Josh Grisetti’s family breaks silence, launches GoFundMe after Broadway star’s death

Key Points

• Josh Grisetti died by suicide on July 10. He was 44.

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• The actor’s loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support Grisetti’s wife Mackenzie and their family “during this difficult time.”

• “Josh was a luminous force across Broadway, television, film, and academia,” the campaign’s message read, in part.

Josh Grisetti’s family has broken their silence in the wake of the beloved theater and TV star’s death by way of a GoFundMe campaign.

The late actor’s loved ones launched the fundraiser to help support Grisetti’s wife, Mackenzie, and their family “during this incredibly difficult time.” Grisetti died by suicide on July 10 at age 44. The official cause of death was revealed on July 16.

“Our hearts are profoundly broken by the sudden passing of Josh Grisetti,” the Something Rotten! star’s family wrote. “Josh was a luminous force across Broadway, television, film, and academia, leaving an indelible imprint on the global creative community. The extraordinary outpouring of love from Los Angeles, New York, Virginia, and beyond stands as a moving testament to the depth of his impact.”

The family’s message noted that the fundraiser stems from the fact that so many had “generously” asked how they could provide assistance.

“Born from so many requests, this fund offers a practical way to express your love to Josh’s next of kin,” the family shared, adding that “contributions will directly cover Josh’s final arrangements” and “provide essential support for family. Your generosity allows us to focus entirely on grieving and supporting one another rather than navigating administrative strain.”

The message also said that “any funds raised that are not used for the express purpose of bringing closure and managing immediate end-of-life logistics will be donated directly to the Entertainment Community Fund” in Grisetti’s memory. As of this writing, the campaign has raised just over $35,000.

Grisetti’s family concluded by expressing their appreciation to all those who have provided support, saying, “Whether through a contribution, a shared memory in the comments, or keeping us in your thoughts, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Grisetti made his Broadway debut in 2015’s It Shoulda Been You, for which he earned nominations for a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Award. He also starred in the hit musical Something Rotten!

On TV, Grisetti appeared on the short-lived ABC sitcom The Knights of Prosperity before taking on the role of Ralph Emerson on the fifth and final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in 2023.

Last Sunday, Grisetti’s close friend and Something Rotten! costar, Rob McClure, announced his death on Instagram.

“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,” he wrote. “My heart is with his wife and family as they try to deal with the reality of this.”

When reached for comment, Grisetti’s agent Rick Ferrari told Entertainment Weekly, “I’m absolutely devastated. That’s all I can say.”

Several stars who had either worked with Grisetti or merely admired his performances on stage mourned the loss. Tony winner Donna Murphy called Grisetti’s passing “truly devastating & heartbreaking news” and Erika Henningsen — who shared the stage with him in Sheryl Crow’s musical Diner — thanked the late star for “changing my life” and “making me believe in myself.”

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Just days before his death, Grisetti had stepped away from directing an Italy-based production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, citing “personal reasons” for his departure in what would ultimately mark his final Instagram post.

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Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly