50 Facts About Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman's Early Life and Career Beginnings

Corey Feldman, a name synonymous with 1980s Hollywood, began his journey in the entertainment industry at a very young age. His early life was marked by both promise and challenges, setting the stage for a career filled with highs and lows.

1. Corey Scott Feldman was born on July 16, 1971, in Reseda, California. His parents were Bob Feldman, a record producer, and Sheila Feldman, a cocktail waitress.

2. Raised Jewish, Feldman has spoken about the challenges of his home life, including his father's absence and his mother's strict parenting.

3. At just three years old, Feldman began his acting career with a McDonald's commercial, marking the start of his journey in showbiz.

4. Over 100 television commercials and 50 television series featured Feldman, including popular shows like Mork & Mindy, Eight Is Enough, and Cheers.

Breakthrough Roles and The Two Coreys

Feldman's rise to fame was meteoric, with several iconic roles that defined his career. His partnership with Corey Haim became a cultural phenomenon, earning them the nickname "The Two Coreys."

5. Breakthrough roles came in the mid-1980s with films like Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984), Gremlins (1984), The Goonies (1985), and Stand by Me (1986).

6. In Stand by Me, Feldman played Teddy Duchamp, a role that earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a talented young actor.

7. The Lost Boys (1987) saw Feldman collaborate with Corey Haim, marking the beginning of their on-screen partnership.

8. Feldman and Haim became close friends on the set of The Lost Boys, leading to several films together, including License to Drive (1988) and Dream a Little Dream (1989).

Personal Struggles and Emancipation

Despite his professional success, Feldman's personal life was fraught with challenges. His experiences in Hollywood were not without their dark moments.

9. Feldman revealed in his 2013 memoir Coreyography that he was abused by his mother and molested by men in the entertainment industry.

10. At 15, Feldman was declared legally emancipated from his parents due to financial struggles and difficulties at home.

11. As an adult, Feldman experienced diminishing success in the film industry, partly due to personal conflicts with Haim and Michael Jackson.

Music Career and Corey’s Angels

Beyond acting, Feldman explored his passion for music. His ventures into the music world were as eclectic as his acting roles.

12. Feldman released six albums, including Love Left (1992), Still Searching for Soul (1999), and Angelic 2 the Core (2016).

13. In 2013, Feldman became an internet sensation with Corey’s Angels, a project merging his acting and music careers with socializing.

Advocacy and Legacy in Hollywood

Feldman's experiences in Hollywood have fueled his advocacy work, making him a significant figure in raising awareness about child abuse in the industry.

14. Feldman has been outspoken about the child abuse he suffered, claiming he and Haim were given drugs and used for sex by major Hollywood figures.

15. Despite his struggles, Feldman remains a significant figure in Hollywood, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Young Entertainer Awards in 2018.

16. In 2013, Feldman released his memoir Coreyography, detailing his early life, struggles with addiction, and the abuse he suffered.

17. Feldman has faced public scrutiny over his personal life, including his involvement with Corey’s Angels and accusations of sexual misconduct.

Influence of Michael Jackson and Addiction Struggles

Feldman's relationship with Michael Jackson and his battles with addiction have been pivotal in his life story.

18. Michael Jackson had a profound influence on Feldman, who studied Jackson’s dance moves and fashion style.

19. Feldman has been open about his struggles with addiction, which were exacerbated by the pressures of fame and the traumas he experienced.

20. In 1995, Feldman cleaned up from his addiction, but his career never fully recovered from the setbacks he experienced.

Legal Issues and Philanthropy

Navigating legal challenges and giving back to the community have been part of Feldman's journey.

21. Feldman has been involved in various legal issues, including drug-related charges and allegations of sexual misconduct.

22. Despite personal struggles, Feldman has supported organizations that help victims of child abuse and has spoken out against exploitation in the entertainment industry.

Current Projects and Enduring Legacy

Feldman continues to work on various projects, using his platform to advocate for change and raise awareness about important issues.

23. In recent years, Feldman has continued to work on music and acting projects, while also being involved in advocacy work.

24. Director Jordan Peele has praised Feldman, calling him "one of the greatest teen icons of all time."

25. In October 2019, Feldman appeared in an episode of Marriage Boot Camp, marking another chapter in his ongoing efforts to address personal issues.

26. In 2005, Feldman starred in the Off-Broadway play Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

27. Corey Haim passed away in 2010 at the age of 38, and Feldman has spoken publicly about the impact of Haim’s death on his life.

28. Feldman has been vocal about the sexual abuse he and Haim suffered, claiming they were raped by major Hollywood figures.

29. Feldman appeared in the music video for Moby's single "We Are All Made of Stars," highlighting his ability to transition between acting and music.

30. In 1999, Feldman released his second album Still Searching for Soul with his band, Corey Feldman's Truth Movement.

31. In 2002, Feldman released a solo album titled Former Child Actor, promoted with a US tour.

32. In 2014, Feldman married Courtney Anne Mitchell, a former Corey’s Angel, marking a new chapter in his personal life.

33. Feldman has described his early acting career as "child slavery," believing that children are often exploited in the entertainment industry.

34. Director Rob Reiner has spoken about Feldman’s pain and suffering, noting that Feldman never let anyone know about his struggles.

35. Producer Richard Donner mentioned that he never realized the degree of Corey’s suffering, highlighting the lack of awareness about child abuse in Hollywood.

36. Feldman’s mother, Sheila, played a significant role in his early career, with actions that have been criticized as exploitative.

37. Feldman’s father, Bob, was largely absent during his childhood, contributing to Feldman’s feelings of insecurity.

38. Corey Haim confided in Feldman that his rapist had told him: 'If you want to be in this business, you have to do these things.'

39. Steven Spielberg, who directed many of the films Feldman starred in, has been criticized for his handling of child actors.

40. Feldman has noted that cocaine use was widespread in Hollywood during the 1980s, speaking about how many people were publicized for their drug use.

41. Corey Haim’s addiction issues were well-documented, affecting their friendship and career.

42. In 1995, Feldman cleaned up from his addiction, but his career never fully recovered from the setbacks he experienced.

43. Feldman has faced numerous public image issues over the years, with mixed reactions to his attempts to reinvent himself.

44. In April 2018, Feldman was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Young Entertainer Awards.

45. In January 2012, Feldman joined the British television series Dancing on Ice, showcasing his ability to transition between acting and reality TV.

46. Feldman’s memoir Coreyography provides a comprehensive look at his struggles with addiction and as a victim of Hollywood child sexual abuse.

47. Feldman and Haim were hosts of a weekly underage party night for Hollywood Youth called Alphys Soda Pop Club.

48. At 15, Feldman was declared legally emancipated from his parents due to financial struggles and difficulties at home.

49. Despite controversies, Corey Feldman remains an enduring figure in Hollywood, with a legacy extending beyond his acting career.

50. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing child abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry.

Corey Feldman's Impact and Resilience

Corey Feldman's life is a whirlwind of ups and downs, a true reflection of the challenges faced by child stars. From his early days in commercials to iconic roles in The Goonies and Stand by Me, Feldman became a household name. Yet, behind the scenes, he battled personal demons, including abuse and addiction, which he bravely revealed in his memoir Coreyography. Despite these struggles, Feldman has shown resilience, using his experiences to advocate against child exploitation in Hollywood. His friendship with Corey Haim, marked by both camaraderie and tragedy, remains a poignant chapter in his story. Feldman's ventures into music and reality TV, along with his advocacy work, highlight his enduring influence. Through it all, Corey Feldman stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, leaving a lasting legacy in both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.