Jake Gyllenhaal biography
Jacob Benjamin "Jake" Gyllenhaal (born December 19, 1980, ) is an American actor. The son of director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner, Gyllenhaal began acting at age ten. He has appeared in diverse roles since his first lead role in 1999's
October Sky, followed by the 2001 independent film cult following
Donnie Darko, in which he played a psychologically troubled teen and onscreen brother to his real-life sister, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. In the 2004 blockbuster
The Day After Tomorrow he portrayed a student caught in a cataclysmic global cooling event, alongside Dennis Quaid as his father. He then played against typecasting (acting) as a frustrated United States Marine Corps in
Jarhead (film) (2005). The same year, he won critical acclaim as Jack Twist in the film
Brokeback Mountain.
Gyllenhaal has taken an activist role in supporting various political and social causes. He appeared in Rock the Vote advertising, campaigned for the Democratic Party (United States) in the United States presidential election, 2004, and promoted environmentalism causes and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Early life and education
Gyllenhaal was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of film director Stephen Gyllenhaal and film producer and screenwriter Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal (married and maiden names Achs). Gyllenhaal's mother is from a American Jews family from New York City. Gyllenhaal's Bar Mitzvah celebration took place at a homeless shelter because his parents wanted to instill in him a sense of gratitude for his privileged lifestyle. Gyllenhaal has said that he considers himself "more Jewish than anything else." Gyllenhaal's parents insisted that he have summer jobs to support himself. He worked as a lifeguard, and as a busboy at a restaurant operated by a family friend. In subsequent years, his parents allowed him to audition for parts, but regularly forbade him to take them if he were chosen. He was allowed to appear in his father's films several times. Gyllenhaal appeared in the 1993 film
A Dangerous Woman (along with sister Maggie), in a 1994 episode of
Homicide: Life on the Street, and in the 1998 comedy
Homegrown (film). Along with their mother, Jake and Maggie appeared in two episodes of
Molto Mario, an Italian cooking show on the Food Network. Prior to his senior year in high school, the only other film not directed by his father in which Gyllenhaal was allowed to perform was
Josh and S.A.M, a little-known children's adventure.
Gyllenhaal graduated from the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles in 1998, then attended Columbia University, where his sister and mother also attended, to study Eastern religions and philosophy. Gyllenhaal dropped out after two years to concentrate on acting, but has expressed intentions to eventually finish his degree.
Critical success
Donnie Darko, Gyllenhaal's second major film, was not a box office success upon its initial 2001 release, but eventually became a cult favorite. The film, directed by Richard Kelly (director), is set in 1988 and stars Gyllenhaal as a troubled teenager who, after narrowly escaping death, experiences visions of a 6 foot (1.8 m) tall rabbit named Frank who tells him that the world is coming to an end. Gyllenhaal's performance was well-received by critics; Dan Kois of Salon.com claimed that "Gyllenhaal manages the difficult trick of seeming both blandly normal and profoundly disturbed, often within the same scene."
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After the critical success of
Donnie Darko, Gyllenhaal's next role was as the lead character in 2002's
Highway (film), a film ignored by audiences and critics alike. His performance was described by one critic as "silly, cliched and Direct-to-video." Gyllenhaal had more success starring opposite Jennifer Aniston in
The Good Girl, which premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival; he also starred in
Lovely & Amazing with Catherine Keener. In both films he plays an unstable character who begins a reckless affair with an older woman. Gyllenhaal later described these as "teenager in transition" roles. Gyllenhaal later starred in the Touchstone Pictures romantic comedy
Bubble Boy, which was loosely based on the story of David Vetter. The film portrays the title character's adventures as he pursues the love of his life before she marries the wrong man. The film was panned by critics, with one calling it an "empty-headed, chaotic, utterly tasteless atrocity".
Following
Bubble Boy, Gyllenhaal starred opposite Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon and Ellen Pompeo in
Moonlight Mile, as a young man coping with the death of his fiancée and the grief of her parents. The story, which received mixed reviews, is loosely based on writer/director Brad Silberling's personal experiences following the murder of girlfriend Rebecca Schaeffer.
Gyllenhaal was almost cast as Spider-Man for
Spider-Man 2 due to director Sam Raimi's concerns about original
Spider-Man (film) star Tobey Maguire health. Maguire recovered, however, and the sequel was shot without Gyllenhaal. Instead, Gyllenhaal starred in the blockbuster
The Day After Tomorrow in 2004, co-starring Dennis Quaid as his father.
In his theatrical debut Gyllenhaal starred on the London stage in Kenneth Lonergan's revival of
This is Our Youth. Gyllenhaal said, "Every actor I look up to has done theatre work, so I knew I had to give it a try." The play, which had been a critical sensation on Broadway theatre, ran for eight weeks in London's West End of London. Gyllenhaal received favorable critical reviews and an Evening Standard Theatre Award in the category "Outstanding Newcomer."
