Corey Parker, the beloved actor known for his role as Josh in the hit sitcom Will & Grace, has passed away at age 60 in Memphis following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Emily Parker, his aunt, shared the heartbreaking news. Parker portrayed the romantic interest of Grace Adler, played by Debra Messing, in several episodes of the popular series.
Extensive Career Highlights
Parker built an impressive resume across television and film. Early in his career, he appeared in the horror flick Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning as Pete. He also featured in the erotic drama 9 1/2 Weeks alongside Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke, and starred in the 1989 romantic comedy How I Got Into College with Lara Flynn Boyle.
Television roles included the BBC production The Lost Language of Cranes in the 1990s and Flying Blind opposite Tea Leoni. More recently, he contributed to the Marvel series Ms. Marvel, mentoring young performers while taking on acting duties.
Final Health Struggles
Parker faced advanced stage 4 metastatic cancer, which left him without health coverage from his performers’ union. Friends, drama pupils, and supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $57,000 to cover medical bills and support his family.
The campaign message highlights his extreme pain and inability to work: “Corey is in extreme pain and unable to continue working during this time. His family is now navigating the financial strain of self-pay medical bills, whilst continuing to work full-time, all whilst supporting Corey as he fights this battle.”
It adds, “We love this man, this artist, this teacher. There is no one like him. This situation feels like a bad dream, and we can only imagine the challenges his family is facing right now.”
Just before his death, Parker underwent hip replacement surgery, which affected his speech. He shared, “It is hard for me to text and not easy to formulate speech.”
Fans Mourn the Loss
Devastated fans took to social media to express their grief. One wrote, “That’s so sad. I was obsessed with Will & Grace. May his soul rest in peace and God comfort his family and friends.”
Another recalled, “I remember Corey Parker from How I Got Into College. It’s been years since I’ve seen it, but he was funny. May he rest well.”
