You remember the scene. It’s 1994, and Tom Hanks is sitting in a Savannah apartment, finally meeting the little boy he never knew existed. The kid is quiet, sweet, and—most importantly to a worried Forrest—"very smart." It’s one of the most emotional gut-punches in cinema history. But if you look closely at that blonde-haired boy, you’re looking at the start of a massive Hollywood career.
Haley Joel Osment played Forrest Gump’s son.
Most people know him as the "I see dead people" kid from The Sixth Sense, but his big-screen debut actually happened right next to Forrest Gump on a bus bench. He was just five years old. It’s kind of wild to think about how a kid that young held his own against an Oscar-winning Tom Hanks, but Osment wasn't your typical child actor.
How a Pizza Hut Commercial Led to Movie History
Honestly, the story of how Haley Joel Osment got the part is pure Hollywood luck. He didn't have a resume. He didn't have "people." What he had was a Pizza Hut commercial.
Casting directors saw him in a 1993 spot for the "Bigfoot" pizza and were immediately struck by his look. He had this specific, soulful energy that felt right for Forrest Junior. When he showed up to the audition, he wasn't even nervous. In fact, he’s mentioned in recent interviews that all he really cared about that day was a family camping trip they were taking immediately after the meeting.
To him, Tom Hanks was just a guy he had to talk to before he could go sleep in a tent.
The Viral Audition with Tom Hanks
Speaking of that audition, it’s been making the rounds online lately. There’s this heart-melting footage of a tiny Osment sitting in a chair, reading lines with Hanks. At one point, Osment stumbles a bit. Without missing a beat, Hanks "forgets" his own lines to make the kid feel better.
It worked.
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The chemistry was instant. Robert Zemeckis, the director, knew he’d found his "Little Forrest." Even though the role was relatively small—appearing only in the final act of the movie—it was the catalyst for everything that came next.
Why Forrest Jr. Was More Than a Cameo
A lot of fans forget how pivotal the character of Forrest Jr. really is. He represents the "new" start for Forrest after Jenny’s death. But more than that, he’s the answer to the movie’s biggest question about legacy.
When Forrest asks, "Is he smart, or is he...?" he’s asking if his son will have to struggle the way he did. Jenny’s reassurance that he’s the smartest in his class is the moment Forrest (and the audience) can finally breathe.
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Key Moments You Might Have Missed:
- The Script on a Yellow Pad: During the final bus stop scene, the dialogue was actually being tweaked on the fly. Tom Hanks wrote Osment’s lines down on a piece of yellow legal paper right there in the trailer. Osment’s parents actually kept that paper; it’s a genuine piece of film history sitting in a drawer somewhere.
- The "Curious George" Connection: The book Little Forrest takes to school is the same one his father had as a child. It symbolizes that the cycle of bullying and struggle is over, replaced by a kid who can read and excel.
- The Feather: When Little Forrest opens his book at the bus stop, the feather falls out. It’s a subtle nod that the journey continues through the next generation.
Life After Gump: The Rise of a Child Star
You can’t talk about who played Forrest Gump’s son without talking about the absolute rocket ship Osment’s career became. He didn't just fade away like many child stars.
After Forrest Gump, he did a stint on The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Murphy Brown. But then 1999 happened. The Sixth Sense turned him into a household name and earned him an Academy Award nomination at just 11 years old. He followed that up with Steven Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence, which is still one of the most haunting performances by a child ever captured on film.
Where Is He Now? (It’s Not Where You Think)
If you haven't seen Osment in a while, it’s probably because he’s moved into a completely different lane. He didn't burn out; he just grew up and got picky. He spent years in New York studying theater at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Today, he’s a staple in "weird" comedy and voice acting. You’ve probably heard him as Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video games—a role he’s held for over 20 years. More recently, he’s popped up in The Boys, What We Do in the Shadows, and the 2024 thriller Blink Twice.
He’s also set to appear in Happy Gilmore 2 in 2025. Basically, the kid from the bus stop grew into one of the most versatile character actors in the business.
The Legacy of the Character
It’s easy to look back at Forrest Gump as a Tom Hanks powerhouse, but the movie doesn't land its ending without Haley Joel Osment. He provided the emotional anchor for the film’s resolution. He wasn't just a prop; he was the proof that Forrest’s life meant something tangible.
If you’re revisiting the movie, pay attention to the way Osment mimics some of Hanks’ physical tics—the way he sits, the way he holds his backpack. It’s a masterclass in subtle acting from a five-year-old.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see how much Haley Joel Osment has changed, check out his recent work in The Boys or Blink Twice to see his range. You can also find that viral audition footage on YouTube—it’s worth the three minutes just to see Tom Hanks being a "cinema dad" in real life. If you're a gamer, booting up Kingdom Hearts is the best way to hear how his voice evolved from that tiny kid in 1994 to a veteran performer.