Grizzwald “Grizz” Chapman, the towering actor best known for his recurring role on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock, died on May 22, 2026, at the age of 52. Born on April 16, 1974, in New York City, Chapman stood 6 feet 11 inches tall and brought an unforgettable presence to the screen. He is survived by his wife, Diana, whom he married in 2002, and their two children.
Chapman came to acting after being discovered by 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan, who met him while Chapman was working as a bouncer. His role as Grizz on the beloved series made him a fan favorite, and his career spanned from 2006 to 2021. Off-screen, he channeled his creativity into a YouTube series called “Grizz Chroniclez” and was developing his own show, The Lair, based on a comic book store he owned in the Bronx.
Chapman was no stranger to adversity. He received a kidney transplant in July 2010 after battling severe hypertension and undergoing dialysis, and he subsequently became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation. In December 2024, his home in Woodbridge, Virginia was destroyed when a tractor-trailer crashed into it, though he was fortunately not present at the time. He faced each hardship with resilience, leaving behind a legacy both on screen and in the communities he championed.