Corey Parker, ‘Will & Grace’, ‘Friday the 13th’ actor, dies at 60; what we know so far

Actor Corey Parker, known for his recurring role in the sitcom Will & Grace, has died at the age of 60. His aunt, Emily Parker, revealed to TMZ that the actor passed away on Thursday, March 5. An acting studio associated with him, BGB Studios, also paid tribute to the late performer in a social media post, remembering his contributions to acting and mentorship.

“I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love. I am writing to you, Corey, here, directly, because this is how I… we… keep you with us. I have known and loved you for the past 45 years, since our E.S.T. days in NY as hungry wild artists. You were a massive part of my creative work, my creative family, for decades,” his sister, Noelle, shared in a statement via BGB Studio.

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Corey Parker's cause of death

Corey Parker died in Memphis following a "battle with cancer," according to TMZ. The report noted that the exact type of cancer that caused Parker’s death has not been publicly disclosed.

Corey Parker’s role in ‘Will & Grace’

Viewers of Will & Grace may recall Parker for his recurring role as Josh, a character who dated Grace, appearing in five episodes of the hit sitcom.

Corey Parker’s film and television career

Parker began his career in the mid-1980s and secured one of his early notable roles as Pete in the horror film Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning. He later appeared in the romantic drama 9 1/2 Weeks starring Kim Basinger.

His other acting credits included Biloxi Blues and White Palace, as well as television appearances in The Love Boat: The Next Wave, Nashville, and Blue Skies.

In 1992, Parker starred in the short-lived sitcom Flying Blind. He played recent college graduate Neil Barash, who develops a relationship with his free-spirited girlfriend Alicia, portrayed by Téa Leoni.

Parker’s later years as acting coach

In later years, Parker transitioned to working behind the scenes as an acting coach. His coaching work included a 2022 stint on the Ms. Marvel series on Disney+ and work on eight episodes of Sun Records in 2017.

Corey Parker’s family

Parker came from a family involved in the entertainment industry. His mother, Rocky Parker, was an actress and director known for projects such as In the Mood, Happy Together, and Can't Buy Me Love. His sister, Noelle Parker, also pursued acting.

After working together on a 1987 film, Rocky Parker later married actor Patrick Dempsey, who was 26 years her junior, noted Page Six. She died in April 2014.