Grizz Chapman

Grizzwald "Grizz" Chapman (born Mack D. Chapman; April 16, 1974 – May 22, 2026) was an American actor best known for his recurring role as Grizz on the NBC series 30 Rock.

Life and career Chapman was born Mack D. Chapman in Brooklyn on April 16, 1974.

Chapman had appeared in more than 80 episodes of the sitcom 30 Rock, where he and fellow actor Kevin Brown played members of Tracy Jordan's entourage. Chapman and Kevin Brown were featured in a season six episode of Hidden Potential, a home remodeling show on HGTV.

Chapman had severe hypertension and had been undergoing dialysis three days per week while filming 30 Rock episodes. He received a kidney transplant in July 2010 from a donor and fan of the show. Due to his battle with his kidney disease, on March 31, 2010, Chapman became a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation. He appeared on The Dr. Oz Show in December 2009 to raise awareness about hypertension and kidney disease.

Standing at 7 feet tall, his career was limited by him often being typecast as large, imposing characters. He stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2013: “Why can’t I be a teacher? Why can’t I be a football coach? Why can’t I be a cab driver? Anything. Anything else than that. I can cry. I can do those things that they think the big guys can’t do. So just give us a chance.”

Chapman lived in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Woodbridge, Virginia. On December 2, 2024, his home was destroyed when a crash sent a tractor-trailer slamming into it. Chapman was not home but many of his belongings were damaged.

Chapman died in his sleep on May 22, 2026, from chronic kidney disease, at the age of 52. He is survived by his wife Diana and two children.