Former Child Stars Reflect on Finances and Substance Abuse Struggles

On the latest episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade delve into the struggles faced by former child stars. Spade reflects on his experience working with Corey Haim on the 2003 comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, which featured a number of actual former child actors.

Spade recalls a moment when Haim, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 38, approached him on the set and asked for money to buy lunch. "He goes, 'You got 100 bucks or something? I could just go get lunch?'" Spade said. Knowing now about Haim's substance abuse issues, Spade questioned whether giving him the money was a "stupid" decision.

The hosts also discuss the challenges faced by former child stars, with Spade noting that "the parents a lot of the time, not all the time, a lot of times the parents are, like, spending the money. They're like, 'Hey, you're my kid. It's my money.' And then when they're 18, they're like, 'Back up that Brinks truck!' And they're like, 'The thing is, there's not a ton left.'"

This bittersweet reflection on the lives of former child stars sheds light on the financial and personal struggles that some of them face, even years after their time in the spotlight.