The Cal State Fullerton community is remembering Associate Professor and Head of the Musical Theatre BFA program Josh Grisetti, following his death at age 44 on July 10.
Autopsy reports from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s office confirmed that Grisetti’s cause of death was suicide.
Grisetti joined the CSUF faculty in 2021, where he led the department’s BFA Musical Theatre track, mentored students and directed university stage productions, including “Once Upon a Mattress” in March 2026.
“Professor Grisetti was continually seeking ways to improve the musical theater curriculum and enhance the department’s production practices in support of student success,” said Katie Wilson, department chair of theatre and dance administration in an email to the Daily Titan. “He was an educator who continually challenged conventional approaches, encouraging those around him to question assumptions and explore new possibilities.”
Beyond his academic work on campus, he maintained a career as a Broadway actor, television performer, director and author.
Prior to his time at CSUF, Grisetti achieved prominence on Broadway and off-Broadway stages. He originated the role of Marty Kaufman in the 2015 Broadway musical “It Shoulda Been You,” earned a Theatre World Award for his performance in “Enter Laughing” and appeared in television series including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Nurse Jackie.”
Grisetti was also the author of “God In My Head: The True Story of an Ex-Christian Who Accidentally Met God.”
Grisetti’s family members established a GoFundMe in July to support his wife and family. Although donations are currently paused, the campaign raised $49,567 across 554 donations.
CSUF’s musical theater students hosted a cabaret performance on Aug. 21 in honor of Grisetti’s legacy, according to Wilson. To help students navigate this loss, the Theatre and Dance Department has also partnered with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to support students through this time of grief.
If you or someone you know is in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. CSUF students can also access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 24/7 by calling (657) 278-3040.