Name Jake Gyllenhaal

Birth name Jacob Benjamin Gyllenhaal

Date of birth 19 December 1980

Star sign Sagittarius

Birthplace Los Angeles, California, USA

Height 6ft

Eye colour Green/blue

Marriages None

Children None

Biography

Academy Award-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal – sister of actress Maggie – is best known for his gay cowboy role in Brokeback Mountain.

Born in LA to parents involved in the film industry, Jake made his acting debut aged 11 as Billy Crystal’s son in the 1991 comedy City Slickers. After landing his first lead role, in October Sky (1999), Jake had his first taste of critical success in cult indie film Donnie Darko (2001) as a schizophrenic teenager who has nightmarish visions of a six-foot rabbit.

After dipping into theatre – London production This Is Our Youth – in 2002, Jake turned action man for 2004 blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow and marine for Gulf War drama Jarhead (2005). But it was as rodeo cowboy Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain – with the late Heath Ledger as his love interest – that Jake turned on the public and the critics, winning multiple accolades and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Jake – who was listed in People magazine’s Top Ten Hottest Men Of 2007 – dated actress Kirsten Dunst before being spotted on the arm of Rendition co-star Reese Witherspoon in 2007, but the pair have denied being engaged.

Set to star in 2009 rom-com Nailed with Jessica Biel, Jake has used his star status to promote awareness of climate change and campaign on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Quotes

‘Being a star doesn’t last. That’s not what life should be about. It’s a complete illusion that really has nothing to do with you. For me, finding out about life is the most important thing.’ (Raygun, 1999)

‘You know, it’s flattering when there’s a rumour that says I’m bisexual. It means I can play more kinds of roles. I’m open to whatever people want to call me. I’ve never really been attracted to men sexually, but I don’t think I would be afraid of it if it happened.’ (Details, December 2005)

‘If you knew me at all you would understand that there is not a lot of preparation involved in asking me to get naked!’ (Indielondon.co.uk, 2008)

‘I needed everyone to like me and think I’m great. But that attention doesn’t work for me any more. I realise that there’s nothing at the end of that.’ (Details, December 2005)

‘As well as that, every man goes through a period of thinking they’re attracted to another guy.’ (Msnbc.com, 24 May 2004)