Craig “muMs” Grant, an actor and poet who starred in HBO’s “Oz,” died Wednesday. He was 52.
According to his representative, Pam Ellis-Evenas of the Ellis Talent Group, Grant was filming for his role on the Starz show “Hightown” in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the time of his death, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
No cause of death has been announced.
Grant played the character Poet, a heroin addict imprisoned for armed robbery and attempted murder in “Oz,” People reported. He appeared in 49 episodes of the program during the series’ six-year run (1997-2003).
Grant also played Cash Jackson in a recurring role on the Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It,” based on the Spike Lee film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Grant appeared on “Chappelle’s Show,” “The Sopranos,” “Boston Legal,” “Law & Order,” “Nurse Jackie,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Luke Cage,” “Blue Bloods” and “City on a Hill.” He also appeared in several films, including “Interview” (2007), “Good Time” (2017) and “Hover” (2018).
“We are heartbroken over the loss of one of the most genuine, caring, loving souls we have ever had the pleasure of representing,” the Ellis Talent Group said in a statement. “Craig was more than our client, he was our dear friend. We all just lost a phenomenal man.”
Born and raised in New York City, Grant starred in the documentary “SlamNation,” Entertainment Weekly reported. The film followed Grant and his fellow Nuyorican Poetry Slam Team members as they competed at the 1996 National Poetry Slam, the website reported.
LAByrinth Theater Company, of which Grant was a member, released a statement announcing his passing.
“The LAByrinth Theater family is deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected loss of Craig ‘muMs’ Grant,” the statement said. “We’ll forever miss our friend, brother, LAB member, emcee, mentor, poet, actor, spoken-word giant, and fire-breathing teddy bear. MuMs’ presence, performances, and words inspired a generation. His legacy will live on, from the Bronx and into the beyond. Keep rocking the mic, Schemer!”