Corey Feldman shot to fame as a cherished face of 1980s Hollywood, starring in classics that defined a generation. But where did all that movie money go? His current financial situation might shock fans who remember him from box office hits like “The Goonies” and “Stand By Me.” Unlike many child stars who parlayed early success into lasting wealth, Feldman’s net worth story took a very different turn.
Today, Corey Feldman’s net worth sits between $30,000 and $1 million—a puzzling range that reflects both conflicting financial reports and his complicated money situation. This stark contrast from his heyday earnings stems from years of career shifts, reported tax troubles, and the harsh reality many child actors face when transitioning to adult roles. The once-millionaire now deals with substantial IRS debt while trying to rebuild his finances through various entertainment ventures.
Let’s unpack the fascinating financial journey of this 80s icon—from commanding top dollar as a child star to his current money challenges and how he’s working to bounce back.
Corey Feldman Net Worth
The question “What is Corey Feldman worth?” doesn’t have a simple answer. Financial reports vary wildly, with some sources claiming figures as low as $30,000 while others suggest up to $1 million. This wide range speaks to the complexity behind celebrity net worth calculations, especially for someone with Feldman’s unique career arc.
Most reliable sources point to Feldman’s current net worth hovering around $100,000-$300,000—a far cry from what you might expect from someone who starred in multiple blockbuster films. What makes this figure particularly striking is comparing it to his peak earning potential during the 1980s, when he commanded six-figure paychecks per film as one of Hollywood’s most bankable child stars.
The most significant factor weighing down Feldman’s finances appears to be his reported $192,000 debt to the Internal Revenue Service. Tax documents show multiple liens filed against him, suggesting years of financial complications. When asked about these issues in a 2016 interview, Feldman admitted: “The thing is, I was never taught about tax paying and how it works and what you’re supposed to do.”
This tax burden has forced difficult financial decisions, including selling personal memorabilia and assets that might otherwise have preserved his wealth. Memorabilia from his films—items that held both sentimental and monetary value—reportedly had to be liquidated to help manage ongoing financial pressures.
Feldman’s story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortune can change in Hollywood, especially for those who found fame at a young age. But how did someone who earned millions end up in such a precarious financial position? The answer lies in tracing his income journey from childhood superstardom to present day.
Career
Corey Feldman’s bank account once reflected his A-list status during the 1980s golden era. As a child star with remarkable talent and charm, he became a household name through roles in cultural touchstones like “The Goonies,” “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” and “License to Drive.” During this peak period, industry insiders report he earned between $100,000 to $250,000 per film—substantial sums especially considering the value of those dollars in the 1980s.
By his late teens, Feldman had amassed what should have been a comfortable fortune. A string of successful films combined with endorsement deals and appearances likely pushed his early career earnings well into the millions. However, like many child actors, the transition to adult roles proved challenging both professionally and financially.
The 1990s marked a turning point in Feldman’s earning potential. Major studio roles became scarcer, and his career shifted toward direct-to-video releases, smaller budget productions, and voice acting work. While he maintained steady employment—appearing in numerous films and TV shows—the paychecks shrank dramatically from his earlier days.
“I was making $10,000 before I was 7 years old,” Feldman once revealed in an interview. “By the time I was 14, I was making $1 million a year.”
This early wealth, however, didn’t translate to lasting financial security. By his own account, much of his childhood earnings were mismanaged. In his 2013 memoir “Coreyography,” Feldman claimed that by age 18, he had earned around $1 million—yet discovered only $40,000 remained in his account when he gained control of his finances as an adult.
The sharp decline continued through the 2000s. While maintaining some level of celebrity status, Feldman’s income sources shifted toward reality TV appearances, smaller acting roles, and leveraging nostalgia for his earlier work. Shows like “The Surreal Life” and “Dancing on Ice” provided temporary financial boosts, but nothing matching his former earning power.
By the 2010s, financial struggles became increasingly public. Court documents from his 2009 divorce from actress Susie Sprague revealed he was earning approximately $1,500 monthly—a drastic reduction from his heyday. The documents also highlighted the beginning of his tax troubles, which would grow into a major financial burden over the following decade.
