Corey Parker Dies: ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘Friday the 13th’ Actor Was 60

Corey Parker, a character actor whose four-decade career spanned television, film, and the classroom, died Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.

While perhaps not a household name, Parker was a consistently working performer, recognizable for roles in Will & Grace, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, and a host of other projects. News of his passing circulated widely over the weekend, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and former students.

Born July 8, 1965, in New York City, Parker was the son of actress Rochelle “Rocky” Parker. He began his acting journey at the remarkably young age of four, appearing in television commercials. This early exposure led to formal training, including acceptance into New York’s High School of Performing Arts – a formative experience for many in the entertainment industry. He later considered a full scholarship to New York University but ultimately chose to pursue a professional acting career immediately.

Parker’s dedication to the craft led him to the Actors Studio, where he became one of its youngest lifetime members at age 20. He also became a longtime member of the Ensemble Studio Theater, immersing himself in rigorous training under renowned instructors like Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, Susan Batson, Ivana Chubbuck, and Lesly Kahn. This commitment to honing his skills would define his approach to acting throughout his life.

His onscreen debut came in 1983 with an episode of As the World Turns, followed by appearances in series like The New Leave It to Beaver and Thirtysomething. He gained wider recognition with his role as Pete in the 1985 slasher sequel, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. Parker continued to work steadily in film, appearing in projects like 9 1/2 Weeks (1986), Biloxi Blues (1988), Big Man on Campus (1989), Encino Woman (1996), and The Rainmaker (1997).

Television remained a consistent presence in Parker’s career. He took on recurring roles, including a memorable turn as Grace’s boyfriend, Josh, on Will & Grace. Other television credits include Flying Blind, Touched by an Angel, Love Boat: The Next Wave, and Nashville.

Beyond performing, Parker found fulfillment in teaching. Loved one Risa Garcia, in a statement shared online, highlighted his dedication to mentorship, noting how he “joined our BGB community as a teacher, and we navigated the work together, always coming back to the truth and the potential of storytelling.” This passion for sharing his knowledge extended to his work on CMT’s Sun Records (2017) and the Disney+ MCU series Ms. Marvel (2022), where he served as an acting instructor.

The circumstances surrounding Parker’s illness were revealed in 2024, when his website disclosed a diagnosis of incurable stage 4 prostate cancer with bone metastases. Despite this challenging news, he continued to engage with his craft and community.

Tributes from those who knew him emphasize not only his talent but also his generosity and dedication to the art of acting. Garcia’s statement eloquently captured this sentiment, celebrating his “incredible talent, unparalleled passion and joy in the work and in your family, your huge gift for and devotion to teaching, your generosity, your love.” She added, “All our lives are so much richer for knowing you, and you carry on in each of us, and in what you gifted and inspired in us… forever.”

Corey Parker’s career, while often characterized by supporting roles, demonstrated a consistent commitment to the craft and a willingness to embrace diverse projects. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a performer but also as a dedicated teacher who shaped the next generation of actors. His passing is a loss for the entertainment community, and he will be remembered for his talent, passion, and unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling.