What Happened to Corey Haim?

Corey Haim, born on December 23, 1971, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, quickly ascended to stardom in the 1980s, becoming a beloved teen heartthrob. His breakthrough performances in films like 'Lucas' (1986) and the cult classic 'The Lost Boys' (1987), where he co-starred with Corey Feldman, cemented his status as an icon of the era. The duo, affectionately known as 'The Two Coreys,' went on to appear in several other films, including 'License to Drive' (1988) and 'Dream a Little Dream' (1989).

However, Haim's early success came with significant personal challenges. He began struggling with substance abuse in his early teens, reportedly trying marijuana on the set of 'The Lost Boys' and later becoming addicted to prescription drugs. This addiction, which he attributed to the pressures and trauma of being a child actor, became a central and destructive force in his life. He underwent rehabilitation more than 15 times but often relapsed, famously calling himself 'a chronic relapser' in a 2007 interview.

The consequences of his addiction and financial mismanagement were severe. His career declined sharply in the 1990s, leading to fewer roles, primarily in direct-to-video films. By 1997, Haim filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing substantial debts for medical expenses and taxes, with his net worth dwindling to a mere $5,000 at the time of his death. An attempt at a comeback with the reality show 'The Two Coreys' (2007-2008) alongside Feldman, which documented their friendship and Haim's ongoing struggles, was ultimately canceled due to production complications related to his drug use.

Corey Haim died on March 10, 2010, at the age of 38, after collapsing at his home in Burbank, California. While initial reports speculated a drug overdose, the Los Angeles County coroner's office officially ruled his death as natural, caused by pneumonia complicated by an enlarged heart and narrowed blood vessels. Low levels of various drugs were found in his system, but they were not deemed to have acutely contributed to his death. The investigation also revealed that Haim had obtained over 500 prescription pills in the 32 days prior to his death, highlighting the pervasive issue of prescription drug abuse.

As of August 12, 2026, Corey Haim's legacy continues to resonate, serving as a poignant cautionary tale about the dark side of child stardom and the devastating impact of addiction. His story is frequently revisited in documentaries and discussions concerning the exploitation and lack of support systems for young actors in Hollywood. For instance, the 2017 Lifetime movie 'A Tale of Two Coreys' and the 2020 documentary 'My Truth: The Rape of Two Coreys' explored the alleged abuses he and Feldman faced. In a notable development in December 2025, Corey Feldman publicly retracted his claims that Haim had sexually molested him during the filming of 'The Lost Boys'. Posthumous earnings from streaming platforms and syndication deals continue to generate modest royalties for his estate, ensuring his work remains accessible to new generations.