Grizz Chapman – the actor best known for his role on the hit NBC sitcom 30 Rock – has passed away at the age of 52.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed Friday by Chapman’s longtime representative, Saideh A. Brown, according to TMZ. His family, including his wife and two children, are said to be devastated by the loss.
Chapman’s cousin, Harlem Globetrotter Donte Harrison, paid tribute to the late actor in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that Chapman died in his sleep after battling ongoing health issues and undergoing dialysis for years.
“Life gave my cousin Grizz Chapman some heavy battles, but he fought them with strength and dignity until the very end,” Harrison said. “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.”
“I’m thankful we got time to reconnect 2 months before his passing. Rest easy, cousin. Your name and legacy will live on forever,” he added.
Chapman became a fan favorite through his appearances on 30 Rock, where he played a fictionalized version of himself alongside stars including Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan.
Beyond the beloved comedy series, Chapman also appeared in popular television shows such as Blue Bloods, The Blacklist and The Good Fight. He additionally created a YouTube sketch series titled “Grizz Chroniclez.”
Grizz Chapman’s final Instagram post was shared just days before his death and featured the actor dancing beside an image of Sean Astin.
Tributes from fans and loved ones continue to pour in as many remember Chapman for both his humor on screen and his resilience off screen.