- A former child star remains under the radar.
- He found success but faced legal issues.
- The actor now looks “unrecognizable” after growing a beard to blend in.
Child actor during an interview with host Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on March 2, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
A former child star managed to stay out of the spotlight for years, despite a brush with the law. He now sports a beard, making him hardly recognizable to his fans.
The star rose to fame with his moving role in “Forrest Gump” as the son of the title character. This actor became a beloved figure in American cinema.
His career soared after starring in “The Sixth Sense” along with Bruce Willis and won critical acclaim. A year after this breakthrough, the child prodigy acted with Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt in “Pay It Forward.” He then starred in Steven Spielberg’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” the following year.
Child star and Bruce Willis on the set of “The Sixth Sense,” 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Child prodigy and Bruce Willis on the set of “The Sixth Sense,” 1999 | Source: Getty Image
Chuck Norris and child prodigy on the set of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” 1997 | Source: Getty Images
This early success laid the groundwork for his career. He would become the first millennial to receive an Oscar acting nomination but lost to Michael Caine.
The actor at The Hollywood Reporter 4th Annual Young Star Awards on November 7, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
From having an angelic look to a more mature appearance, here is the history-making child star who has significantly transformed through the years.
The Actor in 1994
In 1994, young Haley Osment charmed audiences with his boyish innocence. Images from that year show him with a cherubic face, framed by light brown hair.
Haley Osment on the set of “Thunder Alley,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images
He showed joyful curiosity in commercials and serious thought in film roles. While very young, he had a remarkable ability to convey deep emotions. Both audiences and critics loved this about him.
Edward Asner and Haley Osment on the set of “Thunder Alley,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images
The child star fell into acting by chance. At the age of four, someone spotted him in Ikea. He first appeared on screen in a 1993 Pizza Hut ad. This led to an approach by “Forrest Gump,” director.
Haley Osment and Edward Asner on the set of “Thunder Alley,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Forrest Jr was only a small part of 5-year-old Osment. But, his screen test with Tom Hanks still circulates on social media. This is thanks to their heartwarming double act.
Haley Osment on the set of “Thunder Alley,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 1997
By 1997, Osment still appeared in TV and film. His appearance during this period showed a slight change from his earlier years. The award-winning star began to grow into his features, with a more defined look. It hinted at the young adult he would soon become.
Haley Osment holds Sparky the dog at the Genesis Awards on April 5, 1997 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 1999
“The Sixth Sense” came out in 1999. It saw Osment change into a serious, thoughtful young star. His deep-set eyes and serious manner captured his character’s haunted feelings.
A headshot of Haley Osment on September 25, 1999 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
This role brought him global fame. It also secured his place in Hollywood. People saw him as a talented young actor with an old soul.
Haley Osment during 6th Annual Dream Halloween Benefit at Barker Hangar on October 30, 1999 in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Director M Night Shyamalan had worried that Osment was too much of a “cherub” to cast in “The Sixth Sense.” But the boy was also serious-minded and precocious.
Bruce Willis and Haley Osment at the preview of the film “The Sixth Sense,” on December 8, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment at the preview of the film “The Sixth Sense,” on December 8, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
For Osment’s final audition of three for “The Sixth Sense,” he wore a suit. Shyamalan has said the boy’s vulnerability and depth moved him to tears. He was especially moved by Osment’s delivery of the now-classic line: “I see dead people.”
Haley Osment attends the Hollywood premiere of “Bicentennial Man,” 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2000
At the start of the new millennium, Osment attended the 72nd Academy Awards as a nominee. The event marked him as one of Hollywood’s top young talents.
Haley Osment pictured on January 1, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Hayley Joel Osment and Harrison Ford backstage at the 26th People’s Choice Awards on January 9, 2000 in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment at the 52nd Annual Writers Guild of America Awards on March 5, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Osment’s style had matured at this time. He seemed more polished at public events. His youthful charm now came with growing sophistication.
Angelina Jolie accepts her award from Haley Osment at the Sixth Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) on March 12, 2000 in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment during The 72nd Annual Academy Awards – Nominees Luncheon at Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 13, 2000 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment at a photocall during the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2000 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
He also found himself back at school where he was not treated as a celebrity. Then in fifth grade, Osment admitted that it was a “shift in gear,” as he found it easier to navigate.
Haley Osment and film director Yurek Bogayevicz on the set of “Edges of the Lord,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Portrait of Haley Osment on the set of “Edges of the Lord,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Helen Hunt, Haley Osment and Kevin Spacey pose at the premiere of “Pay It Forward,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
“The Sixth Sense,” at the time was considered unsuitable for kids under 13. Most of Osment’s classmates did not even get to see the Oscar-nominated film.