Brokeback Mountain and after
2005 was a prolific year for Gyllenhaal, who starred in the critically praised films
Proof (2005 film),
Jarhead (film), and
Brokeback Mountain. In
Proof, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow and Anthony Hopkins, Gyllenhaal played a graduate student in mathematics who tries to convince Paltrow's character to publish a revolutionary mathematical proof to a problem puzzling the mathematicians' community. In
Jarhead, Gyllenhaal played against his usual "sensitive yet disturbed" type by displaying an aggressive masculinity as a violent United States Marine Corps during the first Gulf War.
Image:Brokeback mountain.jpg
In
Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger play young men who meet as sheep herders and embark upon a homosexual relationship that begins in the summer of 1963 and continues until the death of Gyllenhaal's character in 1983. The film was often referred to in the media with the shorthand phrase "the gay cowboy movie," though there was Brokeback Mountain Reception. The film won the Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film went on to win four Golden Globe Awards, four British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and three Academy Awards. Gyllenhaal was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, but lost to George Clooney for
Syriana. Gyllenhaal also won the Best Supporting Actor BAFTA for the same role and received a Best Supporting actor nomination and Best Film Ensemble nomination from the Screen Actors Guild. Also for "Brokeback Mountain", he and Ledger won an 2006 MTV Movie Awards for "Best Kiss" in 2006. Shortly after the 78th Academy Awards, Gyllenhaal was invited to join the Academy in recognition of his acting career. Most recently, Gyllenhaal was awarded the 2006 Young Artist Award for Artistic Excellence by The Americans for the Arts National Arts Awards for his role.
Gyllenhaal expressed mixed feelings about the experience of being directed by Ang Lee in
Brokeback Mountain, but generally had more praise than criticism for Lee's directing style. While complaining of the way Lee tended to disconnect with his actors once filming began, Gyllenhaal praised his encouraging direction of the actors and sensitive approach to the material. At the Directors Guild of America Awards on January 28, 2006, Gyllenhaal also praised Lee for "his humbleness and his respect for everyone around him."
When asked about his kissing scenes with Heath Ledger in
Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal said, "As an actor, I think we need to embrace the times we feel most uncomfortable." When asked about the more intimate scenes with Ledger, Gyllenhaal likened them to "doing a sex scene with a woman I'm not particularly attracted to." Following the release of
Brokeback Mountain, rumors circulated regarding the actor's sexual orientation. When asked about such gossip during an interview, Gyllenhaal said:
Gyllenhaal narrated the 2005 short Animation
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, based on Mordicai Gerstein's The Man Who Walked Between the Towers about Philippe Petit's famous stunt. In January 2007, as host of
Saturday Night Live, he put on a sparkly evening dress and sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the musical
Dreamgirls for his opening monologue, dedicating the song to his "unique fan base... the fans of
Brokeback."
In 2007, Gyllenhaal starred in David Fincher's
Zodiac (film), which was based on a true story. He played Robert Graysmith, a
San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist and author of two books about the Zodiac Killer. Gyllenhaal stars opposite Meryl Streep, Alan Arkin, and Reese Witherspoon in the October 2007 release
Rendition (film), a Gavin Hood-directed political thriller about the U.S. policy of Extraordinary rendition by the United States. Gyllenhaal's next roles will be in Jim Sheridan's remake of Susanne Bier's 2004 Danish language film
Brothers (2004 film) and Doug Liman's as yet untitled film about the race for Colonization of the Moon. He will also shoot 2009's
Nailed in South Carolina, opposite Jessica Biel.
Internationally viewed as a sex symbol, Gyllenhaal was named one of
People (magazine) magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2006. He was also listed in
People's "Hottest Bachelors of 2006" and their Top 10 Hottest Men of 2007. In response to mainstream press lists like these, thousands of gay and bisexual men were polled for the 2007 and in 2008 "AfterElton.com Hot 100 List." Gyllenhaal was ranked at 1 in both consecutive years. He was ranked at 2 on the
Gay Wired Magazine poll of male actors who have played gay characters in movies.
On the show Entourage, Gyllenhaal, though not featured on screen, was the replacement for Vincent Chase in Aquaman 2 after Chase was fired.
On May 20, 2008 it was announced that Gyllenhaal will play the lead role in the movie adaptation of the video game
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (film), produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. As of July 2008, production has started.
Personal life
Family
The son of director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner, Gyllenhaal's immediate family includes his sister, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is engaged to actor Peter Sarsgaard, Gyllenhaal's co-star in
Jarhead (film) and
Rendition (film). In December, 2006, Jake and his sister escaped a fire that destroyed Manka's, a famed lodge and restaurant in Inverness, California, at which they were vacationing. Gyllenhaal's niece, Ramona Sarsgaard, was born on October 3, 2006. Jamie Lee Curtis is Gyllenhaal's godmother, Gyllenhaal himself is the godfather of Matilda Rose Ledger (born October 28, 2005), daughter of Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams (actress), both of whom co-starred with him in
Brokeback Mountain. His uncle, Anders Gyllenhaal, is the executive editor of
The Miami Herald. His late uncle is filmmaker Robert Achs.
Gyllenhaal dated actress Kirsten Dunst on and off for three years.
Representatives of Jake and Reese Witherspoon, his girlfriend since 2007, have told People magazine exclusively that media reports stating the pair are planning to wed are "lies."
