The (Very) Lost Boys
Corey Haim and Corey Feldman confront their darkest days—molestation, suicide attempts—for the cameras. And you get to watch. For better or worse
PLUS: Corey Haim fires back in an exclusive GQ.com Q&A
by mickey rapkin
*****
The Two Coreys is back on A&E. On the eve of the show’s return, Corey Feldman (right, currently not speaking to Haim) sat down with GQ.
How did Hollywood react to The Two Coreys?
Everybody in this town seems to have watched. It’s crazy. I ran into Elliott Gould, and he’s like, Hey, love the show!
Season two is different—less Odd Couple, more raw confrontation. I mean, the first episode has you two revealing you’d both been molested as teens. Why talk now?
That was one of those things that we’d discussed not bringing up. And then Haim brought it up anyway. You know how there’s one thing that your friend’s got against you that he could use as blackmail at any time? That was the one thing.
To be fair, you brought up Haim’s suicide attempt first, right?
Well, that was a bit of clever editing. The conversation lasted probably two hours. You have to encapsulate it in a twenty-two-minute episode.
It’s harrowing stuff. Can you grasp how the molestation affected your life?
Well, I certainly think it affected Haim’s. I think it’s stunted him. That’s the root of why he hasn’t had a solid relationship. I went through my own similar problems, and fortunately, I was able to [compartmentalize] it in my brain. Let’s not forget that I went through an intensive ten-month rehabilitation process [to get over a heroin addiction]. The only way I could overcome that addiction was to deal with my deep-rooted problems. I wanted to put it out there and give it back to God and all that healthy stuff you’re supposed to do.
You were friends, famously, with Michael Jackson. Are you worried that people will assume he did this to you?
People can say whatever they want, but it wasn’t Michael. He and I have our own issues, but that wasn’t one of them. The bottom line is, I know who it was. I didn’t know how to cut him off. Not only did I continue being friends with the guy, but he was working for me.
Working for you?
The guy that did this to me was my assistant. He would come in when I was sleeping. I would wake up and I would know what was going on, but I would just try to ignore it and hope that he would go away, which is how kids who aren’t ready to deal with something deal with it. I was still a virgin at the time. I hadn’t even had sex with a girl. So for me it was just kind of bewildering. Despite what people think, I was actually very innocent and very naive at the time. I was your typical American kid.
Have you ever confronted him?
No. I haven’t seen him since 1986.
You and Haim have had a rocky past. What’s your relationship like now?
We’re not on speaking terms at the moment. There’s always going to be some level of friendship. Blood is thicker than water. But I’ve officially drawn the line. If I’m helping to perpetuate a lie, I’m adding to the problem. Every person needs to hit their bottom.
You don’t think he’s hit rock bottom yet?
I think he’s hit several, but not the one that’s taken him to the curb. I know that he’s lost teeth. I know that he’s lost hair. He’s never been arrested. He’s never spent time in jail. He’s basically the Canadian Keith Richards.
He says he’s clean. But when he showed up to shoot a cameo in Lost Boys 2, he was slurring his speech. What happened there?
The bottom line is, he’s in the midst of a battle, and he’s gotta fight his own demons.
Are you talking about prescription drugs?
Well, I don’t want to go on the record as saying what his battle is.
Were you disappointed in him?
I was incredibly disappointed, and I think you can see it all over my face. There was no acting there. I worked very, very hard to get Corey into Lost Boys 2. And then he shows up in that condition, and I was like, After everything we’ve been through to put this together, why would you pick today of all days to be half-cocked?
Switching gears: You’ve been married for almost five years. What’s the secret?
Love, positivity, and fun. At the end of each day, I make sure that I put two hours aside to spend with my son. My wife and I take time out for ourselves, too, where we can go out with our friends or go up to the Playboy Mansion.
Do you hang out at the Mansion often?
Yeah, we do, actually. We go to most of the big parties. We even take Zen, our son, up there for Easter. They do this great big Easter-egg hunt. It’s a family affair. My wife is going to be on the cover of Playboy in August.
Nice. How do you feel about the spread?
I was nervous and skeptical at first. But I happen to be a bit of a hippie myself. I believe the human body is an art form and something to be appreciated. I just hope my family doesn’t look at the photos. Besides that, anybody else can enjoy them. They’re the most ridiculously hot pictures I’ve ever seen in Playboy.
