Haley Joel Osment is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child stars who seamlessly transitioned into a respected adult actor. Born into a family with artistic roots, Osment captured hearts worldwide with his unforgettable performance in The Sixth Sense. A role that earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination at a young age. Over the years, he has continued to showcase his versatility across film, television, and voice acting. From his early red-carpet appearances to his remarkable journey through fame, education, and reinvention, Haley Joel Osment’s story is one of talent, resilience, and steady success in the ever-changing world of Hollywood.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Haley Joel Osment |
| Born | April 10, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Height | Approx. 5′4″ (1.63 m) |
| Occupation | Actor (Film, TV, Voice acting) |
| Years Active | Since early 1990s, child actor onward |
| Notable Breakthrough | The Sixth Sense (1999} |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Around $6 million |
Early Life & Red Carpet Beginnings
Haley Joel Osment started acting when he was just a child. Born in 1988 in Los Angeles, he first appeared in TV commercials and small roles and built up to more significant ones. His first major film role came in 1994 when he played Forrest Gump Jr. in Forrest Gump. That exposure set the path to stardom. He captured hearts worldwide with his role in The Sixth Sense (1999), where he delivered the famous line, “I see dead people.” That performance earned him critical acclaim and award nominations.
Career Growth & Challenges
After The Sixth Sense, Haley took on more mature roles in films like Pay It Forward (2000) and A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), showing he could handle emotional and complex parts.
As he moved into adulthood, he stepped back a bit from leading roles, choosing instead smaller projects, voice roles (notably in the Kingdom Hearts video game series), and parts in television. That slowdown also came from his choice to study theater and reflect on his direction. Despite ups and downs, he has remained a working actor. He’s also voiced beloved characters and taken roles that many enjoy.
Family, Brother, and Personal Life
Haley Joel Osment was born on April 10, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, to Theresa Seifert Osment and Michael Eugene Osment. His family background is deeply rooted in the entertainment and teaching worlds. His mother, Theresa, is a teacher, while his father, Michael, is an actor who worked in theater and film. Growing up in such a creative household played a key role in shaping Haley’s early passion for acting and performance.
Haley’s younger sister, Emily Osment, is also a well-known actress, singer, and songwriter. She gained fame for her role as Lilly Truscott in Disney Channel’s hit series Hannah Montana, alongside Miley Cyrus. The Osment siblings share a close bond and have both managed to maintain successful careers in Hollywood while avoiding many of the pitfalls of child stardom. They often express mutual support through interviews and social media, reflecting a strong family connection built on shared experiences in the entertainment industry.
Is Haley Joel Osment Married?
Haley Joel Osment is not married and tends to keep his personal relationships out of the public eye. He has rarely been linked to anyone romantically, preferring to maintain a private lifestyle away from the Hollywood gossip cycle. Despite being one of the most recognizable child actors of his generation, Osment has successfully balanced fame with normalcy, focusing more on his craft and personal growth rather than the spotlight on his personal life.
Net Worth & Financial Picture
Haley Joel Osment’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million as of 2025. His fortune stems from a lifelong career in acting, which began when he was just four years old. Osment’s breakout role in The Sixth Sense (1999) not only earned him global fame but also brought in a substantial paycheck reports suggest he earned around $1 million for the role, which was a significant amount for a child actor at the time.
Following that success, Osment starred in several high-grossing films, including A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Pay It Forward, and Secondhand Lions. In addition to live-action roles, he has built a steady income through voice acting, most notably as Sora in the popular Kingdom Hearts video game series a franchise that continues to generate royalties and new projects.
Full Filmography (Select Film Roles)
Here’s a list of many of his key films and voice roles over the years. It includes film, animation/direct-to-video, and notable works:
- Forrest Gump (1994) – Forrest Gump, Jr.
- Mixed Nuts (1994) – Little Boy
- For Better or Worse (1995) – Danny
- Bogus (1996) – Albert Franklin
- Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997, direct-to-video) – Voice role Chip
- The Sixth Sense (1999) – Cole Sear
- I’ll Remember April (1999) – Peewee Clayton
- Pay It Forward (2000) – Trevor McKinney
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) – David
- Edges of the Lord (2001) – Romek
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (2002, voice role) – Zephyr
- The Country Bears (2002) – Beary Barrington (voice)
- Secondhand Lions (2003) – Walter Caldwell
- The Jungle Book 2 (2003) – Voice of Mowgli
- Home of the Giants (2007) – Robert “Gar” Gartland
- Montana Amazon (2010) – Womple Dunderhead
The Sixth Sense (1999) – Cole Sear
Haley Joel Osment delivered one of the most iconic performances in film history with his role as Cole Sear in The Sixth Sense (1999). Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the psychological thriller tells the haunting story of a young boy who claims to see and communicate with the dead. Osment’s chilling yet deeply emotional portrayal of Cole captivated audiences worldwide, making his line, “I see dead people,” one of the most memorable quotes in cinema.
At just 11 years old, Osment’s performance was remarkably mature and nuanced, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor a rare honor for a child actor.
Life Beyond the Screen
- He attended New York University (NYU Tisch School of the Arts), graduating in 2011.
- Has done a lot of voice-acting work. For example, he’s known for voicing Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.
- He’s also an avid golfer, musician (plays piano and guitar), and tries to keep a lower profile in his adult life.
Challenges & Public Moments
- In 2006 Osment was involved in a car accident; he also faced legal issues related to DUI and substance possession.
- More recently (2025), he was arrested in Mammoth Lakes, California, on charges of public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance.
Conclusion
Haley Joel Osment’s journey is one of early fame, serious craft, and steady evolution. From a child actor in Forrest Gump to delivering a memorable performance in The Sixth Sense, he has shown resilience and a dedication to his art. His net worth today may not match headline figures of A-list stars, but it reflects consistent work, versatility, and a balanced life. As he continues selecting roles thoughtfully — whether voice roles, film, or television Osment remains proof that talent, when paired with humility, has lasting power in Hollywood.
FAQs
Q1: How old is Haley Joel Osment?
He was born April 10, 1988, making him 37 years old in 2025.
Q2: What is Haley Joel Osment’s most famous role?
His role as Cole Sear in The Sixth Sense (1999) is his most iconic and critically acclaimed.
Q3: What is his estimated net worth?
Approximately $4 million according to reliable sources.
Q4: Has Haley Joel Osment done voice acting?
Yes including his long-standing role as Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video games.
Q5: Why did he take a break from high-profile roles?
He stepped back to study theater and reflect on his career, choosing smaller projects, voice work, and personal growth.
