Too Young for Hollywood?

Oct. 12, 2007 — -- With skyrocketing ratings, fanatic fans and now, a sold-out concert tour for its leading lady, Miley Cyrus, "Hannah Montana" has been a tween's dream come true — not just for Cyrus, but also for her co-star Emily Osment, who plays Hannah's best friend, Lily.

"It didn't hit me until I did a signing back in Pennsylvania," Emily said, "and there were 7,000 people waiting outside the mall."

The sister of Oscar-nominated "Sixth Sense" actor Haley Joel Osment, 15-year-old Emily got her big break after a decade of work as a child actress. She did a guest spot on "Friends" and appeared as Gertie Giggles in the hit "Spy Kids 2." Back then, she was a public school kid, living without the attention and scrutiny success has now brought her.

"It's hard because you're in the limelight constantly," she said. "You have to do everything right constantly."

For all the glory, young stardom comes with sacrifices. Snarky comments on the Internet — where some people even pretend to be Emily — means the actress has to steer clear of much of the Web. She's left school and opted instead for private tutoring, so spending time with her friends takes a concerted effort. "It's a little tough, because I don't get to see my friends at school anymore," she said. "But I see them on the weekends and we hang out all the time."

It's no secret that many tales of tween stardom have had unhappy endings. Emily is coming of age at a time when young stars who rose to fame just a few years ago can now be found in rehab, family court or just … compromising positions.

Emily's father, Eugene Osment, knows how important the "how young is too young" question can be, especially because his daughter is in the public eye. He finds himself doing what some showbiz parents have not: saying "no."

"I don't believe that kids should be driving at 16," he said. "I've said no to that. "

"I want to drive," Emily said, "but I'm not begging every day, 'I wanna drive, I wanna drive.'" Well, that's almost true. "I am dying to drive," Emily confessed with a laugh, "but I'm not letting him know that. If he wants to know how badly I want to drive, then he won't let me!"