Saturday, March 14, 2026

‘Will & Grace’ Actor Dies Aged 60

Corey Parker, an actor recognised for his roles in the television series Will & Grace and the film Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, has passed away at the age of 60. He died on Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, after being diagnosed with cancer, although the specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.

Parker’s friend, Risa Garcia, shared an emotional tribute, expressing her deep connection with him over 45 years. She reflected on their early days together in New York, highlighting his significant impact on her creative journey. She praised his talent, passion for acting, and dedication to teaching, stating that he enriched the lives of those around him. Garcia described him as a source of honesty and bravery in the arts.

Another friend, Noelle, also paid tribute, saying that Parker’s legacy will live on in everyone he influenced. She extended her sympathies to Parker’s family and all who were touched by his remarkable talent.

Parker was born on July 8, 1965, in New York City to actress Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Parker and John David Haas. He began his acting career at the age of four, performing in television commercials before attending New York’s High School of Performing Arts.

He made his television debut in 1983 and became well-known for various roles, including a recurring character as Grace’s boyfriend in Will & Grace. He also acted in slasher films, as well as in notable movies such as 9 1/2 Weeks and The Rainmaker. In addition to acting, Parker worked as an instructor and contributed to productions like CMT’s Sun Records and the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel.

Test Your Understanding

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
OFF

AccentSpeed

Diagnosed/ˈdaɪəɡnoʊzd/verb (past participle)
Identified by a doctor as having a particular illness or medical condition.

Disclosed/dɪsˈkloʊzd/verb
Made information known or revealed (often something previously private).

Tribute/ˈtrɪbjuːt/noun
A public expression of respect admiration or thanks given to someone especially after their death.

Legacy/ˈlɛɡəsi/noun
The lasting impact reputation or influence a person leaves behind after they die or after an event.

Recurring/rɪˈkɜːrɪŋ/adjective
Happening or appearing again repeatedly or at intervals (e.g. a character who appears in multiple episodes).

Slasher/ˈslæʃər/noun
A type of horror film characterized by violent attacks usually involving a killer who uses sharp weapons.

How much do you know?

What was Corey Parker's age at the time of his passing?
50
55
60
65
In which city did Corey Parker die?
Los Angeles
New York
Memphis
Nashville
Which television series featured Corey Parker as a recurring character?
Friends
Will & Grace
The Office
Frasier
Who shared an emotional tribute for Corey Parker?
John
Risa Garcia
Noelle
Rochelle
What was the title of the film in which Corey Parker starred?
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
9 1/2 Weeks
The Rainmaker
All of the above
At what age did Corey Parker begin his acting career?
2
4
6
10
Corey Parker's specific type of cancer was disclosed.
Risa Garcia knew Corey Parker for 30 years.
Corey Parker contributed to productions like CMT's Sun Records.
Corey Parker was born in Los Angeles.
Noelle expressed her condolences to Corey Parker's family.
Corey Parker made his television debut in 1985.
Corey Parker was born on July 8, in New York City.
Parker was known for his role in the film the 13th: A New Beginning.
He began his acting career at the age of in television commercials.
Risa Garcia reflected on their early days together in .
Corey Parker's legacy will live on in everyone he .
He attended New York's High School of Arts.
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
OFF
AccentSpeed
Diagnosed/ˈdaɪəɡnoʊzd/verb (past participle)
Identified by a doctor as having a particular illness or medical condition.
Disclosed/dɪsˈkloʊzd/verb
Made information known or revealed (often something previously private).
Tribute/ˈtrɪbjuːt/noun
A public expression of respect admiration or thanks given to someone especially after their death.
Legacy/ˈlɛɡəsi/noun
The lasting impact reputation or influence a person leaves behind after they die or after an event.
Recurring/rɪˈkɜːrɪŋ/adjective
Happening or appearing again repeatedly or at intervals (e.g. a character who appears in multiple episodes).
Slasher/ˈslæʃər/noun
A type of horror film characterized by violent attacks usually involving a killer who uses sharp weapons.

How much do you know?

What was Corey Parker's age at the time of his passing?
50
55
60
65
In which city did Corey Parker die?
Los Angeles
New York
Memphis
Nashville
Which television series featured Corey Parker as a recurring character?
Friends
Will & Grace
The Office
Frasier
Who shared an emotional tribute for Corey Parker?
John
Risa Garcia
Noelle
Rochelle
What was the title of the film in which Corey Parker starred?
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
9 1/2 Weeks
The Rainmaker
All of the above
At what age did Corey Parker begin his acting career?
2
4
6
10
Corey Parker's specific type of cancer was disclosed.
Risa Garcia knew Corey Parker for 30 years.
Corey Parker contributed to productions like CMT's Sun Records.
Corey Parker was born in Los Angeles.
Noelle expressed her condolences to Corey Parker's family.
Corey Parker made his television debut in 1985.
Corey Parker was born on July 8, in New York City.
Parker was known for his role in the film the 13th: A New Beginning.
He began his acting career at the age of in television commercials.
Risa Garcia reflected on their early days together in .
Corey Parker's legacy will live on in everyone he .
He attended New York's High School of Arts.
This question is required

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