LOS ANGELES, California?Perhaps Jake Gyllenhaal was just in a joking mood. Or maybe, because his mom, scriptwriter Naomi Foner, was around, he wanted to keep the press con light.

Jake always gives humor-tinged interviews, but on this particular Sunday morning, he was especially funny. Even on the few answers that he managed to be somewhat serious, he couldn’t help but end them with amusing quips.

When told that sometimes people mistake his acclaimed film, “Brokeback Mountain,” for Robert Duvall’s made-for-TV movie, “Broken Trail,” he disclosed that both movies employed the same make-up artist. Then, he quipped: #8220;And that was Duvall’s mustache I wore in ‘Brokeback.’”

Jake’s impressive acting career is, of course, no joke. He’s one of the finest
young actors today. In the political thriller, “Rendition,” he costars with rumored girlfriend, Reese Witherspoon, but they don’t have scenes together. Also in the movie are Meryl Streep and Peter Sarsgaard, who’s married to the actor’s equally gifted sister, Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Coveted role

When Jake wants to play a role in a movie, he really goes after it. He confirmed how he called up director Sam Mendes at 2 a.m. to ask for the coveted role in the Gulf War drama, “Jarhead.” He shares: “It was an honor to be able to call an A-list director and have the confidence to say, ‘I can play this part.’ I told Sam, ‘I will throw up in the sand for you!’”

In the following excerpts, note that this was Jake’s press con with the journalists’ association we belong to, so not all questions were mine. We can’t
take all the credit?or blame?for them:

Peter told us that you have the best job in the world?being an uncle to Ramona (Peter and Maggie’s baby)…

It’s wonderful to see the dynamic of a family change when a new life comes along. Everybody becomes his best self, and not in a cheesy way. Maybe it’s actually cheesy (laughing)?but never mind. It feels wonderful! Ramona is extraordinary person, like her parents!

Are you looking forward to being a father someday?

I know what a responsibility that is, and I don’t say that in a romantic sense. It requires presence of mind and selflessness. I don’t know if I have those qualities just yet, but being a dad is something that I look forward to.

You and Peter shaved your heads in “Jarhead.” Now, you both have beards.

Peter and I are dating (laughter). I can see the headlines now. Seriously, I look up to him. If he shaves his goatee, I’ll also shave mine (laughter).

Did you grow your beard for a role? Do you like wearing one?

Peter is merely doing it for vanity?he’s really vain and full of himself (laughter). We all know he’s a bad actor, so he needs to cover himself up. I, on the other hand, am doing it for a role (in “Brothers”). I’m playing a character who spends time in jail in the first part of the movie.

It’s gotten to a point of weirdness, because usually I grow my facial hair and
it’s okay. If it becomes itchy, I shave it. But now, I have to keep the beard
for the movie even if I want to shave it!

Qualities

What qualities do you admire in Reese, as a person and an actress?

She can grow a mean beard, that’s for sure (laughter)! I don’t know if you’ve seen her beard?it’s amazing! She’s one of the best actresses of her generation?that’s the truth. She’s an incredible mother?she’s devoted to her life and her work. But, every actor I look up to values his life over his work.

Will you comment on rumors that you are dating Reese?

No. Apparently, I am dating a lot of people, not only of the opposite sex (laughter)?it’s very interesting and amusing.

The first time we interviewed you, you talked about not having enough sex…

Are you offering or what? (Laughter)

You talked freely during that interview. You have become a star since. So, has your sex life changed?

I’ve become an ascetic?I live in a cave now. That’s why I am growing a beard. I
have no sex, so I’m much more interesting!

The last five years

How has your life changed in the last five years?

It hasn’t changed much. But, I have gained some perspective. You can go two ways: You can buy into it, or it nudges you a little bit. For me, it nudged me into where I wanted to be.

What have you learned about women from your mother and famous sister?

I grew up with a particular type of woman?both my sister and mother know what they believe in. I respect a woman’s mind. I believe that women hold much of the power and energy in the world.
My respect for every woman I meet comes from them. But, anybody can open his eyes and spend some time with a woman and see how extraordinary?sex is (laughing)!

What advice have your parents given you on how to handle relationships?

This year marks the 30th wedding anniversary of my parents. A young man came up to my dad (Director Stephen Gyllenhaal) and asked him, “What’s it like being married to the same woman for 30 years?” My dad answered, “She’s not the same woman.”

Very good answer.

Yes!

Good friend

Lance Armstrong (cycling champion) is a good friend of yours. And there are talks about you acting in a movie about the Tour de France.

That would be amazing! Lance and I are good friends. We have actually been on the Tour together. I rode sections of it in the Alps with Lance, which was amazing!

Did you make it?

Yes, I did (laughing). You don’t ride the Alps with Lance Armstrong and not make it. The movie’s not definite yet. Matt Damon is developing it, so it’s his movie at this point. But, I would love to play Lance and make a movie about cycling, because it’s my favorite sport.

You’re not a Republican. How is it like to have a friend like Lance who’s a staunch Republican?

I don’t discriminate. I have many friends who express different opinions. You can have some fun that way. Otherwise, you’re just in a bubble!

Kitchen

In recent interviews, you talked about going into (TV chef) Mario Batali’s kitchen to cook.

My best friend is a chef. The only time we could ever hang out was when I went in his kitchen, because he keeps such crazy hours! And, I do cook with Mario, occasionally.

Other than cooking and seeing your lover, Peter, what do you do for fun?

I love that rumor (laughter), it’s so good. Put it out there!

Credits: Ruben V. Nepales @ Showbiz and Style