Corey Parker, 'Will & Grace' Actor, Dies at 60 After Private Cancer Battle

Rachelle LewisSat, March 7, 2026 at 10:32 PM UTC

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(Photo by: Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank)

Will & Grace alum Corey Parker has died at 60 years old after a private battle with cancer.

TMZ was first to report the sad news. According to the outlet, Parker’s aunt, Emily Parker, confirmed he died on Thursday, March 5, in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Although Emily confirmed Corey had passed from cancer, no details regarding when or how long he had been fighting the disease were given at this time.

Will & Grace fans will remember Parker as Grace’s (Debra Messing) boyfriend, Josh. The character was introduced during Season 2 of the hit NBCsitcom but appeared in only five episodes.

Parker had a long career before and after the groundbreaking sitcom. The actor got his start back in the 1980s in films like Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning, Scream for Help, and 9½ Weeks.

He also appeared on several television shows, including the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, The New Leave It to Beaver, Thirtysomething, and various after-school specials.

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In 1992, Parker had the lead role in the one-season sitcom Flying Blind, playing oppositeTéa Leoni. Flying Blind also starred Peter Boyle, Andy Dick, and Lisa Kudrow before her big break on Friends.

After the sitcoms ended, Parker continued to make guest appearances on TV. Parker’s last television appearance was on Nashville in 2017 as Luke’s (Will Chase) manager. He would occasionally appear in films but hadn’t been in one for years.

Parker’s last notable film was the documentary Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th.

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When he wasn’t acting, Parker worked as an acting coach at the University of Memphis. Being part of the entertainment industry was in his family's blood. Parker’s mother was actress Rochelle "Rocky" Parker, who was briefly married to Patrick Dempsey from 1987 to 1994 despite their 26-year age gap.

Parker is survived by his sister, Noelle Parker, and brother, David Parker.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”