Grizz Chapman, the character actor who became a beloved fixture of NBC's "30 Rock" during its seven-season run, has died at age 52. Chapman's representative, Saideh A. Brown, confirmed his death to TMZ on Friday, though the cause remains undisclosed.
Chapman played the character Grizz on the Tina Fey-created sitcom, which aired from 2006 to 2013. Though often relegated to supporting roles, Chapman carved out a memorable presence on the show, appearing alongside Fey, Alec Baldwin, and Tracy Morgan in 30 Rock's writers' room and beyond. The NBC comedy became a cultural touchstone of the late 2000s, winning 16 Emmy Awards across its run and establishing itself as one of the sharpest workplace comedies in television history.
Born April 16, 1974, Chapman worked steadily in television and film throughout his career, though "30 Rock" remained his most visible role. The show's blend of rapid-fire jokes and character work gave Chapman room to contribute to the ensemble's chemistry, and he remained part of the show's legacy even after its conclusion over a decade ago.
The death marks another loss in the entertainment community following a string of passings among character actors and supporting players who helped define the comedy landscape of the 2000s. "30 Rock" itself experienced a cultural resurgence in recent years, with the full series finding new audiences through streaming platforms and a 2020 reunion special that reunited the cast. Chapman's work on the series ensured his place in the memory of fans who grew up watching the show define network comedy during its original run.