Theresa Osment, Haley Osment and Michael Osment at the Los Angeles premiere of “Pay It Forward,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Haley Joel Osment at “Hollywood Salutes Bruce Willis: An American Cinematheque Tribute” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 23, 2000 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment on the set of “Pay It Forward,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the movie’s star’s sister, Emily Osment, had “a way tougher path” to fame. She is best known for appearing in the popular Disney series, “Hannah Montana,” alongside Miley Cyrus.
Kevin Spacey and Haley Osment on the set of “Pay It Forward,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
The actress’s older brother explained that she had to deal with the invasion of privacy while starring in the show. This deprived her of having a normal life.
Osment further explained what made things worse was that his sibling had to be on social media. Unlike her, he resisted until he was 27 years old.
Steven Spielberg, Haley Osment and Jude Law on the Sunday Calendar on May 6, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Haley Joel Osment during photocall at the 58th International Film Festival on September 6, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment at Deauville on September 10, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2002
By 2002, Osment still worked on the big screen but under the radar. Not many recognized him as the child that starred in “The Sixth Sense.”
Haley Osment attends the premiere of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment at the 30th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Tom Hanks on June 12, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment during “Secondhand Lions” press conference at The Four Seasons Hotel on August 10, 2003 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
He had done voice work for films like “The Country Bears” and ” The Jungle Book 2,” showing his versatility. Moreover, his looks began to show signs of adolescence.
Haley Osment, John Goodman and Mae Whitman at the premiere of “The Jungle Book 2,” 2003 | Source: Getty Images
His face became more angular and he had a teenage growth spurt. It made him look very different from the young boy America had first loved.
Haley Osment attends the world premiere of “Open Range,” 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2005
In 2005, Osment’s looks had changed as he had grown taller. This reflected his shift from a child star to a young adult actor.
Jaley Osment at the 2005 Giffoni International Children’s Film Festival – Press Conference at the Cinema Truffaut on July 17, 2005 in Giffoni, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment 2005 Giffoni International Children’s Film Festival – Haley Joel Osment Tribute at the Alberto Forbi Arena on July 17, 2005 in Giffoni, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Hayley Osment at the team photocall at the Celtic Manor Resort on August 27, 2005 Newport, Wales. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2006
The year 2006 was tumultuous for Osment. It involved a highly publicized drunk driving incident that resulted in an arrest. In mug shots from this time, he looked like a young man. This was a stark contrast to his polished public image in earlier years.
Osment suffered multiple injuries including a fractured rib and a hurt shoulder. He was charged with driving under the influence and underage drinking.
Haley Osment in a mug shot following his arrest in 2006 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The then 18-year-old relocated to New York to study experimental theatre at New York University. His parents wanted him to experience college life and so did he.
“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 said.
Jesse Mc Cartney and Haley Osment at the Playstation 2’s “Kingdom Hearts II” launch party on March 23, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2007
By 2007, Osment was working to rebuild his career and image. His roles during this period showed a more mature perspective. He chose projects that showed his depth as an actor. He did not rely on the innocent charm of his youth.
Haley Osment at the Opening Night Curtain Call and Press Room for “A Moon for Misbegotten” on April 9, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2008
In 2008, Osment made his Broadway debut, a significant step in his career. His look was more mature. It had the start of facial hair.
His role as a heroin addict in “American Buffalo” let him explore dark, complex themes. “That was definitely a very fun period of playing a lot of bad guys,” Osment admitted in a 2020 interview.
Haley Osment photographed on November 6, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
This experience also further distanced him from his child-star persona. He agreed that it might have been an act of rebelliousness against his angelic childhood image.
Osment in 2012
In 2012, Osment took on the role in the film “Sassy Pants.” It showed his ability to play against type. He looked very different but still had youthful features.
The movie star had a pinch-his-cheeks-cute face which was rounder. Additionally, his body was a lot beefier, than in his youth.
Haley Osment at Fox 5 Studios on July 27, 2012 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
His performance in “Sassy Pants” was as a quirky, unconventional character. It won him praise and showed his willingness to push acting’s boundaries.
Osment in 2014
By 2014, Osment had immersed himself in character roles. The roles leveraged his dramatic skill. His stint in “Sex Ed” showed his comic timing.
