Corey Parker, Will & Grace Actor, Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle
Corey Parker, an actor celebrated for his role in the hit sitcom Will & Grace and numerous film and television projects from the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 60. His passing occurred on Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a battle with cancer, as confirmed by a family member.
Career Highlights and Early Roles
Parker built a steady career in Hollywood, first emerging in the mid-1980s. One of his earliest screen appearances was in the cult horror sequel Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning, where he portrayed the character Pete. He soon followed this with a small part in the romantic drama 9½ Weeks, starring Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke.
Television audiences later became familiar with Parker when he landed a lead role in the short-lived sitcom Flying Blind. In this series, he played Neil Barash, a socially awkward young man navigating life and romance opposite Téa Leoni’s free-spirited Alicia. Although the show ran for only one season, it featured notable actors such as Lisa Kudrow.
Notable Appearances and Later Work
Parker later appeared on the popular NBC comedy Will & Grace, playing Josh, one of Grace Adler’s boyfriends, in several episodes. Across his decades-long career, he accumulated credits in numerous television programs and films, including Biloxi Blues, White Palace, Love Boat: The Next Wave, Nashville, and Blue Skies.
In recent years, Parker shifted away from acting to focus on mentoring younger performers. He worked as an acting coach on projects such as Sun Records and the Marvel series Ms. Marvel.
Family Background and Legacy
Parker’s mother, Rocky Parker, was also an actress and was previously married to actor Patrick Dempsey in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His sister Noelle worked in the entertainment industry as well. Rocky Parker died in 2014.
The specific type of cancer that Parker battled has not been publicly disclosed, but his aunt Emily Parker confirmed the news of his death to TMZ. His contributions to Hollywood and his dedication to coaching leave a lasting legacy in the entertainment world.
