Corey Parker of ‘Will & Grace’ Dies at 60 Following Cancer Battle
Corey Parker, known for his role in the beloved sitcom “Will & Grace,” has passed away at the age of 60. The actor died on Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a courageous battle with cancer, as confirmed by his aunt, Emily Parker.
Career Highlights of Corey Parker
Parker’s career in Hollywood began during the 1980s, and he quickly became a recognizable face. One of his earliest roles was as Pete in the 1985 film “Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning.” This role launched him into the limelight and established him in the entertainment industry.
Memorable Roles
Fans often remember Corey for his recurring character Josh on “Will & Grace.” He appeared in five episodes as a boyfriend to Grace, played by Debra Messing. In addition to his role in “Will & Grace,” Parker featured in a variety of projects:
- “Biloxi Blues”
- “White Palace”
- “Love Boat: The Next Wave”
- “Nashville”
- “Blue Skies”
- “9 1/2 Weeks” alongside Kim Basinger
In 1992, he starred in the short-lived sitcom “Flying Blind,” portraying Neil Barash. The show, which revolved around his character’s relationship with a free-spirited girlfriend played by Téa Leoni, featured guest appearances from notable actors such as Lisa Kudrow and Andy Dick.
Later Career and Coaching
In later years, Corey shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes work as an acting coach. His contributions included coaching on Disney+’s series “Ms. Marvel” in 2022, and he also worked on eight episodes of “Sun Records” in 2017.
Parker’s Family Legacy
Corey Parker hailed from an acting family, with his mother, Rocky Parker, being an accomplished actress and director. She was known for her work in “In the Mood,” “Happy Together,” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Rocky Parker was previously married to actor Patrick Dempsey, who was significantly younger than her. She passed away in April 2014.
Corey Parker’s contributions to television and film will be remembered, and he leaves behind a legacy that impacted many in the industry.
