Corey Haim (December 23 1971 – March 10 2010) was a Canadian actor best known for his work in teen-oriented films of the 1980s. He achieved early fame as a child actor and became a cultural icon of the era’s youth cinema.
Early life and education
Haim was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents Leona (née Dubois) and Bernie Haim, a Canadian film director and sculptor. He attended a private school in Toronto before his family relocated to Los Angeles in the early 1980s to pursue acting opportunities for both him and his older brother, actor Corey Feldman.
Career
1980s
- “The Lost Boys” (1987) – Haim portrayed Sam Emerson, a central character in this cult horror-comedy, opposite his brother Feldman, which cemented his status as a teen idol.
- “License to Drive” (1988) – He starred as Scott Clarke, a teenage driver who fails his driving test, showcasing his comedic timing.
- “Dream a Little Dream” (1989) – Haim played Bobby Keller, a teenager whose body is swapped with that of an older man, further solidifying his presence in youth-oriented narratives.
1990s and later
During the 1990s, Haim’s on-screen appearances declined, with occasional roles in television series and low‑budget films. Notable entries include guest spots on series such as “The Simpsons” (voice work) and minor roles in independent productions.
Personal life and health
Haim’s career was affected by recurrent substance‑abuse problems, which began in his teenage years. He entered various rehabilitation programs throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In the years preceding his death, Haim experienced multiple health complications, including respiratory infections.
Death
Corey Haim died on March 10 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at the age of 38. The official cause of death was pneumonia, compounded by drug‑related health issues.
Legacy
Despite a brief period of peak popularity, Haim remains a recognizable figure of 1980s popular culture. His performances in The Lost Boys and other teen films continue to be referenced in retrospectives of the era’s cinema. Posthumously, his life and career have been examined in documentaries and biographies that discuss the challenges faced by child actors in the entertainment industry.