Corey Feldman, once one of the brightest young stars of the 1980s, is now facing a much different financial picture. According to court filings from his 2024 divorce from Courtney Feldman, the actor’s net worth is estimated at just $30,000. These same records revealed he had $34,000 in the bank and nearly $200,000 in unpaid taxes owed to the IRS. Unlike many of his peers who built fortunes during their careers, Feldman has had to rely on appearances at fan conventions for income.
At conventions, Feldman can earn about $35,000 per appearance, and he usually attends three to six events each year. Still, after taxes and payments to his management team, his actual take-home pay is much smaller. Records showed that in 2023 he earned just under $79,000, and between 2016 and 2024, his total reported income was under $180,000. With those earnings, it is clear that while he remains a pop culture icon, his financial reality is far from Hollywood wealth. At the time of his divorce, Feldman rented a home in Woodland Hills, California, for $5,500 a month and owned no property.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Corey Scott Feldman was born on July 16, 1971, in Reseda, California. His father, Bob, was a musician, while his mother Sheila worked as a cocktail waitress. His career began very early, with his first job in a McDonald’s commercial at just three years old. By his teenage years, Feldman had appeared in more than 100 commercials and over 50 television shows, including appearances on Eight Is Enough, Mork & Mindy, and Cheers.
This steady work built the foundation for Feldman’s breakout in Hollywood. He was already a seasoned young actor before he landed the roles that would make him one of the most recognizable teen stars of the 1980s.
Breakthrough Roles in the 1980s
The 1980s cemented Feldman’s place in film history. He played important roles in several hit movies that still remain popular today. His performance in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter in 1984 showed his ability to handle darker material. That same year, he appeared in Gremlins, and by 1985, he starred in The Goonies, a film that remains a family classic.
In 1986, Stand By Me showcased his talent in a more serious coming-of-age role, and in 1987 he delivered one of his most memorable performances as Edgar Frog in The Lost Boys. That film became a cult favorite and established him as a key figure in youth-oriented cinema of the decade. During this period, Feldman teamed up with Corey Haim, and the duo became known as “The Two Coreys.” Together, they headlined License to Drive in 1988 and Dream a Little Dream in 1989, securing their status as teen icons.
Career Challenges and Personal Struggles
Feldman’s career faced setbacks as the 1980s closed. Following The ’Burbs in 1989, he struggled with drug addiction, which hurt both his public image and professional opportunities. While he continued to act throughout the 1990s, many of the films were independent or lower budget and could not match the earnings of his earlier hits.
He voiced Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III in 1993 and appeared in Bordello of Blood in 1996. Television roles in shows like Sliders and The Crow: Stairway to Heaven also gave him steady work, but the paychecks were far from the blockbuster salaries he once commanded.
Music Career and Artistic Pursuits
In addition to acting, Feldman pursued music. His debut album, Love Left, came in the early 1990s, and later he formed a band called Corey Feldman’s Truth Movement. The group released Still Searching for Soul, while Feldman also put out solo projects such as Former Child Actor in 2002 and Angelic 2 the Core in 2016.
While music remained a passion, it was never a strong financial success. For example, his crowdfunding campaign for Angelic 2 the Core sought $105,000 but only raised about $15,000. The album gained attention, but mostly for its unusual performances and mixed reviews.
Reality Television and Media Appearances
Feldman kept himself in the public eye with reality TV appearances. In 2003, he joined the cast of The Surreal Life, which brought together past celebrities. He later appeared in Dancing on Ice in 2012. Perhaps his most notable reality project was The Two Coreys on A&E in 2007, where he reunited with Corey Haim. The show ran for two seasons and gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at their lives.
These projects allowed Feldman to remain visible to audiences, but the financial impact was limited compared to his earlier acting career.
Advocacy and Personal Life
In recent years, Feldman has shifted some of his focus to advocacy. He has been outspoken about child abuse in Hollywood, sharing his personal experiences and raising awareness about the risks faced by young performers. His willingness to speak out on such sensitive issues has earned him respect and reinforced his role as more than just a former teen idol.
On the personal side, Feldman has been married three times. His first marriage was to Vanessa Marcil in 1989, which ended quickly. He married Susie Sprague in 2002, and they had one son before divorcing in 2014. His third marriage to Courtney Ann Mitchell began in 2016 and officially ended in 2024.
Final Thoughts
Corey Feldman’s current net worth of $30,000 may come as a surprise given his fame and the cultural impact of his work in the 1980s. His career journey shows both the highs of early stardom and the long-term struggles that many child actors face. From blockbuster films like The Goonies and The Lost Boys to his reality TV appearances and advocacy work, Feldman has remained a figure in the entertainment world for decades.