The cause of death for actor and educator Josh Grisetti, known for his role in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," has been confirmed six days after his passing at the age of 44. Grisetti died by suicide on Friday, as announced by his friend and colleague Rob McClure. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California confirmed the cause of death was a gunshot wound, with associated injuries including multiple bilateral temporal calvarial fractures and a brain injury, according to an autopsy report obtained by Page Six.
McClure shared the news on Sunday, expressing his heartbreak. "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," he wrote. McClure described Grisetti's passing as a "cataclysmic loss" and noted that communities would not be the same without him. He recalled cherished memories of performing alongside Grisetti and witnessing him inspire students while leading the Musical Theatre program at Cal State Fullerton.
Grisetti's representative, Rick Ferrari, told the Daily Mail that the late actor was a "tremendous talent" who generously shared his gift. He added that Grisetti's students at Cal State Fullerton cherished him, and they are "stunned and heartbroken."
In "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Grisetti played Ralph Emerson over eight episodes in 2023. His television credits also include appearances on "The Knights of Prosperity," "Nurse Jackie," and "The Good Fight."
Grisetti's career extended to Broadway, with roles in productions such as "Broadway Bound" and "Camelot in concert." His Off-Broadway credits include "Rent," "Enter Laughing," and "After the Ball." He also appeared in films like "The Namesake," "The Immigrant," and "Revolutionary Road."
Beyond his performing career, Grisetti was an educator who led California State University, Fullerton's Musical Theatre program. He previously taught at Loyola Marymount University and Fullerton College. Grisetti, who resided in Southern California, grew up in Virginia and received his education at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Boston Conservatory.
In his final Instagram post, Grisetti thanked the cast of "Legally Blonde: The Musical," which he was directing in Italy, for a tribute they performed for him as he alluded to leaving the production for personal reasons. He expressed that small gestures mean a lot when one's heart is hurting.
Numerous peers from the Broadway community paid tribute to Grisetti. Actress Donna Murphy called the news "truly devastating & heartbreaking," describing him as a "beautiful, gifted human & artist." Sierra Boggess, who worked with Grisetti on "It Shoulda Been You," remembered him as a "BRILLIANT actor and director and writer," noting the space he left in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Erika Henningsen, who collaborated with Grisetti on the musical "Diner," shared her deep affection for him, stating, "I just loved you. I wish you were still here. Thank you for changing my life. For making me believe in myself." She acknowledged that he likely did the same for many others and extended condolences to his loved ones and students.
Ariana DeBose offered her "sincerest sympathies" and sent love and care to his nearest and dearest. Grisetti is survived by his wife, Mackenzie, to whom he had been married for six years.
For confidential support, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the U.S. Online chat services are also available at 988lifeline.org.