After high school, Haley Joel Osment decided to take a break from the film industry to reevaluate his career path. His parents had always encouraged him to pursue acting only as long as it remained enjoyable, and by the time he reached college, he took their advice to heart.
Osment chose to study theater at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and spent time contemplating whether acting should remain his profession. Despite the uncertainties and challenges of the industry, he has consistently reaffirmed his passion for acting.
Osment’s timing for stepping away from Hollywood proved fortunate, as he avoided the intense tabloid culture prevalent in Los Angeles during his college years. He appreciated the opportunity to live in New York during this period, escaping the aggressive media scrutiny of the early 2000s.
After about 15 years on the East Coast, he eventually returned to Los Angeles, where he participated in the Screen Actors Guild strike, demonstrating his continued engagement with industry issues.
The media landscape has evolved significantly since Osment first gained fame, and he admits that adapting to social media has been a gradual process. Initially hesitant to join platforms like Instagram, he now finds value in using social media to promote his work and manage his public image. He acknowledges that the controlled, voluntary nature of social media content helps maintain his privacy while keeping fans informed.
Reflecting on his early career, Osment appreciates the relative lack of internet presence during his childhood, which shielded him from the intense scrutiny faced by young actors today. He finds it impressive how younger actors navigate the complexities of modern social media, a challenge he didn’t encounter at the start of his career.
In his latest role in Zoë Kravitz’s film Blink Twice, Osment plays Tom, a character quite different from his previous roles. Tom is a morally ambiguous actor who engages in extreme measures to prepare for a part, highlighting Osment’s ability to portray complex, flawed characters. Despite his extensive experience, Osment still finds new and challenging roles fulfilling, contrasting with his earlier, more iconic performances.
Throughout his career, Osment has maintained strong familial ties, particularly with his sister Emily, who is also an actress. Their mutual support has been a significant aspect of their personal and professional lives.
As he looks forward to his sister’s upcoming wedding, Osment reflects positively on their shared experiences and continued success in the industry. His recent collaboration with Tim Burton on Wednesday has rekindled his enthusiasm for acting, affirming his lifelong love for his craft.
