This ‘angelic’ child star stayed out of the spotlight—he now looks ‘unrecognizable’ and grew a beard to hide from the public

During the most of the 1990s, Haley Joel Osment was one of the most prominent child actors globally, largely due to his performances in movies like Forrest Gump and The Sixth Sense and working alongside the likes of Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis. However, his career declined as he grew older. Although he had a few voice-acting roles and cameos in the 2000s, it might seem like the former child star had completely disappeared from the spotlight.

Child prodigy and Bruce Willis on the set of “The Sixth Sense,” 1999 | Source: Getty Image

It is pretty amazing when we see child actors grow old right before our eyes, and Osment has been one of them. When he first appeared on film, charmed audiences with his boyish innocence. During his earliest years, he was characterized with a cherubic face framed by light brown hair.

Haley Osment on the set of “Thunder Alley,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Even at a very young age, he possessed a remarkable ability to convey deep emotions, which endeared him to both audiences and critics alike.

Haley Osment at the 30th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Tom Hanks on June 12, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

How Osment ended up acting is an incredible story. When he was just four, someone spotted him in Ikea and believed his face is suitable for commercials. As a result, he ended up being part of a 1993 Pizza Hut ad. This commercial attracted the attention of the Forrest Gump director, who approached Osment. Although he was just five at the time, he showed incredible talent and he and Tom Hanks clicked. What’s most, his screen test with Hanks still circulates on social media.

Hayley Osment at the team photocall at the Celtic Manor Resort on August 27, 2005 Newport, Wales. | Source: Getty Images

By 1997, Osment remained active in TV and film. His appearance during this time showed some changes from his earlier years. The award-winning actor started to grow into his features, displaying a more defined look that suggested the young adult he was becoming.

Jesse Mc Cartney and Haley Osment at the Playstation 2’s “Kingdom Hearts...