25 favorite ’80s and ’90s teenage heartthrobs and what they’re doing now
By Sundi Rose
Corey Haim
What made him a heartthrob: I can’t remember a time during the ’80s that Corey Haim wasn’t dominating the popular culture. It was just like he came out of the womb being a dreamboat, even when he was just a cute little kid. We first met him in the 1986 heartstrings-tugger Lucas. He played a nerdy little outcast who develops a crush on a girl. It’s really super sweet.
He went on to star in the filmography of every ’80s baby’s life, including Lost Boys, License to Drive, and Dream a Little Dream. He was also half of the two Corey team, the other including Corey Feldman. You could immediately understand a person’s whole deal by which Corey they loved.
Like so many sad stories about child actors, Corey Haim died far too early. He succumbed to a decades-long battle with drugs and alcohol in 2010. He tried to parlay his success as a young actor into adult success, but he never quite found his way back. This rejection, coupled with his addictions, proved too much for the actor.
Corey at this best: I loved Lucas more than I can communicate to you in words. I loved it before I could even understand what it was about, and I certainly love it now as an adult. It’s one of those movies that is universally adored, and you’ll have to watch it find out why.