Gyllenhaal, Jake (1980- )

US actor. He grew up in a Hollywood family, making his film debut aged 11 as Billy Crystal's son in the comedy City Slickers (1991), but avoided the typical teen film route, starring for example in the cult indie film Donnie Darko (2001). His fresh, sad-eyed good looks and compelling screen presence helped him to swiftly achieve heart-throb status. He starred with Dustin Hoffman, Holly Hunter, and Susan Sarandon in the film Moonlight Mile in 2002.

His other films include October Sky (1999), Lovely and Amazing (2001), Bubble Boy (2001), The Good Girl (2002), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), and Proof (2005). His appearance in the play This Is Our Youth in London's West End in 2002 cemented his reputation as a talented and hip young actor.

Gyllenhaal was born in Los Angeles, California. The son of screenwriter and producer Naomi Foner and director Stephen Gyllenhaal, he appeared in his parents' adaptation of A Dangerous Woman (1993), with Debra Winger. His sister is the actor Maggie Gyllenhaal.