Jake Gyllenhaal says there was ‘a stigma’ to Brokeback Mountain role
Actor said he believes ‘people of all different experiences’ should be given the opportunity to play different roles
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jake Gyllenhaal has spoken about the “stigma” that used to be attached to roles like the one he played in Brokeback Mountain.
Directed by Ang Lee, the 2005 romantic drama depicted the complex relationship between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal).
In an interview with The Sunday Times, the Hollywood actor was asked if he felt there would be “a different reaction” to two straight actors being cast in the roles originally played by Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger.
“Aaahh. I don’t know. Maybe?” Gyllenhaal responded. “Part of the medicine of storytelling is that we were two straight guys playing these parts. There was a stigma about playing a part like that, you know, why would you do that? And I think it was very important to both of us to break that stigma.”
He continued: “But then again, I think that has led the way towards people saying, you know, people of all different experiences should be playing more roles, that it shouldn’t be limited to a small group of people. And I believe that.”
Gyllenhall said he was “very proud” to be given the opportunity, and recalled the reaction from the gay community being mostly one “of open-heartedness and gratitude”.
The 40-year-old is currently receiving praise for his performance in Netflix’s The Guilty, a remake of the Danish crime-thriller of the same name.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments