Brooklyn, New York — Grizz Chapman, the towering actor best known for his role as Grizz Griswold on NBC’s hit series “30 Rock,” passed away in his sleep on May 23, 2026, at the age of 52. His agent, Renee Glicker, confirmed the news, noting that Chapman had struggled with kidney disease for years, managing multiple health challenges throughout his life. Details surrounding his passing have not been fully disclosed.
Chapman, who stood 7 feet tall and weighed 380 pounds, underwent a kidney transplant in 2010 but faced complications that ultimately impacted his health. Glicker described him as a gentle soul, cherished by his family and friends. “He was a very sweet man who loved his family very much,” she remarked in a statement.
Saideh A. Brown, Chapman’s longtime representative, shared that his wife, Diana, and their two children are heartbroken by his loss. In the months leading to his passing, Chapman’s fight for health had become increasingly difficult. Glicker noted that multiple factors contributed to his declining condition.
Mack Chapman, born in Brooklyn in 1974, transitioned from being a strip club bouncer to an actor when he met Tracy Morgan. Their friendship led to opportunities that ultimately launched Chapman’s acting career. After earning a substantial paycheck for a commercial, he decided to pursue acting full-time. “I made $20,000 for 40 minutes of work,” he reflected in a 2012 interview, signaling a major career shift.
Chapman achieved fame on “30 Rock,” where he captivated audiences as the loyal bodyguard to Morgan’s character, Tracy Jordan. The show premiered in 2006 and ran for seven seasons, during which Chapman appeared in 80 episodes. The series celebrated workplace humor and garnered critical acclaim, but Chapman’s role was initially in jeopardy due to financial concerns. However, Morgan advocated for him to stay on board, recognizing his talent and presence.
Behind the scenes, Chapman’s health challenges often amplified his life story. While featuring prominently in a comedic setting, he was engaged in a yearlong regimen of dialysis during the show, which posed significant personal challenges. After his transplant, he leveraged his platform to advocate for kidney health and organ donation awareness.
His cousin, Donte Harrison, praised Chapman’s resilience and humor, noting that his character extended far beyond the screen. “To our family, he was much more than a television star. He was somebody we looked up to,” Harrison stated in remembrance.
After “30 Rock,” Chapman faced the dual-edged sword of his notable physique; while it secured him roles, it also limited the diversity of characters he could portray. He made appearances in shows like “Blue Bloods” and “The Blacklist,” along with films including “The Cobbler.” Yet, he expressed a desire to break free from typecasting, advocating for more varied roles for actors of his stature.
Chapman’s latest on-screen work includes a short film titled “Diving in Stilettos First,” with a documentary, “Use Me: The Life of Guy Whitcam,” awaiting release at the time of his death.
Tributes to Chapman flooded in from former castmates and fans alike. Judah Friedlander remembered him as a source of laughter both on and off set, while Maulik Pancholy reflected on Chapman’s generous spirit and kindness. Social media has become a space for fans to share their condolences, celebrating the actor’s life and legacy.
He is survived by his wife, Diana, and their two children, leaving behind memories cherished by family, friends, and fans who admired both his talent and tenacity.