Maggie Gyllenhaal, his older sister and also an actress, appeared with Jake in the movie Donnie Darko. He was allowed to appear in his father’s films several times. Gyllenhaal appeared in the 1993 film A Dangerous Woman (along with sister Maggie); in “Bop Gun” a 1994 episode of Homicide: Life on the Street; and in the 1998 comedy Homegrown. Along with their mother, Jake and Maggie appeared in two episodes of Molto Mario, an Italian cooking show on the Food Network. Gyllenhaal’s first lead role was in October Sky, Joe Johnston’s 1999 adaptation of the Homer Hickam autobiography Rocket Boys, in which he portrayed a young man from West Virginia striving to win a science scholarship to avoid becoming a coal miner. The film earned $32 million and was described in the Sacramento News and Review as Gyllenhaal’s “breakout performance.” Donnie Darko, Gyllenhaal’s second major film, was not a box office success upon its initial 2001 release, but eventually became a cult favorite. The film portrays the title character’s adventures as he pursues the love of his life before she marries the wrong man.

Jake Gyllenhaal Eats Worms Jake Gyllenhaal proved he is not afraid of a meaty challenge on survival expert Bear Grylls’ upcoming TV special by eating a worm on camera.  … [link]