Haley Osment at the Moby Los Angeles Photo Exhibition press preview & VIP opening at Project Gallery on February 20, 2014 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Notably, Osment’s look was fuller and had a well-groomed beard. It matched his shift to more mature and nuanced characters. He looked unrecognizable after gaining weight.
Social media users expressed shock at how Osment looked entirely different than before. They took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to comment on his weight gain.
Haley Joel Osment attends the Variety Studio at Holt Renfrew during the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2014 in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
“Just noticed Haley Joel Osment in the ending credits of ‘What We Do in the Shadows.’ I’m like who? When? Had to google it omg completely unrecognizable,” wrote one person. Another said, “Can we talk about how Haley Joel Osment is almost unrecognizable in this?”
Someone else penned, “Does this man make you wonder why Haley Joel Osment gained so much weight? Almost unrecognizable. Such an incredible actor and now no parts for Haley.”
Haley Joel Osment attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Tusk,” 2014 | Source: Getty Images
However, Osment was okay with appearing different. “I would say it’s fine that it’s unrecognizable. It’s good. […] there’s those sort of roles that give you the opportunity to undergo a transformation like that are really really kind of fun,” Osment lamented.
Osment in 2016
Osment kept appearing in TV and film. This showed his stable career. He had a look that was both friendly and mature. His roles often need a mix of sensitivity and strength. This mix had become a hallmark of his performances.
Haley Osment and Emily Osment attend the 44th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute honoring John Williams at Dolby Theatre on June 9, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2017
Osment took on roles with serious themes by 2017. They reflected his growth as an actor who can handle complex issues. He presented himself with a neat beard and a polished appearance.
Haley Osment at the Deadline Hollywood Emmy Season Kickoff party on June 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment seen on June 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Haley Osment attends the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s 3rd Annual Blue Diamond Gala at Dodger Stadium on June 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2018
Osment starred in the praised series “Silicon Valley.” The comedy show aired for six seasons from 2014 to 2019 and it won two Primetime Emmy Awards. This stint was a departure from Osment’s previous roles.
He played a tech-savvy character and his look was clean and modern. It fit the tech theme of the show. He had a sharp wit and timing that resonated well with audiences.
Haley Osment on the set of “Silicon Valley,” 2017 | Source: YouTube/Today
During this period, Osment had a full-grown beard. The star revealed that he grew a beard “to try to hide in public. That didn’t really work at all.”
Having grown up in the limelight, Osment’s upbringing is not cliched like that of fellow child stars. He once commented on working as a child saying there is an expectation for negative experiences along the way.
Haley Osment during an appearance on the “Today” show on June 14, 2017 | Source: YouTube/Today
“But I think there are a lot more stories of people who had positive experiences working as children and didn’t have that kind of cliched storyline going forward. And that’s been the case for me,” Osment explained.
Osment in 2020
The year 2020 found Osment reflecting on his career during the lockdown. During this time, his roles were introspective. They mirrored his personal journey from child star to established actor. During this time, he had moved back to his hometown LA after living in NY for 13 years.
Haley Osment seen on March 1, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2023
Osment’s career continued to thrive in 2023. He had roles in both TV and film. They used his wide acting range. His look was now distinguished as he had a beard and a confident manner. It matched the complexity of the characters he portrayed.
Haley Osment at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s 13th Annual L.A. Golf Classic at North Ranch Country Club on June 12, 2023 in Westlake Village, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment in 2024
As of 2024, Osment remains respected in acting. His current appearance reflects a long journey. He has gone from a child star to a seasoned actor. He has a well-groomed beard and a mature, thoughtful demeanor.
Haley Osment attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Drugstore June,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Osement still receives recognition for transforming his abilities and dedicating himself to his craft. “Nice to see a child actor turned out normal,” commented one user. Another wrote, “This guy is still absolutely adorable. He has such a tremendous presence and seems to really have fun with what he does and not take it too seriously.”
“He’s so cute he seems like he would be good at hugging,” one individual expressed. Someone else echoed, “He looks like a huge cuddly teddy bear!!! I just wanna give him a BIG hug!!!!”
“It’s pretty apparent that he grew up to be a very intelligent actor. I see him as the next Phillip Seymour Hoffman,” one social media user stated.
Haley Osment at the Cinespia 20th anniversary screening of “The Sixth Sense” presented by Amazon Studios at Hollywood Forever on October 19, 2019 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Osment was a child prodigy. Now, he is a versatile actor. He has made bold choices and delivered transformative performances throughout his career.
Each year has marked a big step in his journey. This is true not in his chosen roles but in his physical change. He has become almost unrecognizable from his days as a child star.
Source: news.amomama.com
