PHOTOS'SNL' Child Actress Laurel Griggs Dies Suddenly At Age 13
Child actor Laurel Griggs, who starred in multiple episodes of Saturday Night Live, died on Tuesday, November 5, from a massive asthma attack. She was 13 years old.
In a Facebook post, Laurel’s grandfather David Rivlin shared the devastating news. “It’s with heavy heart that I have to share some very sad news. My beautiful and talented granddaughter, Laurel Griggs, has passed away suddenly from a massive asthma attack, Mount Sinai was valiant in trying to save her but now she’s with the angels.”
He continued, “Though my heart is broken forever with the tragic loss of my granddaughter, Laurel, I want to thank all of you for your kind words that have meant so much as I grieve for her loss. I am eternally grateful to all of you.”
David also noted that, “The world lost a real princess who only wanted to make the future happy for all. Acting was a just a childhood dream come true and she had big plans for the future.”
In addition to Laurel’s grandfather, fans also shared heartfelt messages to social media. “It's shocking when something like this happens to someone that young, Laurel had and incredible career on Broadway and a brilliant future, she left the world at 13, rest in peace Laurel Griggs.” Another added, “Horrible. What an awful way to die. As an asthmatic, this is one of my worst fears. I just hope she went quickly. #LaurelGriggs.”
A third noted, “My God this is why I can never work pediatric nursing. I’d lose my composure if I’d witness something like this. Of course I didn’t know her, but at least I can tell she probably had a bright future ahead of her. My heart and thoughts go out to her family. #LaurelGriggs”
Laurel got her start on Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Later, she joined the cast of the musical Once, where she played the role of Ivanka for 17 months, which was longer than any other actress in Broadway’s history. In addition to her theater roles, Laurel had the chance to partake in several commercials and voiceovers. The actress also appeared on Saturday Night Live and Bubble Guppies.
During the filming of her 2016 film, Café Society, Laurel had the opportunity to work alongside Steve Carrell, Kristen Stewart, Parker Posey and Jesse Eisenberg. Throughout her career, many have noted that Laurel had a knack for being “an incredibly professional child who respects her craft and others.”
