Corey Parker, 'Will & Grace' Actor, Dies at 60

The actor, known for roles in 'Will & Grace' and 'Friday the 13th: A New Beginning', passed away following a cancer diagnosis.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Corey Parker, a veteran actor known for his roles in the TV series 'Will & Grace' and the slasher film 'Friday the 13th: A New Beginning', has died at the age of 60. Parker passed away on Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a cancer diagnosis. His sister Noelle paid tribute to his incredible talent, passion, and devotion to teaching acting.

Why it matters

Corey Parker was a respected and accomplished actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his memorable performances. His passing is a loss for the acting community and his many fans who appreciated his versatility and dedication to his craft.

The details

Parker began acting in TV commercials at age 4 and made his onscreen debut in a 1983 episode of 'As the World Turns'. He went on to appear in numerous TV shows, including 'The New Leave It to Beaver', 'Thirtysomething', 'Flying Blind', 'Touched by an Angel', 'Love Boat: The Next Wave', 'Nashville', and 'Will & Grace', where he had a recurring role as Grace's boyfriend. Parker also starred in films such as '9 1/2 Weeks', 'Biloxi Blues', 'Big Man on Campus', 'Encino Woman', and 'The Rainmaker'. In addition to his acting work, Parker was an acting instructor and worked on projects like CMT's 'Sun Records' and the Disney+ MCU series 'Ms. Marvel'.

  • Corey Parker died on Thursday, March 6, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee.

The players

Corey Parker

A veteran actor known for his roles in the TV series 'Will & Grace' and the slasher film 'Friday the 13th: A New Beginning'. He passed away at the age of 60 following a cancer diagnosis.

Noelle Parker

Corey Parker's sister, who paid tribute to his incredible talent, passion, and devotion to teaching acting.

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What they’re saying

“I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love. 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.”

— Noelle Parker, Corey Parker's sister

The takeaway

Corey Parker's passing is a significant loss for the entertainment industry, as he was a talented and versatile actor who left an indelible mark through his memorable performances. His dedication to his craft and his passion for teaching acting will be remembered by those who knew and worked with him.