Actor Corey Parker Passes Away at 60

Corey Parker, the actor best known for playing Josh, Grace Adler’s laid-back boyfriend on the original Will & Grace, and for roles in the Friday the 13th films, has passed away at the age of 60.

His passing was confirmed by his aunt, Emily Parker, who said he died Thursday in Memphis after a battle with cancer. Although the official cause of death has not been publicly released, an online fundraising page noted Parker had been contending with stage 4 metastatic cancer and had recently shared that he was preparing for hospice care.

“Parker has left us, this earth, this reality, finally to rest,” wrote BGB Studio, where he taught for several years. His sister Noelle reflected, “I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love.”

Born in New York, Parker began acting at just five years old. By age 14, he was studying with instructors from the Actors’ Studio, later graduating from Manhattan’s High School of Performing Arts. At 20, he became one of the youngest members ever accepted into the Actors’ Studio.

His career spanned film, television, and stage. Parker appeared as Pete in Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985), and in Biloxi Blues (1988) alongside Christopher Walken and Matthew Broderick. On TV, he had memorable roles including Dr. John Morgan on Love Boat: The Next Wave (1998–1999), a 22-episode run on Flying Blind (1992–1993), and notably as Josh in Will & Grace.

Parker was also a dedicated stage performer, taking part in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, and was an active member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre.