Despite his pedigree as a child of show biz — with screenwriter and director parents and a Golden Globe- nominated actress for a sister — Jake Gyllenhaal earned his spot as one of Hollywood’s top 20-something males purely through his own acting merits. The liberal, politically active household did, however, foster an intelligence and sensitivity which were tailor made for independent films. As a teenager, Gyllenhaal lent a subtle, soulful sense of the complications of youth to a number of acclaimed art house titles including “Donnie Darko” (2001), with his deep-set eyes and quiet, dangerous
Made film debut in "City Slickers", playing Billy Crystal's son
Was forbidden by parents to take a role in Disney's popular children's hockey film "The Mighty Ducks" (1992), as the shoot would keep him away from home for two months
1993
Featured in the adventure "Josh and S.A.M."
1993
Had a small role in "A Dangerous Woman", directed by his father Stephen Gyllenhaal and scripted by his mother Naomi Foner
1994
Appeared in an episode of "Homicide: Life on the Street", playing Robin Williams' son
