Corey Haim

Corey Haim (December 23, 1971 – March 10, 2010)

Corey Haim, the Canadian-born actor who became one of the most recognizable teen idols of the 1980s through a string of hit films and his on-screen partnership with Corey Feldman, died on March 10, 2010, in Burbank, California, at the age of 38. His death was attributed to pneumonia, with no illegal drugs found in his system, though years of struggling with addiction had taken a toll on his health and career.

Born Corey Ian Haim in Toronto, Ontario, he was the son of Judy, a data processor, and Bernie Haim, a sales representative. Initially more interested in sports than performing, Haim was introduced to acting by his mother and began appearing in commercials and minor television roles as a child. His breakthrough came at age 13 with the critically acclaimed film Lucas (1986), in which he portrayed a sensitive, awkward teenager navigating first love and bullying—a performance that revealed his natural vulnerability and charm.

Haim’s career took off when he starred in the 1987 cult classic The Lost Boys, playing Sam Emerson, a witty and fearless younger brother caught up in a battle against vampires. The film not only cemented his place in pop culture but also marked the beginning of his professional pairing with fellow teen star Corey Feldman. Dubbed “The Two Coreys,” the duo went on to co-star in several films, including License to Drive (1988) and Dream a Little Dream (1989), becoming symbols of the 1980s teen movie era.

Off-screen, Haim’s boyish looks, affable personality, and magnetic screen presence made him a fan favorite. However, the pressures of early fame, combined with access to Hollywood’s party culture, led to substance abuse issues that would shadow much of his adult life. While he continued to work through the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in independent films and reality television, including The Two Coreys (2007–2008), his career never fully regained the momentum of his youth.

Despite his personal struggles, Haim was remembered by friends and collaborators as a kind, generous, and deeply sensitive soul who loved making people laugh. Fans recall his openness with admirers, often spending hours signing autographs and sharing stories at conventions and public events. His work, especially in The Lost Boys, remains beloved by audiences who grew up watching him on screen.

Corey Haim is survived by his mother, Judy Haim, his sister, Cari, and a devoted fan base that continues to celebrate his life and legacy. In Toronto, he is remembered as a hometown boy whose talent took him to Hollywood, and whose story remains both inspiring and bittersweet.

Corey Haim was laid to rest at Pardes Shalom Cemetery in Maple, Ontario, Canada, in a funeral attended by family, friends, and fans, bringing him back to the country where his journey began.