The Brooklyn-born performer became a fan favorite playing Tracy Jordan’s loyal friend and bodyguard on NBC’s hit comedy series.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Grizz Chapman, the actor and comedian best known for playing Grizz on the NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” has died at age 52 after years of health problems linked to kidney disease, according to relatives and representatives who confirmed his death over the weekend.
Chapman became widely recognized for portraying a fictionalized version of himself alongside actor Tracy Morgan on the Emmy-winning comedy created by Tina Fey. His death prompted tributes from former castmates, entertainment figures and fans who remembered him as a warm and steady presence on screen and behind the scenes. Family members said Chapman died in his sleep after a long battle with illness that included years of dialysis treatments and a kidney transplant. No official cause of death had been publicly released as of Sunday afternoon.
Born Mack D. Chapman in Brooklyn on April 16, 1974, the actor stood more than 7 feet tall and first worked as a security guard and nightclub bouncer before entering television. Chapman met Morgan while working security at a club in New York, and the friendship later helped launch his acting career. When “30 Rock” debuted in 2006, Chapman quickly became part of the show’s extended ensemble as one of Tracy Jordan’s trusted companions. His quiet delivery and deadpan reactions became a recurring source of comedy throughout the series’ seven-season run. In interviews during and after the show, Chapman said he originally believed his appearance would be brief. Instead, he appeared in dozens of episodes and developed a loyal fan base. “I never expected people to connect with Grizz the way they did,” Chapman said during a past convention appearance. “That show changed my life forever.”
Family members confirmed Chapman’s death through social media posts shared Friday night and Saturday morning. His cousin, Harlem Globetrotter Donte “Hammer” Harrison, wrote that Chapman “fought with strength and dignity until the very end” after years of illness and dialysis. Chapman’s longtime representative also confirmed the death to entertainment outlets. Several former colleagues posted tributes online within hours of the announcement. Actor Kevin Brown, who portrayed Dot Com on “30 Rock,” described Chapman as “a brother for life” and said the pair remained close long after the sitcom ended in 2013. Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan had not released formal public statements by late Sunday, though clips and photographs featuring Chapman circulated widely across social media. Fans also revisited some of the actor’s most memorable scenes, including recurring jokes involving Liz Lemon, played by Fey, and Jordan’s eccentric entourage. While many details surrounding Chapman’s final days remain unknown, relatives said he had continued managing ongoing health complications in recent years.
Chapman spoke publicly for years about living with kidney disease and the physical toll of dialysis treatments while working in television and film. During production on “30 Rock,” he reportedly attended dialysis appointments multiple times each week while continuing to appear on set. In 2010, Chapman underwent a kidney transplant after receiving a donor match from a supporter who learned about his condition through media coverage. Following the procedure, Chapman became active in kidney disease awareness campaigns and participated in events connected to the National Kidney Foundation. Friends and colleagues often described him as unusually upbeat despite repeated medical setbacks. His acting career also expanded beyond “30 Rock,” though he frequently discussed frustrations with being typecast because of his size. Chapman appeared in films including “The Cobbler,” “Money Monster” and “Life of the Party,” and made guest appearances on television programs such as “Blue Bloods,” “The Blacklist” and “The Good Fight.” He also created an online sketch comedy series called “Grizz Chroniclez,” where he experimented with comedy shorts and character work outside traditional television roles.
There are no public reports of pending investigations or disputes related to Chapman’s death, and family members have not announced funeral arrangements. Representatives said additional memorial details are expected in the coming days. Entertainment industry observers noted that Chapman’s death comes as renewed attention has focused on the lasting cultural influence of “30 Rock,” which remains widely streamed more than a decade after its finale aired. The series won multiple Emmy Awards during its run and launched or strengthened the careers of several cast members. Chapman’s role, though technically supporting, became one of the show’s most recognizable recurring performances because of his chemistry with Morgan and Brown. Television historians have pointed to the show’s ensemble format as a major reason relatively small characters became audience favorites. Chapman frequently attended fan conventions and comedy events after the series ended, where attendees recalled him taking time for photographs and conversations with viewers. Industry analysts said tributes are likely to continue throughout the week as former collaborators publicly reflect on his work.
In one of his final social media posts, Chapman appeared dancing beside an image of actor Sean Astin while smiling and joking with followers. Friends later said the video reflected the same humor and energy he carried through years of illness. Several fans gathered outside NBC Studios in Manhattan over the weekend and left flowers and handwritten notes referencing “30 Rock” quotes tied to his character. “He made people laugh without trying too hard,” one visitor said while standing near Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday evening. Another fan described Chapman as “the calmest person in the middle of chaos,” echoing the role he often played on television. Former coworkers also recalled his professionalism during long production days and said he routinely encouraged younger performers on set. Those who knew Chapman personally said his size often drew attention first, but his kindness and patience left the strongest impression on the people around him.
Chapman is survived by his wife, Diana, and their two children. Family members said plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced this week as friends, former castmates and fans continue sharing tributes to the actor’s life and career.
Author note: Last updated May 24, 2026.