Happy Birthday, Jake Gyllenhaal!

Today, we're celebrating the 31st birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The brother of actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake got his acting start in the 1991 film City Slickers. He worked sparingly throughout the 1990s, but he made his first real splash on the Hollywood scene with his starring role in 1999's October Sky. From there, Jake nabbed the lead in cult-favorite Donnie Darko in 2001. He nabbed his first - and to date, only - Oscar nomination for his supporting role in the critically-acclaimed but controversial Brokeback Mountain opposite the late Heath Ledger. Since then, Jake's career has been a little hit-and-miss, but he's managed to continue to bring a solid level of acting to his performances. Most recently, audiences saw him in 2011's Source Code, and they'll next be able to see him in the 2012 film, End of Watch. So, to celebrate his birthday, I've listed my five favorite Jake Gyllenhaal performances. I hope you enjoy the videos I've supplied. Once again, happy birthday, Jake!

5. Colter Stevens
Source Code (2011)


*****

4. Anthony Swofford
Jarhead (2005)


*****

3. Tommy Cahill
Brothers (2009)


*****

2. Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko (2001)


*****

1. Jack Twist
Brokeback Mountain (2005)