Jackie Earle Haley first captured the public’s attention with his portrayal of scrappy, restless, and rebellious youths in a number of high-profile films during the 1970s. His breakout role came as a reluctant athlete in the beloved “Bad News Bears” franchise, where his surly demeanor and restless energy made him a standout—even among a cast of colorful characters. Looking every bit as jaded and hardened as a 15-year-old could, Haley quickly became a fan favorite.
Following his powerful dramatic performance in the critically acclaimed coming-of-age film Breaking Away (1979), Jackie Earle Haley struggled to transition into adult roles that could match the success of his early career. Like many former child stars, he faced a difficult adjustment period, but eventually found a new path as a successful commercial director. Just when it seemed that his time in the spotlight had passed, Hollywood came calling again in 2006.
In what became a remarkable second act, Jackie Earle Haley returned to acting with a deeply moving and Academy Award-nominated performance in Little Children (2006), where he portrayed a convicted sex offender attempting to reintegrate into suburban life. The role showcased a depth and complexity that surprised many, proving that there was far more to Haley than his youthful charm and rebellious image.
From there, Jackie Earle Haley continued to build an impressive résumé, taking on emotionally layered characters in a variety of high-profile projects. He gained star status once again with his role in the comic book adaptation Watchmen (2009), collaborated with director Martin Scorsese in Shutter Island (2009), and worked alongside Steven Spielberg in Lincoln (2012). Over time, Jackie Earle Haley became one of the most inspiring and heartwarming comeback stories in Hollywood history.
Jackie Earle Haley is best known for his role in The Bad News Bears (1976), which happens to be his highest-rated film to date. On the other hand, one of his least critically acclaimed works is The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978), which holds the distinction of being his lowest-rated movie. While Jackie Earle Haley has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, these two movies represent the high and low points in terms of critical reception. It’s interesting to note that both of these films are part of the same franchise, yet they received vastly different responses from audiences and critics alike. Over the years, Jackie Earle Haley has taken on a wide range of roles, but his early performances in the Bad News Bears series remain some of the most talked about.