Broadway performer Josh Grisetti died by suicide on July 10 at age 44, leaving behind a legacy that spanned stage, screen and the classroom.
The actor had built a career marked by versatility, earning praise for his Broadway turns in “Something Rotten!” and “It Shoulda Been You” while also appearing in eight episodes of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” during its final season as Ralph Emerson. At the time of his death, Grisetti led the Musical Theater program at California State University, Fullerton, where he shaped the department and mentored emerging performers.
Rob McClure, his close friend and former co-star, shared news of the death in an emotional Instagram post on July 12. McClure wrote that he could not yet process the tragedy and expressed sympathy for Grisetti’s wife and family.
Grisetti is survived by his wife of six years, Mackenzie Grisetti.
An Educator and Mentor
Teaching became central to Grisetti’s work in recent years. Before joining Cal State Fullerton, he had taught at Fullerton College and Loyola Marymount University, continuing to direct, write and perform even as he devoted himself to training young artists. Faculty and students described his transformative impact on the program.
His agent, Rick Ferrari, remembered him as a “tremendous talent” and praised the range that allowed him to excel in both comedy and drama. Ferrari said Grisetti was “the man of a thousand faces.” Ferrari added that his client was beloved by his students and that the entire team felt shock and sorrow at the loss.
McClure honored both Grisetti’s teaching and performance career in his tribute, recalling cherished memories of working together onstage and watching his friend influence young performers. He mentioned serving as best man at Grisetti’s wedding and described the loss as cataclysmic, ending with “We love you Josh.”
Stage and Screen Career
Grisetti and McClure starred together as Nigel and Nick Bottom in “Something Rotten!,” performing in both the Broadway production and national tour of the Renaissance-set musical comedy that highlighted Grisetti’s talent for physical comedy and rapid-fire wordplay. In 2015, he appeared on Broadway as Marty Kaufman in “It Shoulda Been You,” working alongside Sierra Boggess, who became a close friend and collaborator.
His television work included the short-lived ABC sitcom “The Knights of Prosperity,” which ran for nine episodes before being canceled, where he worked with Donal Logue and Sofia Vergara. Other credits included appearances on “Nurse Jackie” and “The Good Fight.” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” brought him his widest audience, with his recurring role during the show’s final season introducing him to the beloved period comedy’s fans.
Tributes Pour In
Boggess posted her own Instagram tribute with multiple photos. She praised Grisetti for bringing light, thought and humor to every space he entered and celebrated his talents as an actor, director and writer, noting that his students benefited greatly from his mentorship. She said the cast of “It Shoulda Been You” remained like family and anticipated a lengthy grieving process.
Many performers responded to McClure’s announcement. Rachel Zegler posted a heart emoji. Stephanie J. Block called Grisetti a kind and beautiful soul and sent comfort to those mourning him. Donna Murphy, a Tony winner, expressed devastation over the loss, praised Grisetti as a gifted artist and person, and offered prayers for his family.
Grisetti’s final Instagram post, dated July 8, offered a poignant glimpse into his last days. He explained that he had withdrawn from directing “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at the Trentino Music Festival due to personal circumstances before opening night. A video showed the cast displaying his photo on a phone screen while calling out, “We love you, Josh!” He wrote that he had cried on the plane and that small gestures went a long way when a heart is hurting, signing off with affection for what he called his group of misfits.
The image of that farewell — colleagues rallying around a director who could not stay to see his work come to life — has resonated painfully with those now mourning him. The theater community responded with widespread mourning this weekend, as colleagues, students and fellow actors remembered him as an extraordinary performer and dedicated educator.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.