Josh Grisetti, Beloved ‘Mrs. Maisel’ Performer and Broadway Veteran, Passes Away at Forty-Four
Marvelous Mrs Maisel actor Broadway star – The entertainment community is mourning the loss of Josh Grisetti, a talented performer whose career spanned both television and the stage. The actor and Broadway artist passed away at the age of forty-four, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and personal warmth.
According to an emotional announcement made on Sunday via Instagram, Grisetti died by suicide on Friday, July 10. His theater colleague Rob McClure shared the devastating news with fellow performers and fans, posting a collection of photographs that captured moments from their friendship, including images from Grisetti’s wedding where McClure served as best man.
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.
Just two days prior to his passing, Grisetti had posted on Instagram about his unexpected departure from the production of “Legally Blonde The Musical” at the Trentino Music Festival in Italy. He cited personal reasons for leaving before the show’s scheduled opening. In that final message, he shared photos of the cast in full costume, with one performer holding a picture of Grisetti. A video from the production showed cast members shouting, “We love you, Josh!” He concluded his message with the words, “Love this group of misfits right back!!”
A Rich Career Across Television and Theater
Grisetti’s television work included a memorable role as Ralph, a comedy staff writer on “The Gordon Ford Show” during the fifth season of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He appeared in eight episodes of the acclaimed period comedy series. Earlier in his career, he portrayed Louis in the sole season of the 2007 ABC crime-comedy “The Knights of Prosperity.”
His extensive television credits also featured appearances in “The Good Fight” and “Nurse Jackie.” Viewers may recognize him from television movies such as “Like Magic,” “The Gates,” and “The Superagent.” In film, Grisetti appeared in “The Immigrant,” “Public Interest,” and “The Sandpiper.” He also made uncredited appearances in “Men in Black 3” and “Revolutionary Road.”
On the Broadway stage, Grisetti starred in productions including “It Shoulda Been You,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” and the world premiere of “Something Rotten!” Over nearly twenty years of theatrical work, his stage credits expanded to include “Camelot,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” He also performed in notable productions such as “Rent” as Mark Cohen, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” as Lumiere, “Matilda” as Mr. Wormwood, and “SpongeBob SquarePants” as Plankton.
Personal Life and Community Impact
Beyond his performance career, Grisetti contributed to education as the head of the musical theatre Bachelor of Fine Arts program at California State University, Fullerton. He was also the author of “God in My Head,” a comedic spiritual memoir describing the true story of an ex-Christian who accidentally met God.
Following McClure’s announcement, numerous Broadway colleagues and theater alumni offered tributes, including Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, and Tony Award winner Donna Murphy. Murphy wrote, “He was a beautiful, gifted human & artist. You & your family & Josh’s family & dearest ones are in my heart & highest thoughts & prayers.”
McClure described the loss as “cataclysmic,” reflecting on shared memories of performing alongside Grisetti and watching him inspire students while transforming the Musical Theatre program at Cal State Fullerton. He also recalled the honor of being the best man at Grisetti’s wedding. “Maggie and I are beyond heartbroken. Communities around the world will never be the same without him. We love you Josh,” McClure wrote.
Grisetti is survived by his wife, Mackenzie Grisetti, who works as a realtor.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