*****
In the July issue of GQ, Corey Feldman talked about his painful past, the troubled shooting of Lost Boys 2, and why he wasn't speaking to his old friend Corey Haim. Here, in a GQ.com exclusive, Haim responds
You and Corey Feldman aren’t speaking. Why?
I’ve been in L.A. for, let’s say, four months. He’s out of town, and he doesn’t call, ever. But at the end of the day, there’s always love.
Why do a second season of The Two Coreys?
Besides signing contracts for three seasons?
Okay. The first season felt scripted. Why make this one so raw?
I’m a hockey player from Toronto, bro. If I’m going to make a reality show, let’s make it real. No script. No bullshit. Excuse my French.
You caught some flak for placing an ad in Variety that read, “I’m back.” Did you expect it to make so much noise?
No, man. That was just to say I’m sorry. Burning time, burning money, burning up people on the set, showing up late, everything I’ve done way back when. Harvey Bernhard—he was a producer with Richard Donner on The Lost Boys—he told me, “You can’t go to every agent or manager or publicist and knock on their door.” He says, “Go to Variety and it’ll be on every agent’s, manager’s, publicist’s desk by seven in the morning.” So I did.
Has it helped?
Am I getting work because I placed the ad? No. I’m getting work because I’m really on the ball right now. My head’s on straight.
I saw the footage from the set of Lost Boys 2. What happened that day? You were slurring your speech. You couldn’t remember your lines.
I had a hard day. I’m a human being, and I’m allowed to have a hard day. And this is my reality show.
Are you clean?
I took an eleven-year break back to Canada. I like long vacations. That’s what I say to people. They ask, “Where you been, Corey?” “Where you been, Haimster?” But I’m getting back into my zone on-set, and it is absolutely what I’ve been lacking for years.
You and Feldman discuss having been molested as teenagers. Why now?
That’s life in this world. There are people that take advantage of other people—in this case, young, young children.
How has this affected your adult life? Do you have enough distance to know?
It’s something that will be addressed in my inner soul for the rest of my life, and it’s something that truly affects me, and I opened up a can of worms, so to speak. Every day I opened up, like, a can of sardines. It’s something I’ve addressed. Psychiatrists can be helpful. They have the medications and blah-blah-blah. But I don’t want any of that, man. I’ve dealt with this, and I’m dealing with this—second by second, minute by minute, day by day. Everything’s cool. It’s just like, It happened, it’s over, and move on. Let’s move on to the next subject.
I hear you just shot a cameo in Crank 2: High Voltage with Jason Statham.
They wanted me for Crank 1, but I was actually doing another flicker. So they wrote a part for me in Crank 2. It’s the same writers, the same director. These guys are brilliant. My first day of filming, I went in my camper for a minute, and I just started crying, because I was, like, home. And I’m just so grateful. It’s a cameo. But, like, Ricky Schroder did a cameo in Crimson Tide, and then boom! He got NYPD Blue.
Are we going to see a third Lost Boys?
Yeah, man, It’s a trilogy! [singing] Trilogyyy.
The new season of The Two Coreys airs on A&E now.
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i just adore corey haim. i think for the most part he's upfront and honest. it takes incredible courage for both of the corey's to be open about their molestation. there are so many peple in this world that have to do it quietly. i think they are incredibly brave to do their reality show. i have read a few blogs that were so nasty and cruel and it made me want to cry. anyone can sit behimd a computer and be rude. it takes nerve to put yourself out there for the whole world to see. sometimes its hard to be on tv as yourself because everyone knows you as the certain characters. i totally give them snaps.
babygirlj
Jun 27, 2008 8:51:15 AM
I have liked both the Corey's from day one. They both are very talented actors.I have also read many blogs about both of them,especially haim.There is always going to be one negative person out there that thinks they have the right to talk crap about someone they don't even know.Haim don't give up you can make it,everyone has there own demons.It's all in how you handle it and move on from there.I hope both the Coreys can mend there friendship with eachother but if they don't then it was not in the cards.Looking forward to more of the raw show guy's.
