Quick Read
- Actor Corey Parker died Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 60.
- His death followed a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family.
- Parker was known for roles in ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘Friday the 13th: A New Beginning’.
- He also appeared in films like ‘9 1/2 Weeks’ and ‘Biloxi Blues’.
- In later years, Parker worked as an acting coach for shows like ‘Ms. Marvel’.
MEMPHIS, TN (Azat TV) – Corey Parker, the versatile actor recognized for his roles in the popular sitcom *Will & Grace* and the horror classic *Friday the 13th: A New Beginning*, passed away on Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer. His death was first reported by *TMZ*, citing confirmation from his aunt, Emily Parker, and later detailed in statements from his sister, Noelle.
Parker’s passing marks the end of a career that spanned decades, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and colleagues alike. His sister, Noelle, shared a heartfelt statement, emphasizing that he ‘left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love.’ She highlighted his profound impact as a creative force and a dedicated acting teacher, noting, “You were a massive part of my creative work, my creative family, for decades.”
Corey Parker’s Diverse Career in Film and Television
Born on July 8, 1965, in New York City, Corey Parker was the son of actress Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Parker and John David Haas. He began his journey in entertainment at a young age, appearing in TV commercials by age four, before honing his craft at New York’s esteemed High School of Performing Arts.
Parker made his onscreen debut in a 1983 episode of *As the World Turns*. He quickly became a recognizable face across various television productions, including *The New Leave It to Beaver*, *Thirtysomething*, *Touched by an Angel*, and *Love Boat: The Next Wave*. A significant recurring role came in *Will & Grace*, where he portrayed Josh, one of Grace Adler’s boyfriends, appearing in five episodes of the hit sitcom.
On the big screen, Parker left his mark in the 1985 slasher sequel *Friday the 13th: A New Beginning*, playing the ill-fated greaser Pete. His filmography also included appearances in Adrian Lyne’s 1986 drama *9 1/2 Weeks* alongside Kim Basinger, Mike Nichols’ *Biloxi Blues* (1988), *Big Man on Campus* (1989), *Encino Woman* (1996), and Francis Ford Coppola’s legal drama *The Rainmaker* (1997).
An Esteemed Acting Coach and Mentor
Beyond his on-screen performances, Corey Parker dedicated a significant portion of his later career to teaching. He became an acting instructor, contributing his expertise to the next generation of performers. His coaching credits included work on the CMT series *Sun Records* in 2017 and the Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe series *Ms. Marvel* in 2022. His sister, Noelle, underscored his devotion to teaching, stating, “You kept us all honest and brave and about art.”
Friends and family remember Parker not only for his talent but also for his generosity and passion for storytelling. His aunt, Emily Parker, confirmed the details of his passing, while his sister’s statement conveyed the deep impact he had on his creative community, noting, “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 exemplified a quiet dedication to the craft of acting, moving seamlessly between mainstream television and memorable film roles while also fostering new talent, underscoring the enduring influence of a committed artist and educator in the entertainment industry.