Comeback kid Haley hooks three movie roles

By Borys Kit

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Oscar-nominated actor Jackie Earle Haley is continuing his comeback, booking a trio of projects in both the comedy and dramatic arenas.

First up is a role in the Will Ferrell basketball comedy "Semi-Pro," in which Haley will play a fan who wins a basketball-throwing contest.

Haley then will join Kate Beckinsale, Forest Whitaker, Dakota Fanning and Guy Pearce in the drama "Winged Creatures," portraying an abusive husband and angry father.

Finally, Haley will shoot "Bolden!" an indie drama on which Wynton Marsalis will serve as a producer. The period biopic stars Anthony Mackie as Buddy Bolden, the first man of New Orleans jazz. Haley will portray a judge at the centre of most of the lucrative but corrupt activities in New Orleans.

Haley was nominated for an Oscar this year for his supporting turn as a sex offender in "Little Children." The nomination, as well as a role in last year’s "All the King’s Men," returned the former child star ("The Bad News Bears") to the spotlight after 13 years out of the business.

After his early career dried up, Haley left Hollywood for San Antonio, where he took such jobs as a limo driver, security officer and pizza deliverer.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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