans flooded social media with tributes. “Grizz Chapman brought so much warmth and humour to every scene,” one fan wrote, while another shared, “This one hurts. He was such a huge part of 30 Rock.”
Harrison closed his tribute with a final note: “I’m thankful we got time to reconnect two months before his passing. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever.”
Away from 30 Rock, Chapman appeared in episodes of Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, and created his own YouTube sketch series, Grizz Chroniclez. He is survived by his wife and two children.