smokey842
Jun 28, 2008 1:57:21 PM
corey i watch the two coreys i have missed you in your movies and even though i love the other corey i find him too criticizing in things that you do and say but i know that your trying if you make movies i will keep watching, some times it's hard to overcome your demons i should know i've been fighting mine for a long time, and even though i don't think it was a good idea to put an ad in variety just because people like to bring other people down it makes them feel superior you do have alot of fans out there you just got to listen to them instead of listening to the negative personally their losers. To corey feldman you need to get rid of your assistant he is really creepy and f****** nasty he pulled his pants down and sat on the toilet because you sit on it that is called a crazed fan.
sherri123
Jun 29, 2008 11:31:28 PM
I just absolutly love Corey Haim. I love every movie he has ever been in and I adore his sexy smile, laugh, and he is just a beautiful person in general. It takes a strong person to talk about being molested. I was raped alot when I was 6 years old by a step brother that was 14 at the time and it took me years to talk about it and I to have suffered in relationships with others and in life because of it as well. I love you Corey Haim and I think you are wonderful and will be just fine. Your a great actor. Be strong babe
Love YA
jenny8675309
Jun 29, 2008 11:34:58 PM
This season has definitely been better than the last. Feldman has seemed to have it together for a long time now and he being an ex-addict should be a little more encouraging of Haim. Sometimes it's as if he and Susie put off this condescending/overly serious/judegemental attitude toward Haim. Don't get me wrong, I've been fans of both the Coreys for a while and I look forward to seeing what else they can do because they have always had the ability to be great actors, especially compared to a lot of young "actors" of today. I applaud them for keeping it real and I applaud Haim for addressing his issues, he deserves a lot of credit!
timestep
Jun 30, 2008 12:25:40 PM
Corey Haim is one of the strongest and real people there is out there. Everyone battles some type of demon in thier lives. It takes some a little longer than others. But I will say this Corey Feldman fought a lot of the same demons and he really needs to stop with the "holier than thow" attitude. Corey is a man with feelings and he makes mistakes. The important thing is he's trying to better himself and I applaud you. I loved you when I first laid eyes on you in Lucas and I will continue to love you with any future endeavors. You're a great actor and a great person. Be proud of what you have accomplished and hold your head high. If you and Corey F. are meant to be friends things will work out if not then move on sweetie. Never Say Never!!!
bigdsgirl728
Jun 30, 2008 1:24:25 PM
I want to say that I do like both coreys but I definately like Haim more for alot of different reasons but mainly because he's real and down to earth.Corey F. had an addiction to drugs for only 2 years and he even said himself that he's "probably done less drugs than 90% of most actors" so coming from someone who started using at 12 yrs. old and was addicted to heroin for 10 years I can say from experience that there's a big difference between using for 2 years and using hardcore for many years.I believe that Corey F. battle with addiction was not nearly as hard as Haim's was.Addiction effects everyone differently and everyone has a different "bottom" but corey f. was obviously alot sooner and less painful than Haim's so he shouldn't act like he's SO MUCH BETTER than Haim because he's not!I want to make it very clear that I DON'T MINIMIZE the pain in anyone's addiction or recovery, some have to go through much more pain for a much longer period of time and learn the hard way to even begin to recover but corey f.,if he's any kind of a friend, should be more supportive and less judge mental because again he's not better than Haim or anyone else!
ninojenn000
Jun 30, 2008 4:06:38 PM
I love both Coreys and I am glad they are on TV.
I am frequently dismayed when I hear these stories about Hollywood. Let's face it--it isn't just drugs that messes up the career, it is Hollywood turning its back and the kids going toward drugs in order to cope. I hope Hollywood starts to get the message and continues to employ child actors--keep them working actors. As for these revelations on the reality show, they have the potential to help others by revealing the degree of exploitation going on---it will be curious to learn the details of Haim's life. I would not be surprised to learn that the exploitation went beyond molestation and into adult problems/sexual behaviors.
