This ‘Angelic’ Child Star Stayed under the Radar — He Looks ‘Unrecognizable’ & Grew Beard to Hide from the Public

This actor, who was once a cherished child star, experienced early success in Hollywood before being forced out of the public eye due to legal issues. He’s become virtually unrecognizable, sporting a beard and a drastically changed appearance, all while maintaining a low profile.

Despite a run-in with the law, a former child star was able to avoid the spotlight for a number of years. His fans can hardly recognize him now because he has grown a beard.

The actor became well-known for playing the protagonist’s kid in the heartwarming film “Forrest Gump”. In American film, this performer rose to fame.

Following his co-starring performance with Bruce Willis in “The Sixth Sense” (1999), which garnered him critical praise, his career took off. A year following this achievement, the young prodigy starred in “Pay It Forward” alongside Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey. The next year, he starred in “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” directed by Steven Spielberg.

His career’s foundation was established by this early achievement. He was the first person born in the twenty-first century to be nominated for an Oscar for acting, but Michael Caine won.

This historic child star has changed dramatically over the years, going from an angelic visage to a more adult one.

The Actor in 1994

A youthful Haley Joel Osment charmed audiences in 1994 with his innocent innocence. Pictures from that year depict him with light brown hair framing a cherubic face.

In ads, he exuded cheerful interest, and in film parts, he displayed serious consideration. He possessed a unique capacity for expressing strong feelings even at a young age. Critics and viewers alike cherished this aspect of him.

The young celebrity stumbled into acting by accident. When he was four years old, he was observed in Ikea. He made his on-screen debut in a Pizza Hut commercial in 1993. The director of “Forrest Gump,” however, approached him shortly afterward.

Only a minor portion of five-year-old Osment’s career was spent as Forrest Jr. However, his Tom Hanks screen test is still making the rounds on social media. Their endearing duo is the reason for this.

Osment in 1997

Osment continued to make TV and movie appearances by 1997. Compared to his early years, his appearance around this time showed a slight change. The celebrated actor started to develop his features and take on a more distinct appearance. It was a hint of the young man he would soon grow into.

Osment in 1999

In 1999, “The Sixth Sense” was released. Osment developed into a smart, serious young star during that time. His somber demeanor and deeply set eyes encapsulated the tormented feelings of his character.His worldwide recognition came from this role. It also guaranteed him a position in Hollywood. He was regarded by many as a gifted young actor with a timeless soul.

Concerning Osment’s excessive “cherub” persona, director M Night Shyamalan had considered casting her in “The Sixth Sense.” However, the youngster was also precocious and serious-minded.

During his last of three auditions for “The Sixth Sense,” Osment dressed in a suit. Shyamalan claimed to have been brought to tears by the boy’s depth and vulnerability. His reaction was particularly strong when Osment said the now-famous phrase, “I see dead people.”

Osment in 2000

As a nominee for the 72nd Academy Awards, Osment attended the ceremony at the beginning of the new millennium. It established him as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors.

By now Osment’s style has developed. When he was in public, he appeared more polished. His developing sophistication complemented his youthful attractiveness.

Additionally, he returned to school and was not treated like a superstar. Osment then acknowledged that the fifth grade was a “shift in gear,” since he was able to traverse it more easily.

“The Sixth Sense,” at the time, was deemed too mature for children younger than thirteen. The majority of Osment’s peers were not even able to watch the Oscar-nominated movie.

Emily Osment, the sister of the film’s protagonist, had “a way tougher path” to fame. The Disney series “Hannah Montana,” in which she costarred with Miley Cyrus, is her most famous work.

The actress’s older brother clarified that when she was a cast member in the show, she had to cope with privacy invasion. This prevented her from leading a typical life.

Osment went on to say that the fact that his sibling had to use social media made matters worse. He didn’t give in like she did until he was 27 years old.

Osment in 2002

Osment continued to work behind the scenes but on the big screen by 2002. Few people knew him as the young actor from “The Sixth Sense.”

Having provided voices for movies such as “The Country Bears” and “The Jungle Book 2,” he demonstrated his flexibility. In addition, adolescent traits started to emerge in his appearance.

He went through a teenage growth spurt and his features got more angular. He no longer resembled the little boy that America had once fallen in love with.

Osment in 2005

Osment’s appearance changed in 2005 as he became taller. This demonstrated his transition from young adult actor to child star.

Osment in 2006

For Osment, 2006 was a tough year. It concerned a widely reported incidence of drunk driving that led to an arrest. Mug photos from this era showed him as a young man. Compared to his polished public persona in previous years, this was a huge contrast.

Osment sustained several wounds, such as a broken rib and sore shoulder. He was accused of both underage drinking and drunk driving.

The 18-year-old moved to New York to attend New York University and study experimental theater. Both he and his parents desired for him to have a college experience.

“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 previously stated.

Osment in 2007

By 2007, Osment was trying to rehabilitate his reputation and career. His performances throughout this time reflected a more developed viewpoint. He picked roles that best reflected his range as an actor. He didn’t depend on his youthful charm or innocence.

Osment in 2008

Osment’s Broadway debut in 2008 was a pivotal moment in his career. His appearance had changed, seeming more mature due to the onset of facial hair.

He was able to tackle dark, complicated topics in “American Buffalo” as a heroin user. In a 2020 interview, Osment said, “That was definitely a very fun period of playing a lot of bad guys.”

