Jake Gyllenhaal: Gay Rumors Were A “Huge Compliment” After “Brokeback Mountain”

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Jake Gyllenhaal: Gay Rumors Were A “Huge Compliment” After “Brokeback Mountain”

by Jenna Mullins                                                                                              Fri., Sep. 13, 2013 6:01 AM PDT

Focus Features

Jake Gyllenhaal was nominated for an Oscar for his work on Brokeback Mountain, and apparently his portrayal of a gay cowboy opposite the late Heath Ledger convinced more than just the academy. People started to question his sexuality after the movie came out, but the Prisoners star never sweat the rumors.

On next week's episode of Inside the Actors Studio, Gyllenhaal talks to James Lipton about his multifaceted career, and when asked about the gay rumors that swirled after Brokeback Mountain, the 32-year-old actor insisted he took it as a "huge compliment."

READ: Joseph Gordon-Levitt talks gay rumors

Other notable points of conversation from the episode include the tragic passing of his costar Heath Ledger, whom he actually first met when they both auditioned for 2001's Moulin Rouge.

"Heath and I knew each other for years before that because we had both auditioned for Moulin Rouge together," he tells Lipton. "And I remember thinking, 'I like this guy. He's just like, super lovable."

Gyllenhaal also reveals that Ledger's death was like "losing a family member" and he still misses him "to this day."

VIDEO: Watch Jake and Hugh Jackman in the Prisoners trailer

Jake also talked about working with the "sharp and courageous" Anne Hathaway on Love & Other Drugs, what turns him on (it's more obvious than you think), and his relationship with sister Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Catch an exclusive sneak peek at his Inside the Actors Studio interview below, and be sure to tune in to the episode next Thursday, Sept. 19 only on Bravo.