“30 Rock” Sidekick Needs Kidney Transplant

Grizz Chapman, who plays Tracy Morgan’s sidekick on NBC’s “30 Rock,” is in need of a kidney transplant. On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Chapman will be going on “The Dr. Oz Show” and revealing on air that he is battling severe hypertension and that he needs a kidney transplant. However, to become a viable candidate for organ transplant he first needs to lose about 75 pounds.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Chapman says he is ready for the fight. “Whatever I can do for the longevity of my life, I’m going to do,” he said.

While he is ready to fight to remain healthy, he is still nervous about the procedure. “You can put a kidney in your body – and somewhere down the line your body might reject it. I’m not saying I don’t want to go through with it but it’s a little scary. It’s a big decision,” says Chapman.

Chapman will have the support of his close friend, fellow “30 Rock” actor, Kevin Brown, who plays Dot Com, when he goes on to talk to Dr. Oz. “He’s great support, I can come to him with anything. He has a few pounds to lose so we’re going to do this together,” Chapman told PEOPLE.

One of the main reasons Chapman is taking his story public is because he wants to make sure that people are taking their health seriously. Chapman admits that he has ignored his high blood pressure for years. “I didn’t keep the best hours or choose the best food,” Chapman said. Chapman also said that he did not visit the doctor on a regular basis. “Even though you don’t feel anything you need to get an annual check-up. It doesn’t matter if you feel fine because I felt fine,” he says.

Chapman will be appearing on tomorrow’s episode of “The Dr. Oz Show” to talk about his medical condition and his surgery.