Actress Rocky Parker gained widespread recognition through her relationship with Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey. A notable aspect of their marriage was the significant age difference between them. However, their relationship ultimately faced challenges, leading to a tumultuous divorce.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Rochelle Natalie Parker |
| Nickname | Rocky |
| Gender | Female |
| Birthdate | 26th February 1940 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Age | 74 years (at the time of death) |
| Date of death | 19th April 2014 |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Cause of death | Lung cancer |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Parents | Bernard and Shirley Parker |
| Height | 5’7″ |
| Eye color | Green |
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Children | David, Corey, and Noelle |
| Education | Martin Buren High School |
| Profession | Model, actress, TV personality, entrepreneur |
Reports on Rocky Parker’s Marriage and Misunderstandings
Recent reports have inaccurately claimed that Rocky Parker married her son’s best friend. Patrick Dempsey, her husband at the time, later clarified that his friendship with her son began after their romantic involvement. The couple’s divorce was not due to their age difference, as Rocky was significantly older than Patrick. Although she had much to say about Patrick in the divorce documents, she later admitted that some of her allegations were false.
Who is Rocky Parker?
Rochelle Natalie Parker, known as Rocky Parker, was an accomplished actress, model, and entrepreneur. She gained fame for her high-profile marriage to Patrick Dempsey, which drew media attention due to their 26-year age gap and subsequent contentious divorce.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on February 26, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Rocky Parker was the daughter of Bernard and Shirley Parker. Her mother was an actress known for films like The Minx and Mission Mars. Rocky grew up on Hopkinson Avenue and attended Martin Buren High School in Bayside, Queens, but it remains unclear whether she pursued further education.
How Old Was Rocky Parker When She Died?
Rocky Parker celebrated her 74th birthday before passing away on April 19, 2014.
Career History
Rocky Parker’s early exposure to the entertainment industry came from her celebrity-filled upbringing. Her aunt Ida, who worked at Movie Star Slips, frequently brought her props and costumes. These experiences sparked her interest in acting, leading her to audition for the High School Performing Arts in Manhattan. Despite initially abandoning her dreams due to her mother’s disapproval, she returned to acting after turning 17.
Rocky also embarked on a modeling career, appearing in magazines like True Romance and participating in the Virginia Slim campaign, “You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby.”
Filmography
Rocky Parker’s film career includes various roles, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes:
- 1987: Can’t Buy Me Love (Additional Crew)
- 1987: In the Mood (Actress)
- 1988: Some Girls (Additional Crew)
- 1989: Happy Together (Actress)
- 1994: Ava’s Magical Adventure (Director)
- 2002: Hung Up on Elena (Actress)
- 2008: The Rainbow Tribe (Actress)
Who Was Rocky Parker’s Spouse?
Rocky Parker married Sheldon Leonard Stein on August 21, 1958, and had her first child, David Alan Stein (also known as David Parker), on August 4, 1959, at the age of 19. After their marriage ended, she wed John Hass in 1964 and welcomed her second child, Corel Parker Hass, on July 8, 1965. Following John’s passing in 1968, Rocky had her third child, Noelle Parker, with Nick Ferri on December 25, 1971, though this relationship did not culminate in marriage.
Rocky later married Patrick Dempsey in August 1987, but they did not have children together.
Rocky Parker’s Relationship with Patrick Dempsey
Rocky Parker and Patrick Dempsey met while working on the play Brighton Beach Memoirs in 1984, where she played his aunt and he was 18. Their relationship blossomed as Dempsey asked Parker to be his manager, and they began dating, leading to their marriage in August 1987.
What Was Rocky Parker’s Age When She Married Patrick Dempsey?
Rocky was 48 years old and Patrick was 21 when they tied the knot. While some reports suggested that Patrick married his best friend’s mother, he clarified that he became best friends with Rocky’s son, Corey, only after their romantic relationship began.
Why Did Patrick Dempsey Marry Rocky Parker?
Patrick fell in love with Rocky and appreciated their age difference. He sought a partner with life experience to help him navigate his career. They kept their marriage private for two years due to concerns about public scrutiny regarding their age gap, her role as his manager, and her children being older than him.
Patrick Dempsey and Rocky Parker’s Divorce
In 1991, Rocky filed for divorce after four years of marriage, citing domestic violence. She accused Patrick of slamming a van door on her finger and assaulting her during the filming of Can’t Buy Me Love. Rocky alleged that Dempsey’s actions stemmed from a desire to see what it was like to hurt a woman. She claimed she sacrificed her career to support Dempsey and struggled with her mental health during their marriage, stating that she was on antidepressants and saw a psychiatrist regularly.
Rumors also circulated about Dempsey’s infidelity while married to Rocky. However, she later recanted her domestic violence allegations in 2006, admitting to the National Enquirer that she had lied. Ultimately, their divorce was finalized in 1994, with Rocky reportedly receiving $9,000 in monthly spousal support and a BMW convertible. Patrick described their marriage as a nightmare.
Does Patrick Dempsey Have Children?
Yes, Patrick Dempsey has three children with his wife, Jillian Fink: daughter Talula Fyfe, 22, and twin sons Sullivan Patrick and Darby Gallen, 17. The couple met when Jillian cut his hair and initially dated other people before their romance blossomed. They married on July 31, 1999, after two years of dating. Although Jillian filed for divorce in January 2015, they reconciled a year later, with Patrick making sacrifices to strengthen their marriage. Jillian launched her skincare brand in 2014, and Patrick actively supports her career, even modeling for her beauty campaigns.
What Happened to Rocky Parker?
Rocky Parker passed away on April 19, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. Her obituary revealed that she battled stage four throat and lung cancer.
What Was Rocky Parker’s Cause of Death?
Rocky died from cancer, likely related to her long-standing smoking habit.
Rocky Parker’s Funeral
According to her wishes, Rocky Parker’s ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean near her home in Santa Monica.
Rocky Parker’s Net Worth
Estimates of Rocky Parker’s net worth at the time of her death range between $1 million and $7 million.
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