Sadly, the man behind that remarkable legacy was Corey Parker, best known for his role on the hit sitcom Will & Grace. Parker passed away on March 5 in Memphis, Tennessee, after battling advanced metastatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family during his final moments.
His representative, Chris Ahuja, described Parker as “an incredible human being” who left a lasting mark on everyone he met. Friends say he faced his illness with courage and openness, even sharing updates about his condition in the final weeks of his life.
Born in New York City on July 8, 1965, Parker grew up in a family connected to the entertainment industry — his mother, Rochelle “Rocky” Parker, was an actress. It seemed almost destined that he would follow a similar path. In fact, he began appearing in television commercials at just four years old.
Over the years, Parker appeared in a wide range of projects, including Flying Blind, Thirtysomething, and Touched by an Angel. Film audiences also recognized him from roles in movies such as Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, Biloxi Blues, and 9½ Weeks. But it was his appearance as Grace’s boyfriend, Josh, on Will & Grace that many fans remember most.
Later in life, Parker shifted much of his focus to teaching. As an acting coach, he helped shape the careers of many young actors who would later go on to win major awards, including Emmys, SAG Awards, and Tony Awards. His students often described him not just as a teacher, but as someone who changed their lives.
Though Corey Parker is gone, the influence he had on the acting community — and the memories he created for fans — will live on for years to come.