Corey Feldman Net Worth: From $2M Child Star to Financial Struggles

Corey Feldman is an American actor and musician whose financial trajectory illustrates the risks of child stardom in Hollywood. Best known for 1980s films including “The Goonies,” “Stand By Me,” and “The Lost Boys,” Feldman earned over $2 million during his teenage years. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated between $30,000 and $2 million, with court documents from 2020 revealing approximately $34,000 in assets against $192,000 in IRS debt.

1980s Success and Peak Earnings

Feldman became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid child actors during the 1980s. His roles in commercially successful films generated substantial income, with total earnings exceeding $2 million by his late teens.

His performance in “The Lost Boys” (1987) cemented his status as a bankable young actor. He frequently collaborated with Corey Haim, forming the duo known as “The Two Coreys,” which led to additional films including “License to Drive” (1988) and “Dream a Little Dream” (1989). Each project contributed to his growing earnings during this period.

Parental Mismanagement and Lost Earnings

Feldman has publicly stated that his parents mismanaged his childhood earnings, leaving him with minimal financial assets upon reaching adulthood. Court-appointed guardians managed his funds, but he alleges improper withdrawals and expenditures depleted his accounts.

The Coogan Law, designed to protect child actors’ earnings by requiring 15% be placed in blocked trust accounts, was not adequately enforced in his case. By the time Feldman gained control of his finances at 18, most of his early wealth had disappeared. This forced him to rebuild financially as an adult without the foundation his early success should have provided.

Career Decline and Financial Pressure

The transition from child actor to adult roles proved difficult. Feldman’s film opportunities decreased significantly in the 1990s, reducing his primary income source. Without consistent high-paying roles, maintaining financial stability became challenging.

His acting work shifted to smaller productions, independent films, and direct-to-video releases, which typically offer lower compensation than major studio projects. This career shift directly impacted his earning potential and contributed to mounting financial pressure over subsequent decades.

IRS Debt and Divorce Disclosures

Court filings from his 2020 divorce from Courtney Anne Mitchell revealed Feldman’s financial difficulties in detail. Documents showed approximately $34,000 in total assets, contrasted with $192,000 owed to the Internal Revenue Service. This disclosure confirmed years of speculation about his financial struggles.

Tax debt accumulated over multiple years compounded his financial challenges. The public nature of these court documents provided rare transparency into the financial reality behind varying net worth estimates reported by different sources.

Music Career and Income Diversification

Feldman formed the band Truth Movement (originally named Corey’s Angels) as an alternative income stream. While his music career hasn’t matched his acting success financially, it provides supplementary income through performances and recordings.

In 2024, he joined Limp Bizkit’s “Loserville” tour, marking a notable collaboration in the music industry. This opportunity represented both artistic validation and potential revenue generation through touring income and renewed public visibility.

Convention Appearances and Public Engagement

Fan convention appearances provide steady supplementary income. Feldman regularly participates in events focused on 1980s nostalgia, earning appearance fees, autograph sales, and photo-op revenue. This income stream capitalizes on his lasting connection to beloved cult films.

These engagements, while modest compared to peak acting salaries, offer a reliable income. The continued popularity of his 1980s films ensures ongoing demand for his convention presence, particularly among audiences who grew up watching his work.

Advocacy and Documentary Work

Feldman has become an outspoken advocate for child abuse prevention in Hollywood. His documentary “(My) Truth: The Rape of 2 Coreys” (2020) addressed allegations of abuse within the entertainment industry. While the project generated controversy and media attention, it also represented his effort to control his narrative and generate income through self-produced content.

His memoir “Coreyography” (2013) provided both book sales income and a platform to discuss his experiences, including financial exploitation and industry challenges. These projects positioned him as an advocate while creating alternative revenue streams beyond traditional acting roles.

Recent Projects and Career Activity

The 2024 release of “The Birthday,” produced with support from director Jordan Peele, represented a potential career resurgence. The film, which had been shelved for years, finally received theatrical distribution, generating renewed industry attention.

Feldman continues pursuing acting opportunities in independent films, television appearances, and reality programming. His willingness to participate in various media formats demonstrates ongoing efforts to remain professionally active and financially solvent.

Current Financial Status and Net Worth Estimates

Net worth estimates for Feldman vary significantly due to fluctuating income, debt obligations, and asset valuations. The range between $30,000 and $2 million reflects different assessment methodologies and timing.

His financial situation remains characterized by inconsistent income streams and outstanding obligations. Unlike contemporaries such as Sean Astin or River Phoenix (before his death), who successfully transitioned to stable adult careers, Feldman’s path has been marked by ongoing financial instability.

Legacy and Industry Impact

Corey Feldman’s financial journey illustrates how early success doesn’t guarantee long-term stability. Despite earning millions as a child actor, mismanagement, career decline, and accumulated debt have defined his adult financial reality.

California has strengthened regulations protecting child performers since Feldman’s experiences, including stricter enforcement of the Coogan Law and enhanced oversight requirements. His advocacy has contributed to broader discussions about industry reforms and financial protections for young performers.

His story serves as both a personal narrative of resilience and a cautionary example of the vulnerabilities child performers face in the entertainment industry. His ongoing efforts to generate income through music, appearances, and selective acting roles demonstrate persistence despite significant obstacles.

1970s – Early Career Beginnings

• 1974: First television appearance in a McDonald’s commercial at age 3
• 1979: Film debut in “Time After Time”
• Late 1970s: Appeared in over 100 commercials and numerous TV shows including “The Bad News Bears,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “Eight Is Enough”

1980s – Peak Success and Stardom

• 1981: Appeared in “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter”
• 1984: Breakthrough role in “Gremlins” as Pete Fountaine
• 1985: Starred in “The Goonies” as Clark “Mouth” Devereaux
• 1986: Critically acclaimed performance in “Stand By Me” as Teddy Duchamp
• 1987: Starred in “The Lost Boys” as Edgar Frog, one of his most iconic roles
• 1988: “License to Drive” with Corey Haim
• 1989: “Dream a Little Dream” with Corey Haim
• 1989: Appeared in “The ‘Burbs” alongside Tom Hanks

1990s – Career Transition Period

• 1991: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” (voice of Donatello)
• 1992-1993: Multiple direct-to-video releases and smaller film roles
• 1995: Reality series “The Two Coreys” discussions begin
• Late 1990s: Shift to independent films and lower-budget productions

2000s – Continued Acting and Music Pursuits

• 2007-2008: “The Two Coreys” reality show with Corey Haim aired on A&E
• 2002: Released solo album “Former Child Actor”
• Mid-2000s: Formed musical group Corey’s Angels (later Truth Movement)
• Various independent film appearances and television guest roles

2010s – Advocacy and Memoir

• 2013: Published memoir “Coreyography”
• 2016: Released album “Angelic 2 the Core”
• 2020: Released documentary “(My) Truth: The Rape of 2 Coreys”
• Continued advocacy work for child abuse prevention in Hollywood
• Regular convention appearances and fan events

2020s – Recent Activity

• 2024: Joined Limp Bizkit’s “Loserville” tour
• 2024: “The Birthday” received theatrical release with Jordan Peele’s support
• Ongoing music performances with Truth Movement
• Continued acting in independent projects and television appearances

Conclusion

Corey Feldman’s financial journey illustrates how early success doesn’t guarantee long-term stability. Despite earning millions as a child actor, mismanagement, career decline, and accumulated debt have defined his adult financial reality.

His ongoing efforts to generate income through music, appearances, and selective acting roles demonstrate persistence despite significant obstacles. His story serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on the vulnerabilities child performers face in the entertainment industry.