Haley Joel Osment was born on April 10, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. His mother, Theresa Osment, is a teacher, and his father, Eugene Osment, is a stage actor. From an early age, Osment showed an interest in acting, which led to his discovery by a talent scout when he was just four years old. His first professional role was in a Pizza Hut commercial, but it was clear from the start that he had a natural talent for acting. Osment's breakthrough came in 1999 with his unforgettable performance in M. Night Shyamalan's supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense. At just 11 years old, Osment portrayed Cole Sear, a young boy who could see and communicate with the dead. His haunting line, "I see dead people," became iconic, and his performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This role catapulted him into stardom and established him as one of the most talented child actors of his generation. Career in the 2000s Following the success of The Sixth Sense, Osment continued to work on high-profile projects throughout the early 2000s. In 2000, he starred in Pay It Forward alongside Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt, playing a boy who tries to change the world through random acts of kindness. Although the film received mixed reviews, Osment's performance was widely praised. In 2001, he took on the lead role in Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a film that was originally developed by Stanley Kubrick. Osment played David, a highly advanced robotic child capable of love. His portrayal of David was both emotionally complex and heart-wrenching, further solidifying his reputation as a gifted actor. Osment continued to appear in a variety of films throughout the early 2000s, including Secondhand Lions (2003), where he played a young boy sent to live with his eccentric uncles, played by Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. The film was well-received, and Osment’s performance was lauded for its maturity and depth. Transition to Adult Roles As Osment grew older, he faced the challenge that many child actors do: transitioning from child roles to adult roles. The early 2000s saw him take a step back from the spotlight as he focused on his education. He attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied experimental theater. This period allowed him to hone his craft and prepare for the next phase of his career. Osment’s transition to adult roles began with his return to acting in the 2010s. Unlike many child stars who struggle with the transition, Osment took on a variety of roles in independent films, television, and voice acting that allowed him to showcase his range. He lent his voice to several animated projects, including Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video game series, a role he has continued to reprise. Recent Career and Notable Roles In recent years, Osment has made a successful comeback, appearing in a variety of television shows and films. He has taken on more comedic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He appeared in the Netflix series The Spoils of Babylon (2014) and its sequel The Spoils Before Dying (2015), both of which were critically acclaimed for their satirical take on classic television miniseries. In 2017, Osment joined the cast of Silicon Valley, an HBO comedy series about the tech industry. He played Keenan Feldspar, a virtual reality guru, in a role that allowed him to display his comedic timing and satirical wit. His performance was well-received, and it marked another successful chapter in his career. Osment also appeared in the 2018 film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, a biographical crime drama about serial killer Ted Bundy, starring Zac Efron. In the film, Osment played Jerry, a co-worker and confidant to Bundy’s girlfriend, Liz Kendall. This role demonstrated his continued ability to take on complex, supporting roles in serious films. Recent News and Legal Troubles In recent news, Haley Joel Osment made headlines in August 2023 after an incident in Paris, France. Reports indicated that Osment was involved in a minor legal issue stemming from an altercation at a Parisian nightclub. The incident, which allegedly involved a misunderstanding with security staff, was resolved quickly, and no serious charges were filed. This brush with the law was widely covered by the media, but Osment has remained largely out of the public eye since then, focusing on his work and personal life. Personal Life and Legacy Despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye, Haley Joel Osment has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. He is known for his humility and grounded nature, a rarity among former child stars. Osment remains close to his family, including his younger sister, Emily Osment, who is also an actress. Osment has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, often supporting causes related to children’s welfare and education. He has spoken openly about the importance of giving back and using his platform to make a positive impact on the world. Haley Joel Osment’s journey from a child actor to a seasoned performer is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication to his craft. From his iconic role in The Sixth Sense to his recent work in television and film, Osment has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and grow as an actor. While he may no longer be the child star that audiences remember, his contributions to the entertainment industry remain significant. As he continues to navigate his career, it’s clear that Haley Joel Osment’s story is far from over. Thanks for listening and remember to like and share wherever you get your podcasts.