Corey Parker Dies: Will & Grace Actor & Acting Coach Passes Away at 74
Corey Parker, a versatile actor whose career spanned four decades and encompassed film, television and stage, died on , in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 60 years old. The cause was cancer, according to reports confirmed by his aunt, Emily Parker.
Born in New York City on , Parker began his acting journey at the remarkably young age of four, appearing in television commercials. His early commitment to the craft led him to the High School of Performing Arts in New York City, where he honed his skills before choosing to pursue acting full-time after graduation.
Parker’s dedication to his art was evident in his pursuit of rigorous training. He became a member of both the Actors Studio and the Ensemble Studio Theater, studying under renowned instructors including Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, Susan Batson, Ivana Chubbuck, and Lesly Kahn. He was invited to join the Actors Studio at age 20, an extraordinary achievement, becoming one of its youngest lifetime members.
His filmography includes appearances in a diverse range of projects, from Biloxi Blues and White Palace to Friday the 13th: A New Beginning and How I Got into College. He also took on roles in Willy/Milly and demonstrated his range with television appearances in series like Thirtysomething, Broadway Bound, Blue Skies, and Love Boat: The Next Wave.
Parker achieved significant recognition for his role as Josh on the beloved sitcom Will & Grace. His presence added to the show’s ensemble dynamic during its run. He also co-starred with Téa Leoni in the 1992-93 Fox sitcom Flying Blind.
Beyond his work in front of the camera, Parker contributed to television movies, including The Lost Language of Cranes for the BBC, Mr. And Mrs. Loving, Courage with Sophia Loren, A Mother’s Prayer, and Destiny, The Elizabeth Taylor Story. These projects showcased his versatility and willingness to explore different genres and storytelling approaches.
In later years, Parker transitioned into acting coaching, sharing his expertise with aspiring performers. He served as a guest artist at Rhodes College and the University of Memphis, and was the official acting coach for CMT’s Sun Records. He also lent his skills to the production of the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, working as an acting coach on the project. He was also a guest instructor at HB Studio.
Parker’s diagnosis of incurable stage 4 prostate cancer, with metastases in his bones, was revealed in 2024, as reported by Artvoice.com. He entered hospice care prior to his death.
The entertainment industry has lost a dedicated and quietly influential figure. While perhaps not a household name in the traditional sense, Parker’s four-decade career demonstrated a consistent commitment to the craft of acting and a willingness to contribute to the industry in multiple capacities. His work as an actor and, increasingly, as a coach, leaves a lasting legacy on the landscape of American entertainment. He is survived by his aunt, Emily Parker.
Parker’s early exposure to the industry, through his mother, actress Rochelle Natalie “Rocky” Parker, who passed away in 2014, undoubtedly shaped his path. He turned down a full scholarship to New York University to pursue acting professionally, a testament to his unwavering dedication.
His performance onstage at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989 marked an early high point in his career, demonstrating his ability to command attention on a large scale. Parker’s career wasn’t defined by blockbuster fame, but by a consistent presence and a respected reputation within the industry, a testament to his talent and professionalism.