This Angelic Child Star Is 'Unrecognizable' at 37, Was Arrested, and Parodied JD Vance – Then & Now Photos

He starred in one of the biggest thrillers of the '90s and then seemed to vanish from the spotlight before making a comeback that had some people doing a double-take.

In the late '90s, this actor was the picture of innocence — bright-eyed, blond-haired, and delivering one of the most haunting lines in movie history.

But decades later, the boy who once captivated audiences with his emotional depth has undergone a dramatic transformation — physically and publicly. Here's a year-by-year look at the rise, return, and reinvention.

1997

In 1997, this cherubic young actor was clearly on the rise. At just nine years old, he was already making waves in the industry, landing roles that showcased his talent well beyond his years.

At the Genesis Awards that year, he looked every bit the golden boy of late-'90s Hollywood; his fresh-faced innocence and bright blue eyes only added to his angelic screen persona.

1999

In 1999, this young star's breakout performance in "The Sixth Sense" turned him into a household name almost overnight, earning an Academy Award nomination at just 11 years old.

That year, he still had his signature bowl cut, blond hair, and soft, freckled features, but the childlike roundness in his face had started to slim ever so slightly.

Whether posing for press photos or goofing off at events, he still radiated the same wide-eyed innocence — only now the entire world was watching.

2000

2001

By 2001, this young star had cemented his status as Hollywood's go-to child star. That year, he took on the lead role in Steven Spielberg's sci-fi drama "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," playing a highly advanced robotic boy who longs to be real.

Now 13, his look had started to mature. His face had lost some of its childhood roundness, and his blond hair was trimmed neatly with a side part.

Whether dressed up in a burgundy suit or down in plaid shirts and sneakers, he carried himself with quiet confidence, looking more like a rising teen actor than the little boy who once saw dead people.

2002

2003

2005

In 2005, this actor starred in the drama "Home of the Giants," marking a shift toward more mature parts as he transitioned out of child stardom.

At 17, he looked noticeably older, with longer, shaggier blond hair that brushed his collar and framed a broader, more defined face.

His boyish charm was still there, but it was layered under a more grown-up, slightly rugged look — complete with subtle stubble and the early signs of adulthood settling in.

2006

2007

2012

2014

This actor is none other than Haley Joel Osment, who, by 2014, had completely transformed. At 26, he sported a full beard, a noticeably broader frame, and longer, tousled hair.

That year, he appeared in Kevin Smith's body-horror comedy "Tusk" and the IFC comedy "Sex Ed," both of which showcased his willingness to embrace offbeat, adult roles far removed from his childhood fame.

2015

By 2015, Osment's career had seen its share of highs and pauses. But when he returned, he came back strong and with a different look that caught many fans off guard. Gone was the baby-faced boy audiences remembered.

In his place was a bearded, fuller-figured adult who left some netizens doing double takes. "Almost unrecognizable," one person commented in part. Another asked, "Can we talk about how Haley Joel Osment is almost unrecognizable in this?😱"

A third admitted, "Just noticed Haley Joel Osment in the ending credits of What We Do in the Shadows 🦇 I'm like who? When? 🤷‍♂️ Had to google it 😱 omg completely unrecognizable [sic]."

But the actor had already addressed the reactions to his new look years earlier. "I would say it's fine that it's unrecognizable," he said in an interview.

Osment added, "I guess I just feel lucky, it's a tough industry. […] I was lucky to have good parents, and I think going to school was a really nice thing of giving me some direction in life."

2017

2018

2019

2021

2023

2024

In 2024, Haley Joel Osment continued to embrace his post-child-star chapter with humor and range. He appeared in the Hulu comedy "History of the World, Part II," voiced a role in "Solar Opposites," and popped up in "Somebody I Used to Know."

But it was a sketch on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" that really stole the spotlight. Osment donned a suit and red-stained tie to parody Vice President JD Vance, spoofing the politician's viral donut shop photo-op with deadpan delivery and powdered sugar.

At 36, Osment looked far removed from his "I see dead people" days. He wore his hair shoulder-length and brushed back, his beard full and neatly shaped.

Whether suited up in orange for a red carpet or spotted filming in a bold patterned shirt, he projected a relaxed confidence that suggested he was entirely comfortable with who he'd become — on camera and off.

2025

In 2025, Osment continued working steadily, appearing in the indie comedy "Hooray for the Madness" and the streaming thriller "A Clean Exit."

Now 37, the actor has had a more polished look compared to years prior. He kept his beard trimmed and his hair shorter, often styled with a side part.

Still, not all headlines were about career momentum and his mature appearance. In April, footage surfaced of Osment's arrest for public intoxication and hurling Jewish slurs while being restrained by officers.

It was a jarring moment that stood in stark contrast to the innocent image that first made Haley Joel Osment famous.

His journey — from child star to working actor to public controversy — has been anything but predictable, and whether redemption or further fallout comes next remains to be seen.