Haley Joel Osment was one of the most well-known child performers in the world during the majority of the 1990s, thanks to his roles in films such as Forrest Gump and The Sixth Sense, as well as his collaborations with Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis. However, his career dipped as he grew older. Despite a few voice-acting assignments and cameos in the 2000s, the former child star looked to have vanished from the public eye.
It is pretty amazing when we see child actors grow old right before our eyes, and Osment has been one of them. When he first appeared on film, charmed audiences with his boyish innocence. During his earliest years, he was characterized with a cherubic face framed by light brown hair.
Even at a very young age, he possessed a remarkable ability to convey deep emotions, which endeared him to both audiences and critics alike.
The story of how Osment became an actor is remarkable. When he was four years old, someone spotted him in Ikea and thought his face would be suitable for advertisements. As a result, he appeared in a Pizza Hut advertisement from 1993. The director of Forrest Gump saw this commercial and approached Osment. He was just five years old at the time, but he shown amazing talent, and he and Tom Hanks clicked. What’s more, his screen test with Hanks is still widely shared on social media.
By 1997, Osment remained active in TV and film. His appearance during this time showed some changes from his earlier years. The award-winning actor started to grow into his features, displaying a more defined look that suggested the young adult he was becoming.
In 1999, he played in The Sixth Sense, which earned him global recognition. Many referred to him as a youthful man with an old soul. He wore a suit to his third and final audition for the film. Director M Night Shyamalan has stated that the boy’s vulnerability and emotional depth moved him to tears, particularly when Osment delivered the now-iconic statement, “I see dead people.”
By 2002, Osment continued to work in the film industry, albeit quietly, under the radar.
He had done voice work for films like The Country Bears and The Jungle Book 2, showing his versatility. At the same time, his looks began to show signs of adolescence. He no longer resembled the five year old who captured the hearts of millions.
By 2005, he had progressed from kid celebrity to young adult actor.
In 2006, Osment had a turbulent year punctuated by a highly publicized drunk driving incident that resulted in his detention. Mug pictures from this period showed him looking like a young guy, in stark contrast to his polished public image in previous years.
The incident resulted in many injuries for Osment, including a cracked rib and a sprained shoulder. He was accused with DUI and underage drinking.
At 18, he moved to New York to study experimental theatre at New York University and attend college, something both he and his parents wanted.
“I did work that practically nobody saw for a long time, which was not a great career move – but, ultimately, was important for me to figure out whether this was what I truly wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Osment once told The Guardian
In 2008, Osment made his Broadway debut, marking a significant milestone in his career. He sported a more mature look, with the beginnings of facial hair.
Osment continues to be recognized for his development and commitment to his trade.
“Nice to see a child actor turned out normal,” one commenter said. Another person said, “This guy is still absolutely lovely. He has such a strong presence and appears to enjoy what he does rather than take it too seriously.
“He’s so cute he seems like he would be good at hugging,” one individual wrote. Someone else added, “He looks like a huge cuddly teddy bear!!! I just wanna give him a BIG hug!!!!”
