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Friend and costar Anthony Vitale talks about final film with Corey Haim

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Corey Haim’s friend and the costar of one of his final films says news of Haim’s sudden passing ‘does not surprise me.’

‘I know he’s been struggling with substance abuse for quite some time,’ Anthony Vitale told 24 Frames. Vitale co-wrote and stars in the film ‘Decisions,’ one of Haim’sfinal projects.

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‘I extended an offer to help,’ Vitale said. But Haim’s reaction to it was ‘lackadaisical and nonchalant, like it wasn’t a problem.’

Haim died early Wednesday morning of a suspected drug overdose. He was 38.

In ‘Decisions,’ a movie that does not yet have distribution, Haim played the lead role, an undercover cop in Los Angeles who is compromised on the job. ‘It’s the classic tale of good versus evil,’ Vitale said. ‘And, of course, good wins out in the end. The tagline would be: ‘The voice of reason sometimes comes in a gruff, dirty package.’

‘It’s got a ‘Sixth Sense’ ending with an ‘Unusual Suspects’ reveal,’ Vitale said.

Production wrapped Nov. 1, and editing of the film was finished Tuesday night, he said.

During production, Vitale, a Long Beach resident, said he picked up Haim every morning from the Oakwood apartment complex where Haim lived with his mother. They’d carpool to filming in Northridge. Vitale said Haim was in ‘great spirits’ while working.

‘His mom was with him every day. Corey did a fantastic job, too. It’s the most mature character he’s ever played. He’s not that cute little kid anymore in this.

‘He was a professional actor while we filmed. What he did when we wrapped? I don’t know. But while he was with us, he was great.

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‘What a tragedy this is,’ Vtiale said. ‘My heart goes out to his family, especially his mother.’

TMZ reports that in the last 10 days of his life, Haim was approached by the casting company for the VH1 series ‘Celebrity Rehab’ but declined an offer to appear. A show source told the website Haim was ‘extremely defensive and insulted, saying, ‘It’s the last show I’d ever do.’ ‘

-- Denise Martin


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