Haim and Feldman look great, too, and I have to say Feldman is better looking than ever. Very handsome!
scribbler24
Jul 1, 2008 12:58:37 PM
I love the two Corys show I think it is a great idea to get them back out there and I think people are watching, I know I am. I cant wait until the next show every week I have it set on my DVR... I love Cory Haim always have always will. He was my wall paper when I was a kid, every pic from every teen beat. I will never forget I got in trouble once and my mom made me take down all his pics, I cried,,, Anyway I am glad to see he is back and I pray he does well.. I am sure the reality show has a lot of planned plots etc. but still fun to watch. It makes you really feel for Haim and makes Feldman look like a insensitive a**. I actually do pray for Haim and for him to find the truth to fill the void inside of him that causes him so much pain, I did and I am whole and free.
crystaladams33064
Jul 6, 2008 10:51:14 PM
I love Corey Haim and I feel that he is a very strong person to put up with what he is in airing his dirty laundry so to speak for the world to see.
I also feel that Corey and Susie Feldman's attempts to help and support him or all for show and for ratings and so that they do not look bad in the eyes of the world.
Before they even knew what he had to say to them when he called them and they saw the Variety article they were already laughing at him and putting him down without even knowing his purpose for the article.
WHO NEEDS FRIENDS LIKE THAT??
I am a recovering addict as well as a sexual abuse survivor and I know how hard it is to make a comeback. It takes work and it is not something that happens overnight.
Recover takes years and will always be a work in progress and no one has a right to tell anyone how to work their program that works for them.
Corey Haim is working on his issues and he is doing what he needs to do to take care of himself and I respect him for that more than I will ever respect Corey and Susie Feldman for trying to play nice to him for ratings. America has enough fake people.
I feel Corey Haim is as real as they get. Keep your head up Corey Haim. You have my support.
teenaadler
Jul 6, 2008 11:18:50 PM
OK has anyone else here seen the Surreal Life? I mean the one with Corey Feldman in it. Well if you have you would all realize that he does not exactly have all of his act together either he is just better at hiding it and blaming it on others. I am not saying that Haim is perfect but give the man a break he is trying.
sinnaminvixen
Jul 8, 2008 2:31:37 AM
i would like to say to corey haim that he is a very great person for coming foward with his past it takes alot to do that i hope someday you get past all these and write abook and make a series with corey feldman keep you in prayers
glowmarie
Jul 14, 2008 3:32:40 AM
I know that Feldman sometimes seems insensitive to Haim. But he also seems genuinely concerned, and he doesn't understand how Haim can risk blowing his career, just when everything seems to be coming together for him again. I really think Feldman wants the best for Haim. Everyone keeps saying that Feldman is being insensitive to Haim. Well, Feldman understands that when Haim shows up high and messed up on set, it affects everyone on set that has time invested in that movie. From the High ups to the actors, and the camera people, etc. And they shouldn't have to stay many hours longer just because Haim decided he had to take some drugs in order to cope. They have families they want to go home to. That being said, if the pressure of learning new lines and being on set is so intimidating, that he had to take drugs to overcome his nerves, then maybe acting isn't what he should be doing right now. Because watching his reality show, he seemed fine up until the point that he had to film the "Lost Boys 2". I would love to see Haim and Feldman on camera again, and hope that they can overcome their past problems. But first and foremost, I hope that Haim does what he needs to to stay off of drugs, and if being in Hollywood contributes to his problems, then maybe the time for him to act again is not right now.
Good luck Corey and Corey!
hopin4thebettr
Jul 14, 2008 3:38:03 AM
Has any one else noticed that when Feldman talks about Haim, he is always negative and nasty but when Haim talks about Feldman its all about love and friendship. Haim is alot better actor than Feldman and I think he knows it. Cory Feldman needs Haim more than Haim needs him. Sometimes no matter how much you love someone, if they are not good for you, you need to let them go. Best of Luck Haim
mleemarsh
Jul 18, 2008 11:00:30 PM
I have read this article and been on the discussion board alot somewhere else regarding The Two Coreys. I have to say I have seen all the episodes and I feel Haim is being real. People expect this miraculous overnight change in Haim. it isnt realistic and it isnt fair. It isnt something anyone can live up to. I also can't stand the way Feldman says that he is Haim's friend and trashes him so much! Haim is trying and he has got one heck of a hill to climb. You see his loneliness, his vunderability and he is very hard on himself. Haim is trying to be better and do better, to apologize and just move forward. Feldman it's great you have supposedly overcome your demons, but Haim hasn't. You have been through rehab and hit your bottom. Why can't you understand and respect Haim for trying to get past his bottom and be there for him. A majority of the time you ridicule Haim, blast him for not thinking and act as if you are the answer and reason Haim has gotten anywhere. Haim even said in therapy he doesnt want you thinking you are his savior or for you to be his savior, he wants his career on his own terms, he wants to earn it. Haim you keep going, yes you may stumble, but keep going. I defend you alot on a certain discussion board and I get ripped to shreds for saying give Haim a break, I can't imagine what it must be like for you. Much love to you and positivity your way. Keep painting as well as acting..your great at both! XOXO
ladyinred5
Jul 22, 2008 2:54:47 AM
You are still hot after all the years, Don't let people get you down or off tract to your creative mind. You are only here to please yourself. Have a good time when ever possible, and enjoy life...............I love the show!
