Trigger Warning: Suicide
The Broadway community was left heartbroken after the death of actor Josh Grisetti at age 44. The beloved stage performer, educator, and “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel” actor was remembered by friends and colleagues as news of his death spread across social media.
Josh built a respected career on Broadway before expanding into television, earning praise for both his performances and his dedication to mentoring young actors. Tributes poured in from across the theater world following the announcement.
The Broadway community is mourning Josh Grisetti after news of his death at age 44
According to People, Josh died by suicide on Friday, July 10. Fellow Broadway star Rob McClure shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, writing, “It is with a shattered heart that I share that the brilliant Josh Grisetti took his own life on Friday. I’m not ready to even attempt to understand. My heart is with his wife and family as they try to deal with the reality of this.”
McClure, who performed alongside Josh in “Something Rotten!” on Broadway and its national tour, also reflected on their longtime friendship. He wrote that he and his wife were “beyond heartbroken,” adding, “Communities around the world will never be the same without him. We love you, Josh. Just a cataclysmic loss.” He said details about a memorial would be shared later.
According to the outlet, stars including Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Lea Salonga, Donna Murphy, and Sierra Boggess paid tribute in the comments and on social media. Boggess remembered Josh as “a BRILLIANT actor and director and writer,” adding that he “created light and thought and humor everywhere he went.”
Josh made his Broadway debut in It Shoulda Been You in 2015, earning a Theatre World Award along with Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations. He later starred as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! and appeared in numerous Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional productions.
Television audiences also recognized Josh from ABC’s “The Knights of Prosperity” and his recurring role as Ralph Emerson in the final season of “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.” People also noted that he served as head of the Musical Theatre program at California State University, Fullerton, where he inspired a new generation of performers.
Josh was survived by his wife, Mackenzie Grisetti, whom he married in 2020.
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