JULY 13, 2015, SAN DIEGO (NNS) – Sailors and their families had the opportunity to meet Hollywood actor Jake Gyllenhaal at the Naval Base San Diego Theater, July 11.
Gyllenhaal, who has starred in such films as “Jarhead,” “Nightcrawler” and “Brokeback Mountain,” signed autographs and had his picture taken with fans lined up outside the theater, where more than 600 movie-goers were able to watch an advanced screening of the actor’s latest movie, “Southpaw.”
First in line was Midshipman Kate Swafford, from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Currently attached to the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), Swafford waited in line for more than two hours to catch a glimpse of Gyllenhaal.
“I’m a big fan of his movies,” she said. “I love watching him and meeting him would be awesome.”
“I really think he’s a great actor,” Swafford’s friend, Alexandra Drake, agreed. Drake added that she was looking forward to seeing the film since sport redemption genres always make a great story.
In “Southpaw,” Gyllenhall plays Billy Hope, a rising-star boxer who hits the pinnacle of his career, only to have tragedy strike, sending him spiraling down a self-destructive path. Left with nothing, Billy must fight to rebuild his career and life.
“It’s an honor to share this movie with those who are serving,” said Gyllenhaal. “This movie is about family and the sacrifices you make for your family. People who serve their country know so much about that.”
Following the meet and greet, Gyllenhaal was treated to a tour aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).
The event was coordinated by San Diego Fleet and Family Readiness and the Navy Motion Picture Service (NMPS). NMPS services more than 800 ashore and afloat facilities worldwide. The sneak preview program gives military members and their families an opportunity to see films before they are released to the general public.