Actor and acting coach Corey Parker, best known for his roles in the sitcom Will & Grace and the horror film Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, has died at the age of 60 after battling cancer, according to family members and multiple media reports published within the last 24 hours.

Parker passed away on March 5 in Memphis, Tennessee, his aunt Emily Parker confirmed. The actor had been privately fighting cancer for months, with the illness becoming widely known only near the end of his life.





A Career Across Film and Television

Parker built a steady career in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in both film and television projects. He gained early recognition for playing Pete in the 1985 slasher film Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, a role that introduced him to horror audiences and helped launch his acting career.

He later appeared in films such as 9½ Weeks, Biloxi Blues, and White Palace, and held roles in television series including Thirtysomething and Love Boat: The Next Wave.

Many fans remember Parker most for his recurring role as Josh, the bohemian boyfriend of Grace Adler (played by Debra Messing) in several episodes of the NBC sitcom Will & Grace. Though his character appeared in only a handful of episodes, his performance left a lasting impression on viewers.

In 1992, Parker also starred opposite Téa Leoni in the sitcom Flying Blind, playing Neil Barash, an awkward college graduate navigating relationships and adulthood.

Private Illness Revealed Late

According to reports, Parker’s cancer diagnosis came after a hip replacement surgery in 2025, when doctors discovered advanced disease. The cancer later spread aggressively through his body.

Updates shared with supporters indicated that the illness eventually affected most of his bones and significantly limited his ability to speak or write during his final months.

The specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.

Tributes From Family and Colleagues

Following news of his death, tributes poured in from friends, colleagues, and former students. Parker’s sister, Noelle, remembered him as a passionate artist and teacher who deeply influenced those around him.

In a message shared publicly, she wrote that he “left this world weightless, at peace and surrounded with love,” praising his dedication to creativity and mentorship.

Industry colleagues also highlighted his generosity and dedication to nurturing young actors, describing him as an inspiring mentor whose lessons extended beyond performance.

A Second Career as an Acting Coach

In the later years of his career, Parker increasingly focused on teaching acting, working with aspiring performers and helping guide their careers.

He served as an acting coach for various productions and studios, mentoring actors involved in television projects including Sun Records and the Marvel series Ms. Marvel.

Students and collaborators often credited him with helping them develop confidence and craft, solidifying his reputation as both a performer and educator.

Legacy in Hollywood

Parker’s career spanned more than four decades, beginning in childhood with television commercials before expanding into film, television, and teaching.

While he may not have been a household name, his work across multiple genres — from horror films to sitcoms — and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of actors left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.

His death at 60 marks the loss of a versatile performer and respected acting coach whose influence reached far beyond the screen.