R.I.P. Corey Parker: ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘Friday the 13th: A New Beginning’ actor dead at 60
Corey Parker, the actor known for roles on Will & Grace and in the slasher sequel Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, has died. He was 60.
Parker died Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee following a cancer diagnosis, according to TMZ. It’s unclear what type of cancer he had.
In a statement, Parker’s sister Noelle reflected on his life and career.
“I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love,” she said in part. “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.”
Born July 8, 1965 in New York City, Parker was the son of actress Rochelle “Rocky” Parker and John David Haas. He began acting early, appearing in TV commercials at just 4 years old before later attending New York’s High School of Performing Arts.
Parker made his onscreen debut in a 1983 episode of As the World Turns and went on to rack up a long list of TV appearances. Over the years, he popped up on shows including The New Leave It to Beaver, thirtysomething, Flying Blind, Touched by an Angel, Love Boat: The Next Wave, and Nashville.
He also had a recurring role on Will & Grace as Josh, one of Grace’s boyfriends.
On the big screen, Parker is perhaps best remembered for playing Pete — a greaser who meets a grisly fate — in the 1985 horror sequel Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. His other film credits include 9½ Weeks (1986), Biloxi Blues (1988), Big Man on Campus (1989), Encino Woman (1996), and The Rainmaker (1997).
Beyond acting, Parker was also an instructor who worked with actors on projects including CMT’s Sun Records (2017) and the Disney+ Marvel series Ms. Marvel (2022).