girlny1964
Jul 22, 2008 11:12:09 PM
love the show
girlny1964
Jul 22, 2008 11:13:09 PM
Let me start with sayin I love both of you guys.The lost boys 2 was alittle cheeseie but I loved the parts played by both of you.I would have loved to seen more of Corey H.in it.I cant wait for 3 .I know we will see more of Corey h in it.Stay strong Corey H.Corey F Stop acting like your better than him.So you stop screwin up...oh well..Life sometimes throw people a cruveball and people mess up.I was also messed with when i was a child,some people can move on and some cant move on because we always see that demon in our head that did that to you.
And that is a lifetime of pain...Love ya both crystal from jacksonvill,fl
crystal101
Jul 28, 2008 12:28:52 PM
Coery Haim you are so beautiful and bright. It breaks my heart to see you struggling with addiction. I can soooo relate. I am turning 29 next month and have been in recovery since I was 23. Totally saved my life, living rigorously honest (gulp), and living life on life's terms. All the best to you Corey, you are still loved and admired from afar.
saucyave
Jul 29, 2008 6:59:11 PM
Cory haim is the bomb and the hole reason I watch the two coreys.Keep paddling bro the next wave is yours!!!
escobro
Aug 3, 2008 11:07:15 PM
Ive been watching since last season, and I love the vulnerablility of Corey H. He is so real and raw, yet Corey F. still is holding back...how is Corey H. supposed to "reconnect" an old friendship with that? I have a brother that reminds me of Corey H. and I cant help but adore you and wish you the best. I also LOVED the episode with you and your father, and how he called you "Corey Haim" all the time, and how proud he was/is of you. That made me, and my 6 year old daughter cry! Please continue to take good care of yourself, and know that you secretly have alot of support and family behind you. Sounds weird, but you certainly strike a cord in people's hearts.
jverdine
Aug 4, 2008 4:41:37 AM
COREY HAIM! After seeing last night's episode of The Two Coreys, I have to comment. Corey Feldman has ridden on your coat tails for years and last night he really showed his true color. I think Feldman is so jealous and envious of you that he has to constantly dangle "addiction" in front of your face and the viewers, constantly hoping you'll fail! Feldman is the loser and don't ever fall prey to his schemes. I can't help but laugh in every scene of him and his pathetic wife. Does she follow him to the bathroom too!? Corey, he's your biggest problem and believe me, he's not a friend! You don't need him and never have. You have been straight forward, honest and repeatedly tried to mend something that has gapping holes in it. Repairing your friendship might have stood a chance if Feldman could be honest and not so jealous of your looks, talents and potential.
Corey, you'll do great! Just continue to follow your heart and go where it leads you. Your phone will start ringing more and more. You're a born actor but most important is that you're real. That's something Feldman can never be. Do you think he could have pulled off a reality show starring him and "slick Susie"? Not a chance. Everyone wanted to see you, not Feldman!
If you ever start doubting yourself, just spend a couple of hours reading all the comments people leave on articles about you.
I have NEVER posted a comment anywhere or for anyone but I felt compelled to leave this one.
I truly think you have the best years yet to come. Welcome back. It's long overdue!!
BA in AZ
P.S. Will someone PLEASE tell Corey Feldman he CAN'T SING!!
