A New Chapter for a Hollywood Veteran
Corey Feldman, an actor whose career has spanned nearly five decades, is set to take on a new challenge as a contestant on Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars.” The announcement, which places him in the star-studded lineup for the upcoming season, marks the latest chapter in a life lived almost entirely in the public eye. Feldman will be paired with professional dancer Jenna Johnson, with the new season premiering on September 16, 2025.
An 80s Icon
For millions, Corey Feldman remains a quintessential icon of the 1980s. After starting his career at age three in a McDonald’s commercial, he quickly became one of the most recognizable young actors of his generation. His filmography from that era reads like a list of beloved classics:
- Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
- Gremlins (1984)
- The Goonies (1985)
- Stand by Me (1986)
His collaboration with the late Corey Haim in films like The Lost Boys (1987) and License to Drive (1988) cemented their status as “The Two Coreys,” a teen idol duo that defined a generation. Feldman also lent his voice to the character of Donatello in the blockbuster 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Navigating Fame and Hardship
Feldman’s transition from a teen sensation to an adult actor was fraught with challenges, including well-publicized struggles with drug addiction. He has been candid about these difficulties, attributing them in part to the pressures and dangers of being a child star in Hollywood. Despite these hurdles, he continued to work, appearing in various films and television shows and reprising his role as Edgar Frog in sequels to The Lost Boys.
Beyond acting, Feldman has pursued a music career, releasing several albums, including Angelic 2 the Core in 2016. A performance on the Today show to promote the album went viral, drawing both criticism and attention, but showcasing his persistence in expressing his artistic vision.
Advocacy and Controversy
In recent years, Feldman has become one of the most vocal advocates for the protection of children in the entertainment industry. He has spoken extensively about the sexual abuse he and Corey Haim allegedly endured as young actors. In 2020, he released a documentary, (My) Truth: The Rape of 2 Coreys, in which he named individuals he accuses of abuse, aiming to expose what he describes as a systemic problem in Hollywood. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, his activism has contributed to legal reforms, including the passage of the Child Victims Act in New York.
However, Feldman’s career has not been without its own controversies. He has faced public scrutiny over his former musical group, Corey’s Angels, and has been the subject of sexual misconduct allegations from several women, which he has denied. In 2020, he was removed from the SAG-AFTRA Sexual Harassment Committee following these claims.
A New Spotlight
With his upcoming appearance on “Dancing with the Stars,” Corey Feldman is stepping back into a major primetime spotlight. The competition offers a platform for reinvention and a chance to connect with a new generation of viewers. For an artist who has navigated the highs of superstardom and the lows of personal turmoil, the ballroom represents another stage in a career defined by resilience and an unwavering refusal to be silenced.
