Dominick Brascia Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Cause of Death, Movies, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Children

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Dominick Brascia (1957–2018) was an American actor, director, and radio personality, initially best known for his work in the horror genre during the 1980s. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, he began his career in Hollywood with roles in films such as Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985), where he played the character Joey, and the vampire comedy Once Bitten (1985). He also directed and starred in the horror-comedy Evil Laugh (1986) and directed Hard Rock Nightmare (1988).

After his film career quieted down, Brascia transitioned into broadcast media, becoming a successful radio talk show host. He worked in various markets across the United States, including California, Texas, Alabama, and Colorado. In his later years, he settled in Bozeman, Montana, where he hosted the morning show “Dominick in the Morning” on KMMS-AM 1450. He was known in the industry for his energetic on-air personality and also worked as a producer for the syndicated Armstrong & Getty show.

Brascia became the subject of significant media attention and controversy regarding the sexual abuse allegations surrounding late child actor Corey Haim. Brascia, who had been friends with Haim, claimed publicly that Haim had confided in him that actor Charlie Sheen had abused him during the filming of Lucas in the 1980s. Brascia gave interviews to outlets like the National Enquirer detailing these claims, which Sheen vehemently denied.

Conversely, Brascia himself faced posthumous allegations regarding Haim. Following Brascia’s death in 2018, Corey Haim’s mother, Judy Haim, and fellow actor Corey Feldman alleged that Brascia was actually the one who had abused Haim. Brascia had denied such accusations during his lifetime, maintaining that he was a supportive friend to Haim. Brascia died of natural causes at his home in Montana on November 26, 2018, at the age of 61.

Early Life and Background

Staten Island Roots

Dominick Brascia was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, to parents Dominick Brascia Sr. and Antoinette Brascia. Growing up in a tight-knit Italian-American family, Brascia developed a gregarious and larger-than-life personality early on. His upbringing in the boroughs of New York City instilled in him a resilience and street-smart wit that would later define his on-air radio persona. He attended New Dorp High School, where former classmates remembered him as a “character” with a natural flair for performance.

Education and Acting Aspirations

Following his graduation from New Dorp High School, Brascia decided to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an actor. While specific details of his collegiate education are not publicly disclosed, records indicate he immersed himself in acting schools and workshops to hone his craft. Unlike many who stumble into the industry, Brascia was driven by a specific ambition to not just act, but to create.

Career in Hollywood

The Horror Genre and Friday the 13th

Brascia’s breakout role came in 1985 when he was cast as Joey in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (Part V). Although his screen time was relatively short, his character left a lasting impact on the franchise’s fanbase. Playing the role of the annoying but well-meaning Joey, Brascia became the victim of one of the film’s most shocking early kills.

Success in 80s Comedy and Action

1985 was a banner year for Brascia. In addition to his horror debut, he starred in the vampire comedy Once Bitten, appearing alongside a young Jim Carrey. Brascia played the role of the ice cream truck driver, showcasing his ability to handle comedic relief. He also secured a role in the action film Iron Eagle (1986), further diversifying his filmography. His “everyman” appearance allowed him to play a variety of character roles, from lovable losers to comedic sidekicks.

Transition to Directing and Writing

Not content with waiting for roles, Brascia took creative control of his career in the late 80s. He directed, wrote, and starred in the 1986 horror-comedy Evil Laugh. The film, which centers on a group of medical students stalked by a killer while renovating a foster home, has since developed a cult following for its campy style and genre tropes. He followed this up by directing Hard Rock Nightmare (1988), another entry in the horror genre that featured heavy metal themes.

Television Appearances

Throughout the late 80s, Brascia made guest appearances on several high-profile television shows. His credits include:

Knight Rider
Night Court
Amazing Stories (Steven Spielberg’s anthology series)
R.H.I.P. (a pilot episode)

Transition to Radio Broadcasting

The “Dominick in the Morning” Era

As his film roles became less frequent in the 90s, Brascia pivoted to a second career in radio broadcasting. He found that his opinionated nature and storytelling ability were perfectly updated for talk radio. He eventually settled in Bozeman, Montana, where he hosted “Dominick in the Morning” on KMMS-AM 1450. The show was a mix of local news, national politics, pop culture, and personal anecdotes.

