Grizz Chapman Dies: ’30 Rock’ Star Was 52

Chapman’s cousin, Harlem Globetrotters basketball player Donte “Hammer” Harrison, also posted on social media in the wake of his death.

“Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end,” Harrison wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of them. “A lot of people knew him as the sitcom star from 30 Rock, but we knew the man behind the screen. A good heart, good energy, and somebody who made an impact in this life.”

Although Chapman’s cause of death has not been announced, his cousin offered insight, sharing, “After years of fighting illness and dialysis, he passed peacefully in his sleep on May 22nd, 2026.”

Harrison concluded, “I’m thankful we got time to reconnect 2 months before his passing. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever.”

In addition to 30 Rock, Chapman appeared in shows like Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Common Sense Police, and more. He also appeared in films such as Life of the Party (2013), The Cobbler (2014), and Money Monster (2016).

He is survived by his wife, Diana, and their two children.

30 Rock aired for seven seasons from 2006 to 2013. In addition to Chapman, Morgan, and Brown, it starred Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Jack McBrayer, Jane Krakowski, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Keith Powell, Katrina Bowden, John Lutz, and others.

30 Rock, available to stream on Peacock, Hulu, and Disney