Canadian actor Corey Haim shot to fame as a child actor in the 1980’s, but descended just as quickly into a life of drug abuse in Hollywood in the 90s.
Despite statements in recent years that he was winning his battle with drugs, the actor’s prediction in 2007 that he would be a “chronic relapser for the rest of [his] life” proved to be true. On Wednesday, he died in hospital of an apparent drug overdose.
Haim was born in Toronto on Dec. 23, 1971, to Julia and Bernie Haim.
His mother enrolled him in acting classes to help him get over his shyness, but as a child, Haim also played hockey, played the keyboard and collected comic books. His parents divorced when he was 11 years old.
According to his website, Haim aspired to be a professional hockey player, but while accompanying his older sister Carol on acting auditions, he was bitten by the acting bug himself.
His debut was in a 1982 Canadian family television series called The Edison Twins. Two years later, Haim appeared in his first film, Firstborn, alongside Hollywood stars Robert Downey Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker and Teri Garr.
Haim appeared in several movies in 1985, including Secret Admirer, Murphy’s Romance, and Silver Bullet.
He also starred in a television movie that year called A Time to Live, portraying a child suffering from muscular dystrophy, for which he was given a Young Artist Award.
Haim landed a breakthrough part in 1986 in the film Lucas, playing the title role alongside Winona Ryder. He won critical acclaim for his work,
He followed that by starring in the movie, The Lost Boys, with Kiefer Sutherland. The movie was his first pairing with fellow child actor Corey Feldman. The two developed a close friendship and worked together in seven films, including License to Drive (1988), Dream a Little Dream (1989) and the 2008 Lost Boys sequel Lost Boys: The Tribe.
Speculation arose about Haim’s drug use in 1989, prompting the actor to release a documentary video entitled Corey Haim: Me, Myself and I, in which he discussed his career and lifestyle. In the video, he expressed interest in pursuing the writing and directing aspects of film.
In the video, the 17-year-old actor doled out advice to young people. “I know it’s easy to get off track,” he says. “Some of you, like me, don’t have Mom and Dads to bring you up. I mean let’s face it, it’s tough being a kid. So be smart, don’t get messed up. Stay in school and be anybody you want to be.”
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In later years, Haim struggled to match his early success. He appeared in a series of direct-to-video releases in the 90s, and struggled with drug problems.
In a 1995 interview with Canwest News Service, Haim looked back with fondness on his status in the ’80s. “They called me “˜Hollywood’s bad boy,’ “ he said with a hint of pride.
“I pushed the envelope one too many times. So I had a long vacation. A long, long, long vacation. Now I’m off vacation and I want to get back to work. I’m on track to get there. I’m going to bow down to the gods in a way I’ve never done before.”
But Haim’s substance abuse problems continued, and he was in and out of rehab as his financial problems piled up. He filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1997, citing medical expenses and over $200,000 owed in state and federal taxes.
In a 2004 interview with The Sun newspaper in Britain, he spoke about his drug abuse, and said he had been to rehab 15 times.
He appeared in an A&E reality series with Feldman in 2007 and 2008. The Two Coreys was cancelled after two seasons. Feldman said in a 2008 interview that Haim would not be a part of his life until he was clean and sober.
Earlier this year, Haim’s website promoted his new film, which was shot in New Brunswick. The film, American Sunset, due to be released later this year, was described as Haim’s “big comeback to movies.”
Just three weeks ago, Haim and Feldman were spotted together in Hollywood by TMZ. When asked if he was maintaining his sobriety, Haim told the outlet he’s “been good for awhile,” and appeared to be excited about several upcoming projects.
“I’ve got a whole bunch of things coming up, man,” he said. “I’m directing for the first time… I’ve got a few things happening.”
With files from Canwest News Service
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