Grizz Chapman, 30 Rock's beloved bodyguard Grizz, dies at 52 after long illness
Grizz Chapman, best known for his role as bodyguard Grizz on NBC’s 30 Rock, has died at the age of 52. The actor passed away on May 22, 2026, following a long battle with illness. His death was confirmed by former co-star Kevin Brown and his cousin, Donte 'Hammer' Harrison of the Harlem Globetrotters. Chapman first met Tracy Morgan while working as a bouncer at a New York strip club. He later joined the cast of 30 Rock as the towering bodyguard to Morgan’s character, Tracy Jordan, with Kevin Brown playing Dot Com alongside him.
Beyond acting, Chapman became an advocate for kidney health after receiving a transplant. He served as a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation and had been on dialysis before his death. News of Chapman’s passing spread after Brown shared the announcement on Facebook. His cousin, Harrison, also paid tribute, confirming the loss within the family. In recent years, Chapman and Brown reunited on an episode of HGTV’s *Hidden Potential*, marking one of their final on-screen appearances together.
Chapman leaves behind his wife and two children. His work on 30 Rock and his advocacy for kidney disease awareness remain part of his legacy. Friends, family, and fans have begun sharing their memories of the actor.
