Movies

Actor Corey Haim dead at 38

by Shadi Elien on March 10th, 2010 at 10:02 AM

Sad news, children of the 1980s—teen heartthrob Corey Haim has died at the age of 38.

Several news sites are reporting that the Toronto-born actor passed away early Wednesday morning (March 10) at a hospital in Burbank, California.

Haim’s acting career began at a young age with a role in the Canadian-made series The Edison Twins, which led to his breakthrough role as Lucas in the 1986 romantic comedy of the same name.

Haim’s boyish good looks and sweet demeanour attracted the likes of Hollywood moguls, and the shy boy from Toronto found himself with roles in '80s hits like The Lost Boys and License to Drive.

Both films also starred Corey Feldman, who became a frequent costar of Haim's. The pair became known as the “two Coreys”, providing endless swooning for teenage girls.

Haim has admitted to using drugs early in his career, and in a 2004 interview with Britain’s Sun newspaper, he said he smoked his first joint on the set of The Lost Boys. Haim struggled with substance abuse throughout his adult life and was constantly in and out of rehab.

Despite several attempts to resurrect his once bright star, Haim wasn’t successful in making his comeback. The actor’s hard and fast lifestyle was never more apparent than in the tragic A&E reality show The Two Coreys, filmed in Vancouver and starring his former costar Feldman.

The news of his death is confirmed on Haim’s Web site, which also directs people who want to leave a message to his MySpace page.


Watch Corey Haim in a scene from The Lost Boys.

Comments

3 Comments

Kate R.

Mar 11, 2010 at 3:35pm

RE: teen heartthrob Corey Haim has died of a drug overdose at age 38.

May I remind the author that the cause of death has yet to be determined? It shall take weeks for toxicology results to indicate the cause of Haim's death. Until then, publishing unfounded conclusions & suppositions is not only irresponsible journalism, but borders on libel.

Yes, Haim was an addict who long-struggled with addiction. Yes, it is possible that his death was the result of accidental overdose. However, until such time as toxicology results prove the cause of death, it is unethical to assume the role of coroner, pathologist, and lab technician.

Kindly note that Haim's mother was contacted today, and was informed that her son suffered from pulmonary edema. Yes, pulmonary edema can result from heroin overdose, but the author (and other fly-by-night pathologists) do not know Haim's medical history, the status of his health before death, nor whether he'd suffered a relapse.

Regardless of the cause of death, his struggles in life were sad, and his death at 38, tragic. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and important to many people. Please don't define his character by his illness.

Charlie Smith

Mar 11, 2010 at 4:22pm

Kate R.,
Thank you very much for your comment. I have adjusted the copy to address your concern about the cause of death.
Charlie Smith
Editor
Georgia Straight