Broadway actor Josh Grisetti died by suicide on Friday at the age of 44, according to a statement from his friend and fellow actor Rob McClure. Grisetti had recently stepped down from his directing role in the production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" at the Trentino Music Festival in Italy, citing "personal reasons."
In his final Instagram post, shared on Wednesday, Grisetti expressed gratitude for the cast and crew's support after he had to leave the production before its opening night. He shared a photo of the cast holding up his image on a phone and a video of them shouting, "We love you, Josh!" Grisetti stated that the gesture brought him to tears, saying his "heart [was] hurting" and that he loved the "group of misfits" back. He wished the production a happy opening and encouraged them to "Knock their pink socks off!!"
McClure announced Grisetti's death over the weekend with a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating he was "not ready to even attempt to understand" the tragedy. He offered support to Grisetti's wife, Mackenzie, whom the actor married in February 2020. "Communities around the world will never be the same without him. We love you Josh. Just a cataclysmic loss," McClure wrote.
Information regarding a memorial service for Grisetti will be shared at a later time, McClure indicated.
Grisetti, born in Washington, D.C., in December 1981, made his Broadway debut in 2015 starring as Marty Kaufman in "It Shoulda Been You." This role earned him a Theatre World Award and nominations for a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award. He also solidified his Broadway career with a starring role as Nigel Bottom in the musical "Something Rotten!".
On television, Grisetti was recognized for his portrayal of Ralph Emerson in the final season of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" in 2023.
If you or someone you know is affected by issues related to suicide, resources are available. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.