Jake Gyllenhaal’s Sexuality: Is He Gay, Bisexual, Or Queer?

Jake Gyllenhaal has taken on so many roles in his career, but few are more critically acclaimed than his portrayal of a closeted gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain, alongside the late Heath Ledger. This role was so iconic and culturally impactful that many fans have speculated about the actor’s sexuality. Is Jake Gyllenhaal gay, bisexual, or straight? Why do people have so many questions about his sexuality? Who has he dated throughout his career? Keep reading to find out.

Related | Jake Gyllenhaal Talks Playing Gay and ‘Brokeback Mountain’

Why Do People Think Jake Gyllenhaal Is Gay?

A lot of people speculate that Jake Gyllenhaal is gay mainly for the following reasons:

He Played A ‘Gay Role’ In Brokeback Mountain

Jake Gyllenhaal portrayed a gay cowboy in the movie Brokeback Mountain, opposite the late actor Heath Ledger as his love interest. Their on-screen chemistry led some people to believe that the actors might be gay in real life.

While Gyllenhaal expressed that he was proud to have played the role convincingly, he’s historically been vague when asked questions about his sexuality.

More of Jake Gyllenhaal and girlfriend Jeanne Cadieu at the 75th annual Cannes film festival ???????? pic.twitter.com/g2wWbxyVjH

— J. Gyllenhaal Updates (@badpostsjake) May 24, 2022

Jake Gyllenhaal’s Dating History

Jake Gyllenhaal has dated multiple famous co-stars, actresses, models, and musicians throughout his career. So, who has Jake Gyllenhaal dated over the years, and what does it say about his sexuality? Let’s take a look at his long list of ex-lovers:

Jenny Lewis (2001)

Taylor Swift wasn’t the actor’s first musician girlfriend. Jake Gyllenhaal dated Jenny Lewis, then-frontman of indie band Rilo Kiley. They didn’t date for long yet remained friends after splitting romantically.

Kirsten Dunst (2002-2004)

The relationship between Gyllenhaal and Dunst started quickly, according to many news sources from the time. While they had undeniable chemistry and were quick to move in together and own a pet, the couple only lasted for two years.

Natalie Portman (2006)

A-list actress Natalie Portman briefly dated Gyllenhaal in the mid-2000s. They didn’t last long as lovers, but they remained friends after the breakup.

Reese Witherspoon (2007-2009)

Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal were a fan-favorite celebrity couple. The actress dated Jake Gyllenhaal after her divorce from Ryan Phillippe, with whom she had children. She even said in interviews that she found the love and support she needed from the Brokeback Mountain star. Although they have since parted, the actor is still on good terms with Witherspoon.

Taylor Swift (2010)

Gyllenhaal’s relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is probably the most publicized. Swift is famous for her songs inspired by her exes, and Gyllenhaal became the subject of many, despite their short-lived romance.

After the recent re-release of her album Red, fans speculated that he was the inspiration for the 10-minute version of “All Too Well”. That fan theory was never confirmed by the singer, but the lyrics mentioned real-life details that many people were able to link to their relationship, such as the red scarf she wore to his sister’s house.

Anna Kendrick, Jessica Lowndes, Minka Kelly (2012)

While these actresses were rumored to be dating Jake Gyllenhaal throughout 2012, none of these were ever confirmed.

Alyssa Miller (2013)

Gyllenhaal was reportedly spotted with Alyssa Miller, a Sports Illustrated model, in New York City – instantly sparking dating rumors. Their relationship lasted for only 6 months, ending when Jake Gyllenhaal moved to L.A. to film Southpaw.

Jeanne Cadieu (2018-Present)

French model Jeanne Cadieu and Gyllenhaal were first spotted strolling together in Paris in 2018. The couple is still dating and going strong, but they have always kept their relationship on a low profile – they don’t even have photos of them together on Instagram.

So, Is Jake Gyllenhaal Gay?

Jake Gyllenhaal has never confirmed his sexuality or been linked to any men publicly. While he has been asked multiple times about his sexuality, he has always shied away from directly answering the question.

The actor has not come out as a member of the LGBTQ community, but he has always supported the community as an ally. Even when playing gay roles, he never fails to acknowledge the importance of proper representation in cinema.

Related | Jake Gyllenhaal Reflects On His Relationship With Heath Ledger