Jake Gyllenhaal tells Stephen Colbert about the “Cats” musical his sister directed when they were kids — and the unusual role he was given
Growing up in a creative family meant the Gyllenhaal siblings were always performing, but Jake’s early career started with much less glamour than his current roles.
Sibling relationships don’t change much, even when you’re famous. Most of us grew up putting on plays or messing around in the living room, and it turns out the Gyllenhaals were no different. During an interview with Stephen Colbert, Jake Gyllenhaal shared fun stories from his childhood with his sister, making him seem much more relatable.
Jake Gyllenhaal comes from a family that has worked in the entertainment industry for a long time. His sister, Maggie Gyllenhaal, is a talented actress and has made a name for herself as a filmmaker. Their parents, Stephen and Naomi Gyllenhaal, have also worked in the industry; Stephen is a director, while Naomi is a screenwriter and producer.
The interview
During his appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert“, Jake said he has always taken direction from Maggie. He joked that she had been telling him what to do from the day he arrived on earth. One memorable moment from their childhood was when Maggie directed a small production of the musical ‘Cats’ with just five people.
While their parents had dinner parties, Maggie and her friend were the stars of the show. His sister would play a song from the show, and people would dance to it. Jake was eager to help, so Maggie gave him a specific role: she put a bowl of milk in the corner and made him lap it up like a cat. He told Colbert he never did it right, but Maggie kept encouraging him. “But it’s ok. It was a lot of direction”, he added.
Watching Maggie grow into a professional director has been an amazing experience for Jake. He described working on her new film as unforgettable and praised her courage in creating such an ambitious project. The interview ended with Jake finding a hidden note tucked in the couch that Maggie had left for him. It said, “You’re a beast,” a phrase they write on each other’s mirrors before every opening night to remind one another of their energy and spirit.
The Bride!, which premieres in theaters this Friday, March 6, is written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The movie is inspired by the 1930s Chicago reimagining of the Bride of Frankenstein myth. The film stars Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley, alongside Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Penélope Cruz, and Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays a character named Ronnie Reed.
Reactions
The internet had plenty to say about the image of a young Jake Gyllenhaal on all fours. One person wrote, “Jake forced to drink milk from a bowl on the floor? Sisterly love!” Many siblings can relate to the chaos of practicing at home, where an older sister realizes her younger brother can serve as a funny prop for her projects. It’s a common experience for younger brothers to be used by their sisters for fun.
Others were moved by their emotional connection. A viewer wrote, “I sometimes have this kind of relationship with my sister, and when it happens, it brings me to tears, just like it did now.” Working with someone who has seen every version of you, from the toddler years to the present, strengthens the relationship even more, which is hard to find anywhere else, especially in a typical workplace like a movie set.
Some fans also compared the Gyllenhaals’ sibling relationship to their own lives. A commenter joked, “If my brother left a note, it would say ‘Mom and dad found you in the trash.'” Most people expect siblings to be a source of constant teasing and fights, so the fact that these two use their inside jokes to build each other up surprised everyone.
Their relationship is also a refreshing change from the typical stories we hear about fame causing family rifts or jealousy. Another fan wrote, “Such a beautiful connection you both have. This world needs more like you both!”
Jake and Maggie’s relationship shows a lot about how family history can shape a career. From a living-room version of ‘Cats’ to a major studio release like The Bride!, the Gyllenhaals have maintained the same creative energy throughout the years. In the end, the people who knew you first are the ones who can push you the furthest.
