Josh Grisetti’s death at 44 leaves Broadway mourning a ‘cataclysmic loss’

Josh Grisetti, a Broadway star who was also widely regarded for his TV work and a dedicated musical theatre educator at Cal State Fullerton, has died at 44. His death by suicide was announced by fellow actor Rob McClure, who described the loss as "just a cataclysmic loss."McClure, who starred alongside Grisetti in "Something Rotten!"

and was his best man, shared his grief on Instagram. "I'm not ready to even attempt to understand," he wrote, adding that Grisetti inspired students and transformed the musical theatre program at Cal State Fullerton. "Maggie and I are beyond heartbroken.

Communities around the world will never be the same without him."Josh Grisetti, a star on Broadway who was also widely regarded for his TV work and a dedicated musical theatre educator at Cal State Fullerton, has died at 44 (Josh Grisetti/Instagram)Sierra Boggess, Grisetti's co-star in the Broadway production "It Shoulda Been You," also paid tribute. She noted on her official Instagram that "He created light and thought and humor everywhere he went.

He was a brilliant actor and director and writer. His students are so lucky they had him as their teacher."Just days before his death, Grisetti left the production of “Legally Blonde” that he was directing in Italy, citing personal reasons.

In his final Instagram post, the actor paid tribute to the production, wished them luck on their opening night and described himself as “literally crying” on the plane home. Grisetti previously worked internationally. In a 2016 interview, he encouraged fellow actors to work abroad as much as possible.

“Under the right conditions, it's a thrilling way to see the world and experience new cultures while doing what you love. I can't recommend that aspect of an international gig highly enough,” he said. Born in Washington, D.

C., and raised in Southwest Virginia, Grisetti earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Boston Conservatory in 2004. His notable stage credits included "It Shoulda Been You" (2015) and "Something Rotten!"

on Broadway, as well as a television appearance in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."Grisetti is survived by his wife of six years, Mackenzie, an LA-based realtor.

Beyond performing, Grisetti was a passionate educator, teaching at Fullerton College and Loyola Marymount University before heading the musical theatre program at Cal State Fullerton. When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.

org.If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

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