Jake Gyllenhaal Claims Legal Blindness Has Been ‘Beneficial’ to His Acting Journey

Jake Gyllenhaal has a unique advantage.

The “Nightcrawler” actor opened up about how being legally blind has helped him in his acting career, saying he prefers to look at the disability as “advantageous.”

“I’ve never known anything else. When I can’t see in the morning, before I put on my glasses, it’s a place where I can be with myself,” he told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Wednesday.

Jake Gyllenhaal roadhouse still
Jake Gyllenhaal said he views his legal blindness as “advantageous” in his acting career.Laura Radford/Prime Video

Jake Gyllenhaal red carpet photo
“When I can’t see in the morning, before I put on my glasses, it’s a place where I can be with myself,” he told the Hollywood Reporter.Getty Images

The Oscar nominee, 43, relied on that practice during one of his pivotal scenes from 2015’s “Southpaw.”

When police tell his character that his wife died, Gyllenhaal performed the scene without his contacts to listen better.

This isn’t the first time the “Spider-Man: Far From Home” star has discussed his 20/1250 vision.

In a 2017 interview with the Telegraph, he recalled being an “easy target” for bullies as a kid because of his corrective glasses.

Jake Gyllenhaal poses during Howard Stern interview
Gyllenhaal also told the outlet how he used his his 20/1250 vision as an asset while filming 2015’s “Southpaw.”Getty Images for SiriusXM

Jake Gyllenhaal roadhouse Amazon promo
Gyllenhaal said he removed his contacts during a difficult scene to listen more closely.Getty Images for Amazon

“I was always a sensitive kid,” he said of the teasing, which led to some childhood squabbles.

But those same scuffles seem to have helped him deliver in his onscreen fight scenes.

In Amazon’s rebooted take on the Patrick Swayze classic “Road House,” Gyllenhaal went up against retired UFC fighter Conor McGregor.

Jake Gyllenhaal SNL still
In 2017, Gyllenhaal said his corrective glasses made him an “easy target” for bullies as a child.Rosalind O’Connor/NBC via Getty Images

Jake Gyllenhaal roadhouse Amazon promo
“I was always a sensitive kid,” he recalled of the teasing.Getty Images

“I [got to] throw Jake Gyllenhaal over the bar, so that was pretty fun. I loved it,” McGregor told Page Six at the movie’s premiere in March.

The fighter, 35, also commended the actor who “took one or two wallops” while filming but “gave back as well.”

“We had a great rapport. He was very patient with me, very helpful,” the Irish athlete added.

Related Posts

🔥 “This Is Not a Drill!” — Henry Cavill’s Superman Returns in a Brutal, Snyder-Style Justice League Sequel 🦸‍♂️💥

When DC turned its back on the Snyderverse for being too dark and brutal, Netflix saw something different — and snatched up what DC buried. In a…

🔥 “This HAS to Be Real!” — Salt 2 Teaser Featuring Angelina Jolie & Keanu Reeves Sends Fans Into Frenzy 😳🎬

Salt 2 (2026) Teaser Trailer Drops: Angelina Jolie and Keanu Reeves Team Up in Explosive Spy Thriller – Fans Lose It Over Viral Concept By Action Movie…

Princess Diana’s Final Plea Ignored: Shocking Recording Reveals She Begged Driver to Turn Back Before Fatal Tunnel Crash – But a Mystery Call Erased Everything!

On August 31, 1997, the world was stunned by the news that Princess Diana, the beloved “People’s Princess,” had died in a high-speed car crash in Paris’s…

Meghan in Total Panic: Harry’s Shocking UK School Bombshell Drives Her to Flee Overnight with Lilibet – Is the Youngest Child Truly His? Explosive Paternity Doubts Ignite Marriage Crisis!

In a stunning development rocking the Sussex household, Meghan Markle is reportedly in a state of utter panic following Prince Harry’s bold declaration that their children, Prince…

Big Surprise: Aiden Ross’ Heartwarming Finale Moment with Girlfriend Lauren Moore Sparks Fan Frenzy

The confetti had barely settled on the stage of The Voice Season 28 finale when a tender, unexpected moment stole the spotlight from the trophy itself. As…

Shocking NBC Exclusive: Epstein Survivors Break Silence Together – One Woman Reveals Horrifying Abuse for the Very First Time! 😱

In a powerful and emotional exclusive interview with NBC News’ Hallie Jackson, a large group of Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors and their family members came together for the…