Jake Gyllenhaal at a public event wearing a blue blazer and gold chain highlighting his bio and career.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Jake Gyllenhaal

Born

December 19, 1980

Died
Birthplace

Los Angeles, California, US

Age

45 Years Old

Horoscope

Sagittarius

Who Is Jake Gyllenhaal?

Jacob Benjamin Gyllenhaal is an American actor widely recognized for the intensity and commitment he brings to diverse roles. His compelling performances often elevate complex characters on screen.

He gained significant notice in 2001 with the cult classic Donnie Darko, where his portrayal of a troubled teenager garnered critical praise. The film quickly developed a lasting fan base.

Full NameJacob Benjamin Gyllenhaal
GenderMale
Height6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
Relationship StatusDating Jeanne Cadieu
Net Worth$80 million
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite, Ashkenazi Jewish
EducationHarvard-Westlake School, Columbia University
FatherStephen Gyllenhaal
MotherNaomi Foner
SiblingsMaggie Gyllenhaal

Early Life and Education

Jake Gyllenhaal grew up in a filmmaking family in Los Angeles, California, with his director father Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter mother Naomi Foner. This creative environment frequently exposed him to the movie industry from a young age.

He graduated from Harvard-Westlake School in 1998, later attending Columbia University where he explored Eastern religions and philosophy. Gyllenhaal left after two years to pursue his acting career, though he has expressed intentions to finish his degree.

Notable Relationships

A string of high-profile romances has marked Jake Gyllenhaal’s dating history, including relationships with actresses Kirsten Dunst and Reese Witherspoon, and singer Taylor Swift. He has maintained a notably private relationship with French model Jeanne Cadieu since late 2018.

Gyllenhaal has no children, and he and Cadieu have kept their long-term romance largely out of the public eye, only making their red carpet debut in 2021. The actor has publicly shared his desire for marriage and fatherhood.

Career Highlights

Jake Gyllenhaal earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his impactful role in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain. This seminal romantic drama captivated critics and grossed over $178 million worldwide, establishing his dramatic prowess.

Beyond his acting, Gyllenhaal expanded into producing with his company Nine Stories Productions, backing diverse projects such as the biographical drama Joe Bell. He further demonstrated versatility playing the villain Mysterio in the hit Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Signature Quote

“All I want is to be a good husband and a father. That really is what I want.”