Marvelous Mrs Maisel actor’s family breaks silence, launch GoFundMe

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by the family of late actor Josh Grisetti in the wake of his tragic death by suicide aged 44.

The page, which had more than $32,000 in donations as of Wednesday, was put up ‘to directly cover Josh’s final arrangements, provide essential support for family, and ease the time-sensitive travel logistics of bringing our families together.

‘Your generosity allows us to focus entirely on grieving and supporting one another rather than navigating administrative strain.’

It was set up after a number of people ‘generously asked how [to] help support Josh’s wife and family during this incredibly difficult time,’ offering ‘a practical way to express your love to Josh’s next of kin,’ his family said. 

Grisetti’s family described him as ‘a luminous force across Broadway, television, film, and academia’ who left ‘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.’

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for the family of late actor Josh Grisetti in the wake of his tragic death by suicide aged 44 

Grisetti’s relatives 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.’

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The ECF is a nonprofit intended to serve ‘as a critical safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals’ to ᴀssist with essentials such as mental health services ‘tailored specifically to the unique pressures of a life in the arts’ and aid those ‘facing mental health crises and suicide risk.’ 

The family wrapped up in 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.’ 

The tragic death of the entertainer, who had also performed in Broadway musicals such as Something Rotten! and It Shoulda Been You, was announced Sunday by his friend and colleague Rob McClure.

‘It is with a shattered heart that I share that the brilliant Josh Grisetti took his own life on Friday,’ McClure said on Instagram. ‘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 said that ‘communities around the world will never be the same without him,’ calling Grisetti’s pᴀssing ‘a cataclysmic loss.’

He continued, ‘Some of my all-time favorite memories were by this man’s side, playing his brother onstage for years, watching him inspire students while transforming the Musical Theatre program at Cal State Fullerton… and having the honor of being the Best Man at his wedding.’

Grisetti’s representative Rick Ferrari told the Daily Mail Monday the late actor was ‘a tremendous talent’ who ‘shared his gift with everyone who wanted it.’

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel actor Josh Grisetti died by suicide aged 44 on Friday 

In what was his last post on Instagram, the beloved creative thanked the cast of Legally Blonde: The Musical for a tribute they did for him after he left the production 

He added: ‘His students at Cal State Fullerton, theater program, cherished him … we are stunned and heartbroken.’

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McClure added that he and his spouse were ‘beyond heartbroken,’ adding that details about a memorial would be released in time.

Grisetti played the role of Ralph Emerson over eight episodes of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel in 2023.

The Washington, DC-born creative also appeared on TV shows such as The Knights of Prosperity, Nurse Jackie and The Good Fight.

Grisetti had been seen in Broadway productions such as Broadway Bound, Camelot in concert, with Off-Broadway credits in Rent, Enter Laughing, Candida, After the Ball and Red Eye of Love.

His film credits included motion pictures such as The Namesake, The Immigrant and Revolutionary Road.

Grisetti was also an educator, as he led California State University, Fullerton’s Musical Theatre program after prior stints at Southern California schools such as Loyola Marymount University and Fullerton College. 

Grisetti, who resided in Southern California at the time of his death, lived in Virginia growing up and was educated at North Carolina School of the Arts and the Boston Conservatory. 

Grisetti performing Something Rotten in NYC in August 2016 

The mulтιтalented entertainer leaves behind a legacy on Broadway, in TV and film, and in education 

Grisetti was remembered as kind and talented by peers and fans 

In what was his last post on Instagram, the beloved performer thanked the cast of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which he was directing at the Trentino Music Festival in Italy, for a tribute they did for him as he alluded to departing the production ‘for personal reasons.’

He said, ‘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.’

Grisetti was warmly remembered by a number of his peers on Broadway.

Donna Murphy said news of Grisetti’s pᴀssing was ‘truly devastating & heartbreaking,’ calling him ‘a beautiful, gifted human & artist.’

Sierra Boggess, who worked with Grisetti on It Shoulda Been You, called her late friend ‘a BRILLIANT actor and director and writer.’ 

She added, ‘You have left such a space in all the lives of everyone who knows you and loves you.

‘We will have more details on celebration of life but for now, we love you Josh. If ‘whatever’ means ‘we love you’ then ‘I’ll take whatever, whenever with you.”

Grisetti’s friend and colleague, Rob McClure, announced his death on Sunday 

Sierra Boggess, who worked with Grisetti on It Shoulda Been You, paid tribute to the actor 

Erika Henningsen, who worked with Grisetti on the musical Diner, also spoke out

Grisetti (left) played Ralph Emerson over eight episodes of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel 

Erika Henningsen, who worked with Grisetti on the musical Diner, wrote, ‘Oh Josh. 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.

‘My heart is deeply with your loved ones and also students today. They were lucky to have known you and been led by you: your wit, your curiosity, and your indefatigable insistence that what we do as actors matters. I hope you know you mattered. So very, very much.’

Ariana Debose wrote, ‘My sincerest sympathies’ with a brokenhearted emoji, adding, ‘sending so much love and care to his nearest and dearest.’ 

Grisetti is survived by his wife Mackenzie, who he was wed to for six years.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.