This encounter also made him more detached from his image as a child star. He acknowledged that it might have been a defiance of his “angelic childhood image.”

Osment in 2012

Osment landed the part in the 2012 motion picture “Sassy Pants.” It demonstrated his ability to play unconventionally. He still had young features, but he looked completely different.

The actor’s face was fuller and had a pinch-his-cheeks cuteness. He also had a much beefier body than when he was younger.

He portrayed a strange, eccentric character in “Sassy Pants”. It brought him recognition and demonstrated his determination to push the limits of acting.

Osment in 2014

Osment has committed himself fully to character roles by 2014. The parts made use of his dramatic ability. His time on “Sex Ed” demonstrated his comedic timing.

Osment’s appearance was notably fuller, and his beard was well-groomed. It corresponded with his transition to more complex and mature personas. He had put on so much weight that he was unrecognizable.

Social media users were shocked to see how drastically Osment’s appearance had changed. They commented on his weight gain on X, the former name of Twitter.

“I just caught sight of Haley Joel Osment during “What We Do in the Shadows”‘ closing titles. Who am I like? When? Had to google it, it’s so unrecognizable, someone commented. A different person replied, “Can we talk about how Haley Joel Osment is almost unrecognizable in this?”

Another said, “Is it possible that this man is the reason behind Haley Joel Osment’s weight gain? Nearly unrecognizable. What a fantastic performer, and now Haley has no roles.”

Osment, though, didn’t mind looking different. “I think it’s okay that it’s not identifiable. It’s excellent. Osment bemoaned, “There are those kinds of roles that allow you to go through a transformation like that are really really kind of fun.”

Osment in 2016

Osment continued to make film and TV appearances. This demonstrated his steady career. He had an approachable yet sophisticated look. His roles frequently call for a blend of strength and sensitivity. His performances have grown to be known for this blend.

Osment in 2017

By 2017, Osment was playing substantial roles. They demonstrated his development as a multifaceted actor. He carried himself well, sporting a well-groomed beard.

Osment in 2018

Osment appeared in the highly regarded television series “Silicon Valley.” From 2014 until 2019, the comedy series ran for six seasons and took home two Primetime Emmys. Osment had never played a character like this before.

He had a sleek, contemporary appearance and portrayed a tech-savvy character. It matched the show’s tech theme. His timing and keen sense of humor struck a chord with audiences.

Osment had a fully grown beard at this time. The celebrity disclosed that he tried to “hide in public” by growing a beard. That was completely ineffective.

In contrast to other child stars, Osment’s upbringing is not stereotypical because she was raised in the spotlight. He once said, when speaking about working as a child, that one should expect bad things to happen along the path.

However, I believe that there are many more accounts of people who had happy childhood jobs and who didn’t have that kind of corny plot in the future. And for me, that has been the situation,” Osment said.

Osment in 2020

Osment looked back on his career in 2020 while under confinement. His roles at this period were reflective. They reflected his own path from child star to successful actor. He had spent the previous 13 years living in New York City before returning to his homeland of Los Angeles.

Osment in 2023

In 2023, Osment’s career was still thriving. He acted in movies and television shows. His broad range of acting was employed. He now had a distinct appearance thanks to his beard and self-assured demeanor. It was as nuanced as the roles he played.

Osment in 2024

Osment is still regarded in acting as of 2024. His appearance now is the result of a long trip. He’s evolved from a little kid star to an accomplished actor. His beard is well-groomed, and he exudes a thoughtful, mature aura.

Osment continues to be acknowledged for his ability to change and his commitment to his art. One commenter said, “Nice to see a child actor turned out normal.” Someone else commented, saying, “This guy is still so cute. He exudes such a powerful presence and appears to enjoy his work rather than take it too seriously.”

One person said, “He’s so cute, he seems like he would be good at hugging.” “He looks like a huge cuddly teddy bear!!!” exclaimed another person. All I want to do is give him a huge embrace.”

It’s clear that he developed into a very sharp performer as an adult. He’s the next Phillip Seymour Hoffman, in my opinion,” a social media user wrote.

After “The Sixth Sense” became popular, the child prodigy thought back on his friendship with Willis in an interview published in September 2024 with Entertainment Weekly. “In those years after it was out, I received a lot of correspondence from him. Sometimes he would drop voicemails at the residence, as a way of saying hello. Sometimes it was in the lead-up to trip because he would simply call out of the blue,” he said.

“If my memory serves me well, we traveled to Japan twice together to launch Sixth Sense in various places. He would therefore give me a call ahead of time, and occasionally I would just go home from school and hear him say, “Hey, Haley Joel,” over the blinking answering machine. I just wanted to say hello. I have to locate those old answering tapes. I’m aware that we kept those,” Osment said.

Osment also revealed that, despite having some acquaintance with Willis’ daughters, he hasn’t spoken to the actor since the public learned of his health issues.

Osment used to be a young prodigy. He’s a varied actor now. Over his career, he has taken risks and given ground-breaking performances.

Osment made her most recent appearance in the 2024 psychological thriller “Blink Twice,” costarring with Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, and Zoë Kravitz. Like many of his other roles, this one demonstrates his ongoing development as an actor.

Every year has been a significant milestone in his path. Not in his roles of choice, but in his bodily transformation, this is true. He has nearly lost all recognized qualities from his time as a young celebrity.