Jake Gyllenhaal Gets Sweet Note From Sister Maggie Gyllenhaal

The Brokeback Mountain star shares the deeper meaning behind the message during his Late Show appearance.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Jake Gyllenhaal offered a rare glimpse into his close bond with sister Maggie Gyllenhaal after she left him a touching note during his March 3 appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Maggie, who recently directed a new movie called The Bride!, wrote "You're a beast" in the note, which has become a special phrase the siblings use to uplift each other during key career moments.

Why it matters

The Gyllenhaal siblings have long been supportive of one another, but Maggie recently shared that their relationship has been especially strong in the last five years as they've been "really interacting" more. This story provides a heartwarming look at their close family dynamic.

The details

In the note, Maggie wrote "You're a beast," prompting Jake to explain the deeper meaning behind the phrase. He shared that he had previously written the same message to Maggie before one of her Broadway shows, and they've continued to write it on each other's mirrors to show support. Jake believes the phrase is also connected to the themes of Maggie's new movie The Bride!.

  • Jake Gyllenhaal appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on March 3, 2026.
  • Maggie Gyllenhaal left the note for Jake in the seat cushion when she appeared on the show the night before, on March 2, 2026.

The players

Jake Gyllenhaal

A 45-year-old American actor known for his roles in films like Brokeback Mountain and Nightcrawler.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal's 48-year-old sister, an acclaimed actress and director who recently directed the movie The Bride!.

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What they’re saying

“You're a beast.”

— Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Late Show With Stephen Colbert)

“We've never been estranged, but we've never been as close as we are now. I think we're finally, maybe in the last five years—although more and more and more, even each day—really interacting, which is hard for people to do.”

— Maggie Gyllenhaal (The New York Times* podcast *The Interview)

The takeaway

The close relationship between Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal serves as an inspiring example of how siblings can support and uplift one another, even as they each pursue their own successful careers in the entertainment industry.