Corey Parker, best known for playing Josh on 'Will & Grace' and roles in films including 'Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning' and '9 1/2 Weeks,' died at age 60 on March 5, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee, after battling cancer. His aunt Emily Parker confirmed the news to TMZ.
Corey Parker was born on July 8, 1965, in New York City, the son of actress Rochelle "Rocky" Parker (who died in 2014 and was previously married to Patrick Dempsey) and John David Haas. His sister, Noelle Parker, is also an actress. Parker began acting at age 4 in television commercials and attended New York's High School of Performing Arts. His onscreen debut was in a 1983 episode of 'As the World Turns.'
Parker's film credits include 'Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning' (1985), '9 1/2 Weeks' (1985), 'Biloxi Blues' (1988), 'White Palace' (1990), 'Big Man on Campus' (1989), 'How I Got Into College' (1989), 'Encino Woman' (1996), and 'The Rainmaker' (1997).
On television, he starred as Neil Barash in the 1992 Fox sitcom 'Flying Blind' opposite Téa Leoni, with guest stars including Lisa Kudrow and Peter Boyle. He played Grace's boyfriend Josh in five episodes of 'Will & Grace.' Other TV appearances include 'Thirtysomething,' 'Touched by an Angel,' 'The New Leave It to Beaver,' 'Love Boat: The Next Wave,' 'Nashville,' 'Blue Skies,' and recent work as an acting coach on CMT's 'Sun Records' (2017) and Disney+'s 'Ms. Marvel' (2022).
Parker was also a respected acting coach and guest artist at Rhodes College and the University of Memphis. He mentored actors including Patrick Dempsey, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Annaleigh Ashford, and Naomi Campbell.
Parker was married to actress-model Linda Kerridge from 1989 to 1992, with whom he had one child. He later married Angela, whom he met during a 1995 TV shoot for 'Destiny'; on their 28th anniversary in 2023, he posted on Instagram about their journey together.
Following his death, tributes poured in from family and friends. His sister Noelle shared: “I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love.” A heartfelt Instagram tribute from longtime friend Risa Garcia read in part: 'I have known and loved you for the past 45 years... You were a massive part of my creative work, my creative family, for decades... 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... Goodbye, but not farewell, dear friend.' Fans also expressed sorrow online, praising his memorable roles.
