A Boy Called Haley

United Nations Haley Reference

Researched and written by Fair
10th December 2004

Yes... the United Nations. I wonder how many were aware of Haley's involvement with the United Nations? I'll just give you a moment to let that sink in for a bit...

Many would often guess it was the Academy Award nomination that was the cause of Haley's star to go nova, and become the brightest in the young actor sky. In one sense I suppose that is true, but then you stumble across something like this brief item, and realize there is a much larger picture. In a way it was like the whole world had been impatiently waiting for someone like Haley to come along, and back when there were only just the initial hints and whispers of nominations, the world had already claimed their star.

Nomination or not, Haley's reputation for excellence, professionalism, and enthusiasm had been cemented as the foundation of his career. The nomination was just the rest of the world catching up to what was established and well known. Well known to those in the industry of course, and to a few others with a sixth sense for spotting these things... isn't that right Mr. Mihelich. It is no mistake, or some random chance, that the United Nations would invite someone like Haley to the event listed below. Back in late October of 1999, when Haley was still only 11 years old, the UN specifically chose him to be an ambassador for the event. So why him, out of all the young stars available at the time?

I would imagine the United Nations is not very well versed in the inner workings of the entertainment industry. Knowing they wanted to host the upcoming event, I would guess the UN made some inquiries with the studio executives about who would make the best representative for such an event. Even though most of the world was only just starting to become familiar with the name Haley Joel Osment, he had already earned the respect of everyone around him. Although not yet the biggest young star around at the time, the studio's already knew him to be the best, especially for events with this level of distinction. I suppose I could be wrong about all of that, but I somehow doubt the United Nations chose Haley because he was the voice of "Chip" in some obscure animated film.

Just when you think you have Haley all figured out, something like this comes along and again knocks you over with what an amazing and remarkable young man Haley truly is... and how cool is that to have the United Nations refer to 11 year old Haley as Mr. Osment.

PRESS RELEASE

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS DISNEY EVENT, ‘WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR’, TO HONOUR

19991021

UNITED NATIONS DAY AT HEADQUARTERS, 23 OCTOBER

A children’s event, “When You Wish Upon a Star”, will be held at United Nations Headquarters on Saturday, 23 October, beginning at 10 a.m., as part of the activities of the Department of Public Information (DPI) in commemoration of United Nations Day. The event is being co-sponsored by the DPI and Buena Vista Home Video, a division of the Walt Disney Company.

The celebration on the Visitors’ Plaza will feature appearances by a number of characters from Disney animated films: Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”; Mulan; Timon from “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride”; Peter Pan and Captain Hook; Hercules; Cruella De Vil from “101 Dalmatians”; Balloo from “The Jungle Book”; and Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio. Young actor Haley Joel Osment , who was the voice of Chip in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and is currently starring in the film “The Sixth Sense”, will also make an appearance.

On behalf of their friend Pinocchio, who is celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of his film, the Disney characters and Mr. Osment will present as a gift to the United Nations the Unity Star, a time capsule meant to house the wishes and dreams of children around the world for the new millennium. Between now and the end of the year, young visitors to the United Nations will be asked to write down their wishes and place them in the capsule for future generations. The Unity Star will then be locked away, to be re-opened by the children of the future on 23 October 2099. Nane Annan, [wife of the UN Secretary General], will accept the Star on behalf of the United Nations, and she and Mr. Osment will be the first to place their wishes in the time capsule.

“When You Wish Upon a Star” coincides with the DVD re-release of the children’s classic film “Pinocchio”. Following the event on the Visitors’ Plaza, Disney will be holding free screenings of the film at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Conference Room 4 for children of delegates, staff, non-governmental organizations, media and visitors to the United Nations.

For further information, please call 963-6923; for media accreditation, 963-6934. * *** *

Thanks Mr. Ambassador, you are the very best.

I think this is just about one of the coolest things that Haley has been involved, and it is so amazing he was already doing stuff like this before most were even aware of his name.

I also thought it was kind of interesting that he would be a part of an important event to dedicate a time capsule in New York with Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio... as just a few years later he would return to New York in a film where he was a mechanical Pinocchio, with Jiminy Bear by his side... and he himself would become the time capsule for future generations.

Stuff like that just makes me smile.

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