American child actor who at this writing (2000) has proven himself perhaps the best young actor of his generation. The son of actor Eugene Osment and teacher Theresa Osment, Haley was chosen for a commercial at age 4 after a casting director spotted him in a furniture store with his parents. Within months, he had landed a small but memorable role as Tom Hanks' son in Forrest Gump and a starring role as Edward Asner's grandson on the TV series Thunder Alley. His comedy skills were manifest very young, and he followed Thunder Alley with two more sitcoms. Norman Jewison gave him his first leading role on the big screen in Bogus, and he proved completely at ease in this dramatic role. However, it took the smash hit The Sixth Sense to brand the young actor on the public consciousness. His devastating performance as the haunted Cole Sear brought him an Oscar nomination at age 11 and a memorable tribute at the awards from winner Michael Caine: "Once I learned of your nomination and saw your performance, I knew for sure you would win". Since then, he has given an equally powerful performance in Pay It Forward. Along with the bravura performances, he has developed an equal reputation in the industry for unspoiled professionalism. His younger sister, Emily Osment, has made several impressive film and television appearances as well.


Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001): $2,000,000
Pay It Forward (2000): $1,000,000
The Sixth Sense (1999): $150,000

Older brother of Emily Osment Son of Eugene Osment He's a big lover of lizards. He owns two leopard geckos from Pakistan as pets and, as a favorite pastime, likes to catch and release lizards in his backyard or on vacations. His favorite cuisine is Chinese, and he eats it constantly. Ran cross country for Flintridge Prep. Favorite music: R.E.M., Coldplay, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Flying Lotus, and Led Zeppelin. Was wanted by Steven Spielberg to play Harry Potter when Spielberg was considered to direct Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001). He took a two-year break from filming after making Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001), before making a brief comeback with Secondhand Lions (2003), but he had plenty of commitments during those two years of absence from the screen. His work included making promotional tours for AI during the summer holiday in 2001, making TV appearances, and doing voice-over work. He donated many items to Rocky Stone to be given to less-fortunate kids as part of the Toy Mountain Campaign. Fractured his right rib and right shoulder, and received lacerations to his body when he lost control of his car and crashed into a brick mailbox. [July 2006]