‘Everest' star Jake Gyllenhaal talks family life and children being 'more important than adults'

Director Dan Gilroy (L) and actor Jake Gyllenhaal are photographed during the LA Junket for the film "Nightcrawler" in Los Angeles October 11, 2014. In the new crime thriller "Nightcrawler," Gyllenhaal plays gaunt sociopath Lou Bloom, who trawls the streets of Los Angeles to film horrific crime scenes for use in early morning local television news. But inside Bloom's introverted, oddball self lies someone with an intense desire to find success in the corporate world. To tap into the primitive quality of Lou and his hunger, the actor decided to lose weight and use his own actual hunger at night for his scenes. Picture taken October 11, 2014. REUTERS/Phil McCarten Reuters/Phil McCarten

Jake Gyllenhaal’s personal life was questioned during a panel interview for his new film “Everest.” However, instead of sharing details about his love life or past relationships, the actor expressed his love for his family and intent to have his own children someday.

The actor turned broody during a recent Q & A interview for “Everest” in London. According to News.com.au, Jake admitted that he gets excited thinking about having his own family someday.

“Nothing gets me more excited than thinking about being a husband and a father one day. There is no purpose I can see in the world more important than that,” he said.

However, despite his desire to settle down, Jake’s busy schedule is reportedly keeping him from having a serious relationship at the moment. The “Southpaw” star is busy with back-to-back film projects. This doesn’t mean though that he doesn’t want to get married and have children of his own too. During the interview, Jake shared how much he adores his two nieces, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s daughters.

“I love to love things and I’m so close with my two nieces. I’d do anything for them. I’d give my life for them. My father passed on the idea that children are more important than adults. Maybe it’s because they’re much closer to their hearts than adults and I can’t help but give myself over to that,” he said.

The 35-year-old also reflected on family life and said he loves spending time with his father. However, his busy work schedule has reportedly been keeping him from doing such “over the last few years.” It’s a different story with Maggie, though, whom Jake said he has gotten even closer to over the last year.

Jake has had two serious relationships in the past, according to E Online. He once dated Reese Witherspoon for two years from 2007 to 2009. He also dated Kirsten Dunst from 2002 to 2004. However, those relationships never went as far as the altar.

The actor admitted during an interview on The Howard Stern Show in August that he wants to get married someday. However, when asked what’s holding him back, Jake said that he “got scared.” The interview can be seen in the video below.