Corey Parker, an American actor best known for his role in the long-running sitcom Will & Grace, has died aged 60.
His aunt, Emily Parker, confirmed he had died on Thursday, March 5, at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
Parker underwent a hip replacement last year after being diagnosed with an advanced stage four metastatic cancer.
His last update to fans was a few weeks ago, sharing: ‘The radiation that was intended to reduce the pain from the cancer in my arm and in my hips did help to reduce the pain in those areas but also impacted my oesophagus, my ability to speak and my overall orientation.’
Parker explained it was ‘hard to text’ and he struggled to ‘formulate speech’, revealing they had begun preparations for ‘hospice care’.
As well as a recurring role as Josh, one of Grace’s boyfriends in Will & Grace, the actor was known for appearing in the Friday the 13th franchise.
Rising to fame in the 80s, he starred in Flying Blind, a cult classic sitcom that ran for one season, featuring other soon-to-be stars like Lisa Kudrow.
He took on a central role as the awkward nerd, who meets chaotic Alicia (Téa Leoni), and the pair begin dating with all the usual 90s hijinks ensuing.
In his later life, he worked as an acting coach, including on the Marvel Universe TV show Ms Marvel and Sun Records.
Parker came from an acting family, with his sister Noelle appearing in Sisters and going on to become a producer behind the scenes.
His mum was Rocky Parker, who died in 2014, a film actress who married Patrick Dempsey in the 90s.
As with many actors recently, his family had set up a GoFundMe to pay for his medical bills before his death, as he had become ineligible for the SAG insurance.
The diagnosis ‘turned his family’s world upside down’, according to the fundraiser, which is hoping to raise $65,000 ($48.5K).
The fundraiser has reached over $59,000 (£44k), with Parker thanking fans for their generosity and ‘all of the love and care’.
He revealed in February that the ‘health insurance monthly premium is $1485′ (£1.1k), which they were struggling to pay.
‘We love this man, this artist, this teacher. There is no one like him,’ the family added.
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