Actor Josh Grisetti, known for his role as Ralph Emerson in the Amazon Prime Video series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," died by suicide on Friday. He was 44.
Grisetti's friend and colleague Rob McClure announced the news on Instagram, calling the entertainer's death a "cataclysmic loss." Grisetti had also appeared on Broadway in productions such as "Something Rotten!" and "It Shoulda Been You." He was also an educator, leading the Musical Theatre program at California State University, Fullerton.
"It is with a shattered heart that I share that the brilliant Josh Grisetti took his own life on Friday," McClure wrote. "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 added that "communities around the world will never be the same without him." He recounted cherished memories of performing alongside Grisetti for years, watching him inspire students, and serving as the best man at his wedding.
Grisetti played Ralph Emerson in eight episodes of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" in 2023. His television credits also include appearances on "The Knights of Prosperity," "Nurse Jackie," and "The Good Fight." Off-Broadway, he was part of productions such as "Rent" and "Enter Laughing." His film work included roles in "The Namesake," "The Immigrant," and "Revolutionary Road."
As an educator, Grisetti also held previous teaching positions at Loyola Marymount University and Fullerton College. He was educated at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Boston Conservatory.
In what was reportedly his last Instagram post, Grisetti expressed gratitude to the cast of "Legally Blonde: The Musical," which he was directing at the Trentino Music Festival in Italy. He alluded to leaving the production "for personal reasons" and shared that a tribute from the cast had moved him to tears.
"When you have to leave a production for personal reasons before getting to see the show open, and the cast and team do stuff like this… Literally cried on the plane… little gestures go a long way when your heart is hurting... Love this group of misfits right back!! Happy opening, Legally Blonde... I'm so proud of you all," he wrote.
Peers from the Broadway community shared tributes to Grisetti. Actress Donna Murphy described the news as "truly devastating & heartbreaking," calling him "a beautiful, gifted human & artist."
Sierra Boggess, who collaborated with Grisetti on "It Shoulda Been You," remembered him as "a BRILLIANT actor and director and writer," adding, "You have left such a space in all the lives of everyone who knows you and loves you."
Erika Henningsen, who worked with Grisetti on the musical "Diner," shared her grief, stating, "I just loved you. I wish you were still here. Thank you for changing my life. For making me believe in myself. I know you did the same for so many others."
Ariana DeBose offered her "sincerest sympathies" and sent "so much love and care to his nearest and dearest."
Grisetti is survived by his wife, Mackenzie, to whom he had been married for six years.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the U.S. and Canada, or by calling 111 in the UK. Resources are also available online at 988lifeline.org.