Understanding the grief and health concerns behind celebrity deaths
The death of a celebrity often triggers collective mourning and, for some, serious health concerns. Here’s why it happens and how to take care of yourself.
Actor Corey Parker, known for his recurring role on the sitcom “Will & Grace,” has died. He was 60 years old.
Parker, who also worked as an acting coach, passed away after a battle with terminal cancer, his agent Chris Ahuja confirmed to People on Saturday, March 7. Parker’s aunt, Emily Parker, told TMZ that Parker passed away on Thursday, March 5th.
According to a GoFundMe set up for the actor in 2025, Parker was previously diagnosed with stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer following hip replacement surgery.
“Corey Parker was an incredible human being,” Ahuja told People. “He was a friend, a mentor, and a deep supporter of many in the acting world.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Parker’s representatives for comment.
Parker, the son of actress Rochelle Natalie “Rocky” Parker, was born in New York City in July 1965. Following in his mother’s footsteps, Parker began his acting career at an early age, appearing in television commercials at the age of four.
As a teenager, Parker further honed his acting talent at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts. He then joined the professional training organizations Actors Studio and Ensemble Studio Theater.
Parker received his first major acting credit in 1983 when he appeared in an episode of the CBS soap opera “As the World Turns.” The following year, he made his silver screen debut in the horror film Scream for Help. Parker also starred in 1985’s Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, a sequel to the iconic slasher horror series.
Parker expanded his showbiz career through the ’80s and ’90s, landing several film and television roles, including the military drama “Biloxi Blues” (1988), the romantic comedy “How I Got to College” (1989), the Tea Leoni-starring sitcom “Flying Blind” (1992-93), and the “Love Boat” spin-off “The Love Boat: The Next.” Wave” (1998-99).
He joined the cast of the show’s second season, “Will & Grace,” in 2000, playing Josh, the sensitive health coach boyfriend of Grace Adler, played by Debra Messing.
Parker appeared in five episodes of NBC’s hit comedy, ending her stint in the season 3 premiere after Grace was torn and conflicted between her relationship with Josh and her new boyfriend Ben (Gregory Hines). However, Josh and Grace’s romance soon comes to an end after Grace discovers that she is dating her friend Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes).
‘Will & Grace’ star Debra Messing calls Corey Parker’s death a ‘tragic loss’
Messing, who played Parker’s girlfriend on “Will & Grace,” paid tribute to the late actor in a post on her Instagram Story on Sunday.
“So sad,” Messing wrote. “Corey was so kind. He was so sweet. What a tragic loss. Love to everyone who loved him.”
Corey Parker becomes acting teacher later in career
In addition to his on-screen acting career, Parker also worked behind the scenes as an acting coach.
The veteran actor has been a guest artist at both Rhodes University in Tennessee and the University of Memphis, as well as guest lecturer at HB Studios in New York City.
In the television world, Parker became the official acting coach for CMT’s drama miniseries Sun Records, which was released in 2017. He also served as a coach on the 2022 Disney+ miniseries Ms. Marvel.
“When I announced that I would have to take a break from teaching, I had no idea what was going to happen,” Parker previously wrote to students on his GoFundMe page. “What’s surprising to me, and perhaps to you as well, is the realization that we are the only group, the only class like us.”
“We have such a strong bond and it was so moving to realize that we are unique,” Parker continued. “Life is certainly full of mysteries, but continuing to explore the unknown and commit to a creative journey no matter what is a form of open-mindedness that forever invites possibilities and further growth.”
Contributor: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
