Actor Corey Parker, who appeared in the hit sitcom Will & Grace and a range of film and television projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 60 after battling cancer.
The performer passed away Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, according to a family member.
His aunt Emily Parker confirmed the news of his death to TMZ, though the specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed.
His sister Noelle took to Instagram to share a moving tribute, writing, ‘I believe he left this world weightless, at peace & surrounded with love.’
She continued, ‘We celebrate your incredible talent, your unparalleled passion and joy in your work and in your family, your immense gift for teaching, your generosity, and your love.
‘All our lives are so much richer for knowing you, and you live on in each of us, and in everything you gifted and inspired in us… forever.’
Actor Corey Parker, who appeared in the hit sitcom Will & Grace and a range of film and television projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 60 after battling cancer
The performer passed away Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee , according to a family member
Parker built a steady career in Hollywood after first emerging in the mid-1980s.
One of his earliest screen appearances came in the cult horror sequel Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning, where he played the character Pete.
He soon followed that role with a small part in the romantic drama 9½ Weeks, which starred Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke.
Television audiences later got to know Parker when he landed a lead role in the short-lived sitcom Flying Blind.
In the series, he portrayed Neil Barash, a socially awkward young man navigating life and romance opposite Téa Leoni’s free-spirited Alicia.
Although the show ran for only one season, it featured a number of familiar faces including Lisa Kudrow.
Parker later appeared on the popular NBC comedy Will & Grace, playing Josh – one of Grace Adler’s boyfriends – in several episodes of the show.
Across his decades-long career, the actor picked up credits in numerous television programs and films, including Biloxi Blues, White Palace, Love Boat: The Next Wave, Nashville and Blue Skies.
Television audiences later got to know Parker when he landed a lead role in the short-lived sitcom Flying Blind with Tea Leoni
Parker later appeared on the popular NBC comedy Will & Grace, playing Josh – one of Grace Adler’s boyfriends – in several episodes of the show
Parker’s mother, Rocky Parker, was also an actress and was previously married to actor Patrick Dempsey in the late 1980s and early 1990s
In recent years, Parker shifted away from acting and focused on mentoring younger performers, working as an acting coach on projects such as Sun Records and the Marvel series Ms. Marvel.
Parker’s mother, Rocky Parker, was also an actress and was previously married to actor Patrick Dempsey in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
His sister Noelle also worked in the entertainment industry.
Rocky Parker died in 2014.