Corey Parker, the actor known for roles in Will & Grace and Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, has died. He was 60.
The actor died on Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a cancer diagnosis, according to TMZ. It’s unclear what type of cancer Parker had.
“I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love,” said his sister Noelle in part in a statement. “I am writing to you, Corey, here, directly, because this is how I… we… keep you with us. I have known and loved you for the past 45 years, since our E.S.T days in NY as hungry wild artists. You were a massive part of my creative work, my creative family, for decades. It meant everything full circle when you joined our BGB community as a teacher, and we navigated the work together, all of us, always coming back to the truth and the potential of storytelling, of the actor’s endless power. You kept us all honest and brave and about art.
“And so we celebrate your incredible talent, your unparalleled passion and joy in the work and in your family, your huge gift for and devotion to teaching, your generosity, your love. 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.
“Goodbye but not farewell, dear friend. Live and love to the fullest, fellow travelers. Sending light and love to Corey’s family and all those who knew and were touched by his genius,” added Noelle.
Born July 8, 1965 in New York City, son of actress Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Parker and husband John David Haas, Corey Parker began acting in TV commercials at age 4 before attending New York’s High School of Performing Arts.
Making his onscreen debut in a 1983 episode of As the World Turn, Parker became a familiar face on TV, appearing in The New Leave It to Beaver, Thirtysomething, Flying Blind, Touched by an Angel, Love Boat: The Next Wave, Nashville and Will & Grace, in which he had a recurring role as Grace’s boyfriend Josh.
Parker also starred in the 1985 slasher sequel Friday the 13th: A New Beginning as Pete, a doomed greaser. He also appeared in 9 1/2 Weeks (1986), Biloxi Blues (1988), Big Man on Campus (1989), Encino Woman (1996) and The Rainmaker (1997).
Also an acting instructor, Parker worked on CMT’s Sun Records (2017) and the Disney+ MCU series Ms. Marvel (2022).