Producing Armstrong & Getty

Before settling in Montana, Brascia spent time in larger markets. He notably worked in Sacramento, California, at KSTE (650 AM). There, he served as the executive producer for the highly popular syndicated show Armstrong & Getty.

Radio Stations and Markets

Brascia’s radio career took him across the United States. In addition to Bozeman and Sacramento, he held positions at:

KNRC in Denver, Colorado
WERC in Birmingham, Alabama
WOAI in San Antonio, Texas
Stations in Beaumont, Texas

Major Controversies and Allegations

The Corey Haim Connection

Dominick Brascia was a close friend of the late child actor Corey Haim for over 20 years. Following Haim’s death in 2010, Brascia became a central figure in the media narrative regarding the abuse Haim allegedly suffered as a child star in Hollywood. Brascia positioned himself as a confidant and protector of Haim’s legacy, frequently speaking to tabloids and news outlets.

Accusations Against Charlie Sheen

In 2017, the National Enquirer published an interview with Brascia in which he alleged that Corey Haim had confided in him that actor Charlie Sheen raped him during the filming of the movie Lucas in 1986. Brascia claimed Haim described the assault in graphic detail. These allegations made international headlines and prompted a denial from Sheen, who called the claims “sick” and vehemently rejected them. Brascia stood by his account until his death.

Posthumous Allegations Against Brascia

The narrative took a dark turn after Brascia’s death in 2018. Corey Feldman, Haim’s best friend and co-star, released a documentary titled (My) Truth: The Rape of Two Coreys. in this film, and in subsequent interviews, Feldman and Haim’s mother, Judy Haim, alleged that Brascia himself was one of Haim’s abusers. Judy Haim claimed that her son had been protecting Brascia and that Brascia used the accusations against Sheen as a smokescreen. Before he died, Brascia had denied these burgeoning rumors, stating he was merely a supportive friend. Because Brascia had passed away by the time the most direct accusations were leveled in the documentary, he was unable to legally defend himself or respond to the specific claims made by Feldman.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Despite his public persona, Brascia kept his immediate romantic life private. There is no public record of him ever being married or having children. His obituary listed his survivors as his cousins, aunts, and uncles, suggesting he did not have a spouse or direct descendants at the time of his death. He was known to be very close to his parents, Dominick and Antoinette, both of whom predeceased him.

Life in Montana

In his later years, Brascia embraced life in the American West. He lived in Bozeman, Montana, where he became a fixture of the local community. He was known to be an animal lover, with condolences often mentioning his beloved “white cat.” Friends described him as a passionate man who loved to stir the pot but had a “kind soul” beneath his brash exterior.

Net Worth

At the time of his death, Dominick Brascia’s net worth was not publicly disclosed. While he had a steady income from his radio career and residual checks from his film work (particularly Friday the 13th), he was not considered a wealthy Hollywood elite. His lifestyle in Montana was modest compared to Los Angeles standards.

Cause of Death

Dominick Brascia died on November 26, 2018, at his home in Bozeman, Montana. He was 61 years old. The cause of death was determined to be natural causes. His passing was sudden and shocked his radio listeners, many of whom had tuned in to his show just days prior.

Conclusion

Dominick Brascia was a man of many masks: the actor, the director, the shock jock, and the controversial figure. From the streets of Staten Island to the sets of Hollywood and the airwaves of Montana, he lived a life defined by performance and vocal expression. While his film contributions provide entertainment to this day, the unresolved questions surrounding his relationship with Corey Haim ensure that his biography remains a subject of scrutiny and fascination. He died as he lived—talking, provoking, and leaving the audience with questions.

FAQs

Who was Dominick Brascia?

Dominick Brascia was an American actor, director, and radio host, known for roles in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning and for hosting “Dominick in the Morning.”

What famous movie was Dominick Brascia in?

He is most famous for playing the character “Joey” in the 1985 horror film Friday the 13th: A New Beginning.

Did Dominick Brascia accuse Charlie Sheen of a crime?

Yes. Brascia alleged that Corey Haim confided in him that Charlie Sheen had sexually abused Haim on the set of the movie Lucas. Sheen denied these claims.