Corey Haim...death certificate deferred! Monkey on back kept actor down...

Although it has been widely reported that Corey Haim died from a drug overdose, the Los Angeles Coroner's office has stopped short of that conclusion, until a full autopsy report is in.

According to city officials, the cause of the child star's death is still unknown.

Pending the completion of a thorough investigation by the book, the Coroner's office was inclined to issue a death certificate at the end of the week, with a footnote that underscored that until further notice the immediate cause of death was deferred.

In the early hours of dawn on March 10th (2010), Corey Haim complained of flu-like symptoms, before collapsing at the Oakwood Apartments in the Valley.

Investigators found four perscription medication - Valium, Vicodin, Soma and the antipsychotic Haloperidol - in the  month-to-month rental he shared with his mother Judy.

While no illegal drugs were found that fateful day, sources have confirmed that Haim illegally obtained written perscriptions for drugs such as OxyContin, which added a mysterious twist to the tragic events.

As of this date, for instance, it has not been established if the troubled actor ever used the drug previously, or if he intended to have the prescription for the one in his possession filled.

The question as to whether or not the former drug addict's past and/or previous addictions led to his death in the prime of life still remains up in the air.

It has been confirmed with certainty, though, that Haim was suffering from pneumonia (which has firmly established that he was under the weather that evening with a legitimate ailment that needed attending to).

The  L.A. County Coroner's Office is waiting for toxicology results to determine if there were fatal levels of drugs in his system, which could have stopped Corey's heart from pumping healthy on the eve in question.

Prescription drugs such as - Valium, Vicodin and Soma - all slow  down the respiratory rate and could stop a person's breathing when taken while pneumonia is present.

With that in mind, investigators may be able to wrap up the report, in the near future.

Meanwhile, it should be noted for the record, that Haim's mother was informed that Corey suffered from pulmonary congestion and an enlarged heart.

But, no explanation was given as to what triggered the death, for the aforementioned reasons.

Haim starred in a string of teen-oriented box offices hits in the 1980s.

In "Lucas", Corey Haim crafted a stand-out performance, which I reported on just recently after a tribute screening at a Revival House (New Beverly Cinema) in Hollywood.

Post: 03/13/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/corey-haimspooky-night-at-lucas.html

Unfortunately, Haim's promising movie career was derailed by an addition to drugs, which was widely reported in the press.

Although Haim struggled to regain ground in the form of a sizzling comeback, Hollywood-style, the monkey on his back fought back and kept him down.

Understandably, Corey Haim fans mourn the untimely demise of a gifted actor.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Child Actors...publicity stills, agents, et al. You outta be in pictures, kid!

I listened in amusement as a woman next to me gushed about how cute a man's kids were.

"They should be doin' commercials," she insisted.

In response, the fellow grinned and noted that he stopped into an Agent's office one day to discuss representation, but decided to forgo on the idea when the woman in charge of the children's division informed him they would need photographs - which could conceivably cost about $200.00 - or more.

The woman reacted angrily,

"That's not true. It's just a rip-off. All you need is a snapshot or two."

Wrong!

I was a theatrical agent representing child actors several years ago.

True, if you're interested in having your kids schlep around as slave labor doing extra work here and there, one or two of the local casting offices will only ask for a Polaroid (oftentimes for a small processing fee, which I disagree with) to insert into their casting files where clients peruse for nameless "bodies".

But, landing bona fide acting assignments for the young ones is much more specific than that, and the process requires the investment of at least one standard 8 X 10 glossy photograph.

This is the industry norm - for children and adults - alike.

In fact, a quality still of the "talent" amounts to a calling card. And, based on its strengths or weaknesses, the aspiring thespian may or may not get in the door.

When I was submitting performers for consideration, I was constantly amazed by the fact that one particular photo of a client would always land them an audition, while other struggling hopefuls continued to be "passed" over. So, choosing the right photographer is also a key factor in the equation.

For those of you who are not familiar with the process, it goes something like this.

Each day, ad agencies and casting directors send out casting notices with a "breakdown service", announcing parts that are auditioning by appointment only.

Agents - usually franchised by the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA - then sift through the casting notices and select clients they deem appropriate for the assignment - based on their actual "training", "experience", and "look".

Feature roles may require more extensive credits - but - the criteria varies from director to director. It's a general consensus that stage work is a big plus, especially when Film and/or TV credits are few and far between.

Commercial casting offices are often seeking an "image" to represent a particular product, so experience may not always be a prerequisite in that arena.

A list of the names of the talent, and their overall personal stats (Height, Weight, skills, etc.) - and the accompanying photographs - are packaged up in the morning, and then sent out in the afternoon mail by special courier.

Calls for auditions may trickle in later that day or bright and early the next morning.

So, without a photograph - and especially a quality one to catch the eye of the casting director - the talent may be left out in the cold.

True, some disreputable agents may be associated with an acting school, or a photographer. In that event, stay away from them like the plague, and seek representation elsewhere.

If you hotfoot it over to SAG or AFTRA (both are situated in the same building on Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea) you can obtain an Agent's list. Generally, those listed on the union sheets are professional, legitimate, and above-board - unlike other scam outfits hapless parents and their kids may encounter around Tinsel town in the pursuit of fame and fortune.

In the event your child is able to secure an agent, then be sure you can be reached on short notice; after all, that is also the nature of the beast...things may be slow one minute, then move at lightning speed the next.

And, a word of advice...

Make sure your tot is actively engaged in honing their acting skills and other talents by way of vocal lessons, and acting workshops and/or classes with reputable teachers and coaches on a regular basis.

That way - when the big break comes - they'll be ready for the opportunity and won't blow it!

Break a leg!





No business like show business!