The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of another recognizable figure, as Corey Parker—best known for portraying Debra Messing’s love interest on the hit show Will & Grace—has passed away at the age of 60.
According to TMZ, his aunt, Emily Parker, confirmed that the actor passed away this past Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following a battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer he had has not yet been disclosed to the public.
Viewers will likely recognize Corey from his recurring part as Josh on Will & Grace. He appeared in five episodes of the popular sitcom, playing the boyfriend of Grace (portrayed by Debra Messing).
His acting portfolio also features projects such as Biloxi Blues, White Palace, Love Boat: The Next Wave, Nashville, and Blue Skies.
The actor first became a familiar presence in Hollywood throughout the 1980s, particularly after securing the part of Pete in the horror film Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning.
He subsequently shared the screen with Kim Basinger in the sultry 1986 drama 9 1/2 Weeks.
In 1992, Corey took on a leading role in the brief comedy series Flying Blind. He portrayed Neil Barash, a fresh college graduate who falls into a romance with a free-spirited woman named Alicia (played by Téa Leoni).
This single-season show boasted a lineup of notable guest stars, including Lisa Kudrow, Peter Boyle, Andy Dick, and Noah Emmerich.
Later in his career, Corey shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes work, serving as an acting coach.
His recent coaching resume includes contributions to the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel in 2022, as well as working on eight episodes of Sun Records back in 2017.
Corey was born into a family with deep roots in the performing arts. His mother, Rocky Parker, worked as both a director and an actress, boasting credits in films like In the Mood, Happy Together, and Can’t Buy Me Love.
Following their collaboration on a 1987 movie, Rocky famously married actor Patrick Dempsey, who was 26 years younger than her. She later passed away in April 2014.
(This piece was originally published by Page Six and has been reproduced with permission.)