BAinAZ
Aug 4, 2008 9:01:23 PM
COREY HAIM! After seeing last night's episode of The Two Coreys, I have to comment. Corey Feldman has ridden on your coat tails for years and last night he really showed his true color. I think Feldman is so jealous and envious of you that he has to constantly dangle "addiction" in front of your face and the viewers, constantly hoping you'll fail! Feldman is the loser and don't ever fall prey to his schemes. I can't help but laugh in every scene of him and his pathetic wife. Does she follow him to the bathroom too!? Corey, he's your biggest problem and believe me, he's not a friend! You don't need him and never have. You have been straight forward, honest and repeatedly tried to mend something that has gapping holes in it. Repairing your friendship might have stood a chance if Feldman could be honest and not so jealous of your looks, talents and potential.
Corey, you'll do great! Just continue to follow your heart and go where it leads you. Your phone will start ringing more and more. You're a born actor but most important is that you're real. That's something Feldman can never be. Do you think he could have pulled off a reality show starring him and "slick Susie"? Not a chance. Everyone wanted to see you, not Feldman!
If you ever start doubting yourself, just spend a couple of hours reading all the comments people leave on articles about you.
I have NEVER posted a comment anywhere or for anyone but I felt compelled to leave this one.
I truly think you have the best years yet to come. Welcome back. It's long overdue!!
BA in AZ
P.S. Will someone PLEASE tell Corey Feldman he CAN'T SING!!
BAinAZ
Aug 4, 2008 9:01:25 PM
I really enjoy the two coreys reality show. I have to admit i really feel in my soul that Haim needs GOD in his life. Haim needs a higher power to give him peace. Haim you cannot handle those deep issues yourself; you need to hand them over to GOD.
mhdeanda
Aug 7, 2008 2:52:17 PM
I have to agree with BAinAZ, Corey F and Suzie have some major superiority issues that have become increasingly more obvious with each episode.
I wonder if Feldman will ever realize just how much his beloved Suzie has contributed to his and Haim's conflicts. Just when things seem to be going well she manages to say just the right thing to increase the rift between them and sending Haim reeling with pain and confusion. It's almost as if she resents Haim for being such a big part of Feldman's life. What's become even more apparent to me is that she resents even more that Feldman and Haim have a bond that she can't acheive or understand so in her jealousy and insecurity she is out to destroy it, little by little.
To Corey Haim....Bro, you've got some struggles but you're an inspiration my friend. You're putting yourself out there for all to see and you're not hiding behind anything. Sure you've got some issues to deal with, some demons to slay if you will, but you're out there.
I truly hope things work out for you. One thing is for sure, if you were not a part of 'The Two Coreys' I would not watch it. No offense but there is nothing remotely interesting about the Feldmans.
AGinWA
Aug 18, 2008 3:49:26 AM
I have seen every episode of the 2 coreys. Something didn't sit right with Suzie from the get go. You never know with editing so I gave her the benefit of the doubt but my first gut instinct is that she is secretly attracted to Haim more than Feldman and she's overcompensating for it by pretending to hate Haim. If she can't have him then her husband can't have him either. After all he does have that irresistable charm that Feldman lacks. She also needs to realize that without Haim there would be no Feldman and no new boobies or lavish lifestyle for her. Haim will make it without Feldman but not vice versa. Haim was always the bigger star. That drives her and Feldman crazy at night when they are alone with no cameras. Personally, with her lesbian tendencies, I think she will go Anne Heche on Feldman and he will be the one crying on Haim's doorstep because he's a single dad and lonely. In the end Haim will prevail and be the bigger comeback star. I do think Haim needs to lose the nose piercing. That's too "lady ghetto" for me. Get a nipple pierced instead. Everything else is still in the right place. Haim has improved with age. To Haim, I get the "hurts so good" feeling of getting a tattoo. I too was a cutter 20yrs ago but now I resort to tattoos and piercings for that outlet. They are much more socially acceptable these days. Haim, do your thing, it's working and I would like to see more of ya in the future. As for Feldman, his marriage has a 10yr shelf life. So it's halfway to over. After all, it is Hollywood.
hott4haim
Aug 22, 2008 8:55:34 PM
Corey haim I saw you in Jersey I adore you my Daughter adores you We hope you know that the Devoted Fans are there and we do understand that you are human and are entitled to have BAD days and Mess up we love you very much you are far better than you give your self credit Dont let all the Haters kick you down we are glad your back STAY back and come visit in Utah some time
carrielarkin75
Oct 3, 2008 2:40:08 PM