Former Child Stars Mourn Corey Haim

(CBS)  Many former child stars of the 1980s have taken to Twitter and to their blogs to express sympathy over the death of former teen actor and heartthrob Corey Haim, who died today at age 38.

Haim's death seems to have touched a nerve with former child actors who rose to fame in the 1980s and came of age at the same time Haim went from "Lost Boy" to struggling adult actor, beaten down by years of drug addiction and money woes.

Iconic stars of the era, such as Ralph Macchio ("The Karate Kid") and Melissa Gilbert ("Little House on the Prairie") have all taken to Twitter to voice their feelings.

Corey Haim: The Lost Boy

Haim reportedly dated actress Alyssa Milano during his meteoric rise to fame. Milano wrote on her Twitter page this morning, "Just woke up to the sad, sad news that Corey Haim passed away. RIP sweet boy."

Actress Christina Applegate also tweeted her reaction. "My thoughts go out to Corey's family and friends today. So sad."

While both actresses are former child stars -- Applegate played Kelly Bundy on "Married with Children" while Milano played Samantha Micelli on "Who's the Boss?" -- both have made the tough transition to adult acting careers.

The struggles of other former child actors including Andrew Koenig and Mackenzie Phillips in recent months have spotlighted the difficultly of life after fame: Depression, drug abuse and in some cases, suicide.

The young actor garnered positive reviews for the film "Lucas" in 1986 but Hollywood struck gold by pairing him with fellow child star Corey Feldman in such films as "The Lost Boys" and "License to Drive."

Haim's career stalled in the 1990s. He appearing in just a few straight-to-video releases and focused on a music career. In the 2000s, fans were shocked to see the actor looking overweight with blurred features, talking frankly about losing his money, his career and his fight with cocaine and painkillers.

On the reality show "My Two Coreys," Haim appeared emotional and distraught much of the time and desperate to reignite his career. In one episode, Haim cried when he was informed by Feldman that there would be a sequel to the smash star-making 1987 film "The Lost Boys" - and that Haim would not be a part of it.

After negotiating a role in the film, the actor was struggled with lines and battled drug abuse during filming.

Feldman posted a statement on his blog calling the former co-star would a brother and best friend and "a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul."

[kimmyj43]

I am very sad that Corey Haim has passed away. I love "Lost Boys" so much, I watch it every time it comes on tv. I also loved him in "Silver Bullet", the werewolf movie. LOL It was a little cheesy but he was too cute. It's always sad when a former child star dies so young. I will miss him!!! I'm going to go rent a bunch of his movies and watch them tonight. Rest in Peace Corey!!!!

[StevenA5017d]

gjhgjhgjhgjhgjhgjhghjg

[wdh3007]

Never even heard of him until know?

[jester_sch]

I didn't know much about Corey Haim but I did like his movies. I did like Corey Feldman and his roles over the years. Hang in there bro

[rwsmith29456]

Man, I just found out about this and thought he did a fantastic job in 'The Lost Boys'. What a shame. Show business sure is one fickle mistress. One day you're hot and the next nobody wants to hire you.

[txlakeside]

Obviously many of the folks complaining about typographical errors do not proof read their own posts? Little pots calling the big kettle black ... I guess they will all be applying for writing jobs tomorrow .... nahh ... much easier for them to sit in their underwear and "whine" about others that actually work for a living!

[larrryshrine]

The term "proof read" should be one word. There should be a period, not a question mark, at the end of the first sentence. We can all be a bit petty, can't we?

[HawksFan66]

Come on, supposed to be a journalist. Those typos are pathetic!

[amulette]

I agree,this is my biggest pet-peeve of reading.I think as journalists they should set an example.And it just shows how lazy and no pride in work to let these typos go.I believe people who complain about it being petty are just as sloppy as the writers.Theres just no excuse for it.If I could sit here and get paid for all the typos I read everyday I sure wouldn't be poor.After all,they do get paid for their work.

[HawksFan66]

Wow, if I couldn't write better than that I'd not bother. Especially if I were posting it on a major news website with millions of readers. I know stories like this oare time sensitive, but just how long does it take to proofread an article like this? Five minutes tops? Seriously.

[larrryshrine]

You spelled "are" incorrectly. Please proofread.

[rsmik]

no time for proofing this story?

[stn_sage]

A lot of the readers on this site don't notice mistakes...you're an exception! Like stupid comments...I just try to ignore them. To me,
if they don't detract from the substance...I forget it!

[amulette]

stn_sage,like your stupid comment.How do you know alot of readers do not notice,from what I've read from comments over the years,there are more who notice than you think.