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Josh Grisetti, a Broadway actor and educator celebrated for his roles in Something Rotten! and It Shoulda Been You, has died at age 44. His death by suicide on Friday, July 10, was confirmed by friends and colleagues, including fellow actor Rob McClure.
A Versatile Presence on the Boards
Grisetti carved out a career defined by range, moving seamlessly between Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional stages. His resume boasted credits in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Rent. His talent was formally recognized with a Theatre World Award for his performance in Enter Laughing. Beyond the spotlight of major houses, he lent his talents to productions including Red Eye of Love, Candida, and After the Ball.
Shaping the Next Generation at Cal State
Offstage, Grisetti turned his focus to the classroom. At the time of his death, he served as an associate professor and the head of the BFA Musical Theatre program at California State University, Fullerton. Rob McClure, who worked closely with him, noted the profound impact of this transition, stating that Grisetti spent years “watching him inspire students while transforming the Musical Theatre program at Cal State Fullerton.”
An Outpouring of Grief and Memory
The loss has left a void across the theater community. Rob McClure, who played Grisetti’s brother in Something Rotten! and served as the best man at his wedding, took to social media to mourn his friend: “Some of my all-time favorite memories were by this man’s side.”
Sierra Boggess, who performed alongside him in It Shoulda Been You, highlighted the warmth he brought to his professional circle: “He created light and thought and humor everywhere he went.”
Final Projects and Personal Legacy
In his final weeks, Grisetti was directing a production of Legally Blonde at the Trentino Music Festival. He stepped away from the project shortly before opening night, citing personal reasons, though he remained supportive of the cast and wished them a successful run. He is survived by his wife, Mackenzie Grisetti.
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