Politics and other interests
Gyllenhaal is politically active. He shot a commercial for Rock the Vote, and along with his sister Maggie Gyllenhaal, visited the University of Southern California to encourage students to vote during the United States presidential election, 2004. He also campaigned for Democratic Party (United States) Presidential candidate John Kerry. He has said, however, that "it frustrates me when actors talk politics; I'm political and I make choices in my movies that I think are political. I try and say things with what I do. Rightly or wrongly, young actors have all the power." In an interview for
Rendition, he stated his view that "it's a sad time when actors are politicians and politicians are actors".
Raised in a family concerned with social issues, Gyllenhaal has campaigned on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an organization which his entire family strongly supports. Environmentalism conscious, he Recycling regularly, and said in an interview that he spends $400 a year to have trees planted in a Mozambique forest, partly to promote the The Carbon Neutral Company program. After filming
The Day After Tomorrow, he flew to the Arctic to promote awareness of climate change.
In his spare time, Gyllenhaal enjoys woodworking and cooking.> He has said, "I am not a card-carrying Buddhism, but I do try to practice mindfulness" and it is his goal to meditate every day.
Jake Gyllenhaal in the news
Witherspoon not so sure about marriage - MSNBC
Access HollywoodWitherspoon not so sure about marriageMSNBC - 6 hours agoPeter Kramer / AP Reese Witherspoon may be happily involved with Jake Gyllenhaal. But though the handsome, blue-eyed actor has been spotted with the blonde ...Reese Witherspoon divulges divorce details Boston HeraldReese Witherspoon - Petite but very powerful IndependentReese: I Have Hope OK! MagazinePeople Magazine - Parade Magazineall 41 news articles
read moreBreastfeeding twins proved tough for Angelina - MSNBC
Breastfeeding twins proved tough for AngelinaMSNBC - Nov 19, 2008If Jake Gyllenhaal’s unsure of the perfect holiday gift for his girlfriend, Reese Witherspoon just made it a little easier by dropping a public hint. ...
read moreHalle Berry, Jennifer Garner, and Jake Gyllenhaal are all doing it ...
Examiner.comHalle Berry, Jennifer Garner, and Jake Gyllenhaal are all doing it ...Examiner.com - Nov 19, 2008Halle Berry, Jennifer Garner, and Jake Gyllenhaal are just a few of the A-List Celeb's that have graced their presence at this delicious protein shake stop. ...
read moreSexiest Men Alive / Hollywood's Sexiest Fathers - Examiner.com
Sexiest Men Alive / Hollywood's Sexiest FathersExaminer.com - 14 hours agoOrlando Bloom, James Denton, Joaquin Phoenix, Jude Law, Jack Shephard, Matthew McConaughey, Ashton Kutcher, and Jake Gyllenhaal also make an appearance.
read moreJake Gyllenhaal Plans to Be Fat & Happy - Popeater
Jake Gyllenhaal Plans to Be Fat & HappyPopeater, NY - Nov 17, 200817) - Jake Gyllenhaal plans to be fat and happy after his movie 'Prince of Persia' wraps. The ripped actor gained five pounds of muscle for his role, ...
read moreReese Witherspoon Covers Parade Magazine - Just Jared
Reese Witherspoon Covers Parade MagazineJust Jared, NY - 6 hours ago... Parade about her divorce with Ryan Phillippe, feeling unsure about marriage with Jake Gyllenhaal and the biggest detriment in her life — tabloid fame. ...
read moreJake Gyllenhaal's fat wish - China Daily
China DailyJake Gyllenhaal's fat wishChina Daily, China - Nov 16, 2008Jake Gyllenhaal is looking forward to getting "fat" when he finishes shooting 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time'. The 27-year-old actor - who is ...
read moreJake Gyllenhaal: ‘I guess I’ve gotten buff’ - Boston Herald
Contactmusic.comJake Gyllenhaal: ‘I guess I’ve gotten buff’Boston Herald, United States - Nov 13, 2008By Inside Track Jake Gyllenhaal is buff and toned for his mostly shirtless role in the new fantasy-adventure flick “Price of Persia: The Sands of Time. ...JAKE GYLLENHAAL - PRINCE OF PERSIA PLAGUED BY SCORPIONS Contactmusic.comET Visits the Set of Prince of Persia /FILMJake packs on muscle for new role South Wales Evening Postall 13 news articles
read moreReese Witherspoon waxes country for Christmas - USA Today
MSN IndiaReese Witherspoon waxes country for ChristmasUSA Today - Nov 18, 2008Witherspoon is dating actor Jake Gyllenhaal, 27, but says she's not sure if she'll get married again. ("I don't think about it much. ...Reese Witherspoon's Christmas Wish? 'A Good Chicken Coop' People Magazine‘I’m tall in my own mind’ Khaleej Timesall 14 news articles
read moreScorpions disrupt Gyllenhaal's film - AZ Central.com
Scorpions disrupt Gyllenhaal's filmAZ Central.com, AZ - Nov 14, 2008Jake Gyllenhaal's new movie has brought chaos to film studios after scorpions were brought to the set. fantasy film Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, ...
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