From Montreal Beginnings to Hollywood Dream
Corey Haim and I shared the same hometown: Montreal. In 1998, our paths crossed when I booked one of my very first acting roles in a film called Universal Groove. At the time, I was just dipping my toes into acting. I hadn’t trained formally or discovered the Meisner technique that would later shape my career, and the idea of moving to Hollywood wasn’t even on my radar. Booking a role in Montreal felt like a dream come true.
Corey, on the other hand, was already a well-known star. He flew in from Los Angeles to shoot the movie, bringing with him an aura of fame that felt almost surreal.
On Set with Corey: An Early Experience
Corey’s mother accompanied him on set, always by his side. I remember him asking her to get him a banana, which struck me as unusual at the time. I didn’t understand the dynamics of “momagers” or the role family could play in a young star’s career.
Our interactions were limited, and in hindsight, I realize that was intentional on my part. There was something about Corey—an air of fragility—that made me keep my distance.
Looking Back: Corey’s Journey and Challenges
Years after the movie, I learned more about Corey’s struggles and the challenges he faced as a young actor. When I moved to Los Angeles, I heard he had reconnected with Corey Feldman and was trying to work again. I also watched Feldman’s documentary, which shed light on the darker aspects of their lives.
At the time we worked together, I was oblivious to what Corey was going through. I wasn’t in a position to help, and I didn’t maintain a friendship with him after the shoot. Reflecting on that now, it’s a reminder of how much we don’t see beneath the surface of someone’s life.
Remembering Corey: A Life Cut Short
Corey Haim would have turned 53 this year, but his life ended tragically at 38. It makes me profoundly sad to think of how much potential he had and how brief his time with us was. He was a star that shined brightly—perhaps too brightly and too quickly.
Twenty-six years after filming Universal Groove, I find myself reflecting on the unpredictability of life. Corey left an indelible mark on the world and on those who crossed paths with him, however briefly. His story reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