The IRS Debt Debacle
The most significant blow to Feldman’s net worth came through his ongoing challenges with the Internal Revenue Service. Public records reveal that the IRS filed tax liens against him totaling approximately $192,000 for unpaid taxes stretching back several years.
These tax troubles didn’t happen overnight. Financial documents indicate multiple liens filed between 2011 and 2018, suggesting persistent difficulties in managing tax obligations. The first major lien reportedly came in 2011 for $34,662, followed by additional claims in subsequent years, compounding his financial predicament.
When asked about these tax issues during interviews, Feldman has pointed to several factors: lack of financial education as a child star, mismanagement by former advisors, and the challenges of maintaining consistent income in an unpredictable industry. “Nobody teaches you about residuals and taxes,” he once explained. “When you’re making money as a kid, nobody explains that you’re going to have to pay half of that to taxes.”
The impact of this tax debt on his overall financial picture cannot be overstated. With interest and penalties accumulating, what might have been manageable amounts grew into significant financial burdens. This debt likely forced difficult decisions about asset liquidation and career choices based on immediate income needs rather than long-term career building.
Court records from his divorce proceedings further revealed the extent of his financial struggles. In addition to monthly expenses that sometimes exceeded income, Feldman reported significant debt beyond just tax obligations. These financial pressures reportedly forced him to sell personal items of considerable sentimental value, including memorabilia from his most famous films.
What makes Feldman’s situation particularly noteworthy is his transparency about these financial struggles—something rare among celebrities who often maintain illusions of wealth despite private financial troubles. In numerous interviews, he’s openly discussed the challenges of rebuilding financial stability after years of mismanagement and tax complications.
This financial transparency offers a rarely-seen glimpse into the precarious nature of showbiz wealth, especially for former child stars. While some might view his current net worth as a personal failure, others see it as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial literacy and proper management in an industry known for creating young millionaires who often struggle as adults.
How Corey Feldman Makes Money Now?
After money problems, Corey Feldman found new ways to make money. He doesn’t just rely on one job. Instead, he works on many different things in entertainment.
- Acting in Smaller Movies: Feldman still acts, but in different kinds of movies than before. Now he works in smaller horror films and independent movies. These don’t pay as much as big Hollywood films, but they give him steady work.
- Meeting Fans at Events: One of his best money-makers is meeting fans at conventions. At these events, fans pay for autographs, photos, and souvenirs. Feldman can earn thousands of dollars in just one weekend by meeting fans who loved his movies when they were kids.
He also has a band called Corey Feldman & The Angels. They play shows and sell music. While not super popular, the band makes money from tickets, merchandise, and streaming.
His podcast “Corey’s Party” helps him connect with fans and make money from sponsors.
In 2020, he made a documentary called “(My) Truth: The Rape of 2 Coreys.” He paid for it himself and sold it directly to viewers.
Feldman also uses social media to partner with brands and connect with fans.
“You can’t feel sorry for yourself,” Feldman once said. “You have to reinvent yourself constantly in this business.”
Conclusion
Feldman’s money story teaches us about problems child actors face. Many child stars have trouble with money when they grow up.
Many young actors don’t learn how to manage money. Even with laws to protect some of their earnings, they often find their money gone when they grow up. This might happen because of poor management, family spending, or not learning about money.
Feldman talks openly about his money problems. Unlike many celebrities who pretend to be rich, he honestly shares his struggles. This helps teach others about money management.
Feldman’s tax problems show how money troubles can grow bigger if not fixed quickly. What started as smaller tax bills grew into huge debts that still affect him today.
For fans who watched his movies, it might be surprising to see how different his money situation is now compared to when he was famous. But his story is like many entertainers who had success young but struggled later as adults.
Feldman’s story shows that a person’s wealth is more than just a number. Behind the dollar amount are stories of earning, spending, management (or mismanagement), and the unpredictable nature of working in entertainment.