American actor, Corey Parker, best known for his roles in Will & Grace, Friday the 13th and Biloxi Blues, died on March 5, 2026. He was 60 years old when he breathed his last in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a respected figure in the acting community, not only for his screen performances but also as a dedicated acting coach. Following his demise, his fans and industry acquaintances have been sharing tributes, remembering him for his iconic roles. Here’s everything we know about the reason for the veteran star’s death.

What caused Corey Parker’s death?

Corey Parker passed away following a brave fight against terminal cancer, as reported by several media outlets like PEOPLE. While the actor’s family, including his sister, Noelle and aunt, Emily Parker, confirmed his passing in Memphis, Tennessee, the specific type of cancer he was diagnosed with was not mentioned in the statement. However, before his death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by his students and friends to support him after learning he had advanced-stage 4 metastatic cancer. As per the fundraising page, the actor discovered the cancer after he underwent hip replacement surgery.

Who was Corey Parker? All about his life and career as an actor

Corey Parker was an American actor whose career spanned decades across film and television. Born as Corey Parker Haas on July 8, 1965, in New York City, he was the son of actress, Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Natalie Parker and John David Haas. Corey was briefly the step-son of actor, Patrick Dempsey, who was married to his mother from 1987 to 1994. Encouraged by his mother, he began working as an actor at age five, according to his IMDb page. Corey attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and began training at the Actors Studio by age 14. He later became a lifetime member of both the Actors Studio and the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York and Los Angeles.

Among his most notable film roles, Corey played ‘Pete’ in Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985). He will also be remembered for starring as ‘Arnold B. Epstein’ in the film adaptation of Biloxi Blues (1988). He played leading roles in comedies like How I Got into College Big Man on Campus and made appearances in 9½ Weeks and White Palace. Corey Parker’s notable television roles include ‘Josh’ on Will & Grace (2000), ‘Dr John Morgan’ on Love Boat: The Next Wave (1998–1999), and ‘Neil Barash’ on the sitcom, Flying Blind (1992–1993).

Corey Parker’s transition from actor to acting coach

Corey Parker’s shift from full-time acting to coaching was reportedly sparked by requests from friends and peers. His formal entry into teaching was facilitated by his own mentor, Susan Batson, who “threw him in” to lead an advanced class in New York around late 1999, according to his interview with Vicki Green. At first, Corey “didn’t feel comfortable playing that role”; however, with time, he realised how he was meant for it. According to him, he was extremely caring toward his students and felt that he deserved the same level of care from some of his previous coaches.

Corey shared that he was very “protective” of his mentees, and after realising how invested he was in teaching them acting, he understood that it was what he was meant to do. Corey finally found joy and “value” in the act and decided to pursue it as a full-time career. Regarding that, he stated:

“I had friends who would suggest that I start doing it, but I really didn’t feel comfortable playing that role. It was my teacher, Susan Batson, who at one point around late 1999, when I was in New York, asked me if I wanted to teach, and I said I really didn’t think so…Once I got started, I realised that my teacher was right and that my friends were right, and that there’s value for me in doing this thing. I love doing it.”

As the talented actor and acting coach passes away, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Corey Parker’s family.

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