Jake Gyllenhaal first met the late Patrick Swayze at the Lincoln Center in the early 2000s while they worked together on the psychological sci-fi thriller Donnie Darko. They remained good friends until Patrick’s tragic death in 2009 following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Nearly two decades after Patrick’s passing, Jake will star in an upcoming remake of the 1989 action drama Road House, in which Patrick played John Dalton. Ahead of the new release, Jake penned a touching tribute to Patrick on social media, hoping that “it’s one he would’ve had fun watching!”
Jake’s tribute to Patrick
Jake posted an old photo of himself and Patrick on Instagram and reflected on their time together in his lengthy caption. “I’ve been thinking back about my time working with Patrick on ‘Donnie Darko’ and rewatching this great man in the original ‘Road House’ plus so many other films,” he started. “I’ve never stopped being a fan.”
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Jake also credited some of his success in the entertainment industry to Patrick, who “didn’t have to take the time, but he always did.”
“He was such a talent and I continue to have so much respect and admiration for what he put out and into the world. I’ll never forget his kindness to me when I was starting out,” the 43-year-old wrote.
A ‘Road House’ comeback
Jake will be playing Elwood Dalton in the new Road House; his character, who is similar to Patrick’s John, is a former UFC fighter hired by a roadhouse owner, portrayed by Jessica Williams, in the Florida Keys. The trailer features Elwood, who warns that “it takes a lot to get me angry, but when I am, I just can’t let go,” as well as Billy Magnussen as a rich businessman threatening to shut down the club, and real-life UFC legend Conor McGregor.
The world premiere was held at the 2024 SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, and director Doug Leeman praised Jake’s performance as his best work to date. “That’s what you want from your director, you know, someone to pull things out of you that are new, that challenge you,” Jake told ET, adding that his friendship with Doug reflects in the film. “His sense of humor is in it, too…and he made a great movie.”