Haley Joel Osment
A former child actor who delivered one of cinema's most haunting performances, earning an Oscar nomination before becoming a teenager.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actor·Birthday: April 10·Millennials
Biography
Haley Joel Osment experienced a level of early fame that is both a blessing and a profound challenge. At age eleven, his whisper of "I see dead people" in M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Sixth Sense' became a cultural touchstone and earned him an Academy Award nomination. He was not a precocious caricature, but a startlingly natural and emotionally transparent actor. This led to major roles in 'Pay It Forward' and Steven Spielberg's 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence.' Like many child stars, he navigated a public transition to adulthood, stepping away from the spotlight for formal training at NYU. He re-emerged as a character actor of impressive range, embracing voice work and nuanced supporting roles, proving his talent was never just a trick of youth.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Haley was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Haley Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Haley's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at age 11 for his role in 'The Sixth Sense' (1999).
- Won two Saturn Awards for his performances in 'The Sixth Sense' and 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence.'
- Starred as the lead character in Steven Spielberg's seminal science fiction film 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence' (2001).
- Provided the voice of Sora in the popular 'Kingdom Hearts' video game series for over two decades.
Did You Know?
He made his film debut in a Pizza Hut commercial alongside another future star, Selena Gomez.
Osment graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
He is an accomplished voice actor, also voicing characters in 'The Boys' and 'Solar Opposites' animated series.
His sister, Emily Osment, is also a successful actress and singer.
“I think the best child actors are the ones who don't seem like they're acting.”
