Jake Gyllenhaal is an American actor, who earned much prominence for the portrayal of Homer Hickam in the biographical film entitled, October Sky. He was born on December 19, 1980 in Los Angeles, to Stephen Gyllenhaal and Naomi Foner, a film director and a screenwriter. He was baptized with the real name of Jacob Benjamin ‘Jake’ Gyllenhaal and was the younger brother of Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is an actress. He entered the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles as well as the Columbia University, to take Eastern religions and philosophy but after two years, Gyllenhaal left the school to pursue his professional career on acting. However, Gyllenhaal showed interest to finish his degree and eventually return on the said school. At the young age of eleven, Gyllenhaal made his acting debut, appearing in the 1991 comedy film of City Clickers, where he portrayed the role of Danny Robbins, the son of Billy Crystal’s role.
On the other hand, it was said that both of his parents did not let him be featured in the 1992 film of The Mighty Ducks because it was said that the film will required him to leave their home for two months. In year 1993, Gyllenhaal appeared in the film called, A Dangerous Woman, where he portrayed the role of Patsy Bell, together with Laurie Metcalf and Debra Winger. He also appeared in an episode of the TV series of Homicide: Life on the Street called, Bob Gun. He then appeared in the 1998 comedy-thriller film of Homegrown, where he portrayed the role of Jake/Blue Kahan. In addition, Gyllenhaal together with her mother and sister appeared in two episodes of Molto Mation, which was said to be an Italian cooking show. He also appeared in the 1993 film of Josh and S.A.M, where he portrayed the role of Leon Coleman. Gyllenhaal had his first lead role in the film entitled, October Sky, where he portrayed the role of Homer Hickman.
Subsequently, Gyllenhaal’s second major film came when he portrayed the title role in the thriller film called, Donnie Darko, which has been released in year 2001, together with the stars of Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell and Holmes Osborne. He then appeared in the 2002 film called, Highway, which also includes the stars of Jared Leto and Selma Blair. In the film, Gyllenhaal portrayed the lead role of Pilot Kelson. He has also appeared in drama-comedy film of Lovely & Amazing, which also starred Brenda Blethyn and Catherine Keener as well as Emily Mortimer. He was also included in the ensemble of the comedy film of Bubble Boy, where he portrayed the role of Jimmy Livingston, together with Swoosie Kurtz and Marley Shelton. He also starred together with Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon as well as Ellen Pompeo in the romantic drama film of Moonlight Mile.
He also starred together with Dennis Quaid and Emmy Rossum in the2004 film entitled, The Day After Tomorrow, where he portrayed the role of Jack Hall. On the other hand, Gyllenhaal appeared on stage after he was included in the ensemble of Kenneth Lonergan’s version of This is Our Youth. The play earned him an Evening Standard Theatre Award for the Category of Outstanding Newcomer. On the following year, Gyllenhaal starred in three successful films of, Brokeback Mountain, Jarhead and Proof, where he portrayed the roles of Jack twist, Anthony Swoffors and Harold Dobbs, respectively. His portrayal on the film of brokeback Mountain, earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for the category in Best Supporting Actor. In year 2007, he portrayed the role of Douglas Freeman in the drama film called, Rendition, alongside Reese Witherspoon and Omar Metwally. He then included in the ensemble of the 2009 film of Brothers, where he portrayed the role of Tommy Cahill. In year 2010, he starred as Prince Dastan in the film of Prince of Persia: The sands of Time. He then starred in the film of Source Code, where he portrayed the lead role of Colter Stevens. In addition, Gyllenhaal is set to appear in the upcoming comedy film called, Nailed.
Jake Gyllenhaal Photo Gallery
