Actor siblings who grace the silver screen…
Casey Affleck stars in AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS, the new film from David Lowery, which is released in Irish cinemas this week. We all know that Casery is the younger brother of Ben ‘Batfleck’ Affleck, but there are many other actors out there who have siblings in the biz. We take a look at some of the best…
Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal
Both starred in Richard Kelley’s DONNIE DARKO, and have gone on to have wide and varied careers. Her real breakthrough was in sadomasochistic love story SECRETARY, and since then Maggie has taken over from Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and was nominated for an Oscar for her role in CRAZY HEART. The name on Maggie’s birth certificate is Margolit, but she had it legally changed to Maggie earlier this year. Maggie has just finished filming Lenny Abrahamson’s FRANK in Ireland, with Domhnall Gleeson and Michael Fassbender.
Jake, Maggie’s younger brother, was also Oscar nominated for his role in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, and although he has made a name for himself in indie films such as DONNIE DARKO and THE GOOD GIRL, Jake has played against type many times, but most notably in JARHEAD, END OF WATCH and LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS. Jake is currently working on PRISONERS, the latest film from Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, which also stars Hugh Jackman and Terrence Howard.
Chris, Luke and Liam Hemsworth
The Hemsworth brothers hail from Melbourne Australia. Chris is best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel’s Avengers films, although he started his career in HOME & AWAY, starring in 171 episodes. Since his move to the US, Chris has starred in CABIN IN THE WOODS, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN and will next be seen in Ron Howard’s RUSH.
Luke Hemsworth played Nathan Tyson in NEIGHBOURS and has also appeared in other TV series such as THE SADDLE CLUB, BLUE HEELERS, LAST MAN STANDING, ALL SAINTS and SATISFACTION. In 2012, he starred in the 6-part miniseries BIKIE WARS: BROTHERS IN ARMS as Gregory ‘Shadow’ Campbell.
Liam, the youngest of the three brothers, played Josh Taylor in NEIGHBOURS before graduating to movies. While filming THE LAST SONG, Hemsworth met his fiancée to be, Miley Cyrus. Hemsworth plays Gale in THE HUNGER GAMES series and has three films due for release in the coming moths; EMPIRE STATE, PARANOIA and TIMELESS.
Zooey and Emily Deschanel
Zooey has made a name for herself starring in quirky comedies such as ELF and (500) DAYS OF SUMMER, but her first big role was as William’s older sister, Anita, in ALMOST FAMOUS. Since then, Deschanel has become known for her ‘manic pixie dream girl’ roles in films such as THE YES MEN and THE HITCH HIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. She also stars in TV’s NEW GIRL and sings in a band called SHE & HIM with M. Ward.
Zooey’s older sister Emily stars as Dr Temperance ‘Bones’ Brennan in TVs BONES, which is arguably the role for which she is best known, but she has also appeared in MY SISTER’S KEEPER and lent her voice to animated show THE CLEVELAND SHOW.
Beau and Jeff Bridges
We all know that Jeff Bridges is Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski, and that The Dude Abides, but Jeff Bridges has been acting since he was an infant; in 1950 he appeared THE COMPANY SHE KEEPS, when he was just a year old. Since then Bridges has appeared in 83 different projects, including THE FISHER KING, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, SEA BISCUIT and IRON MAN. Bridges will next be seen in R.I.P.D with Ryan Reynolds and Mary Louise Parker.
Beau Bridges, Jeff’s older brother, began his career in 1948 with an uncredited role in the iconic film FORCE OF EVIL. Since then he has appeared in movies such as THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE DESCENDANTS and HIT & RUN.
Bridges also played Major General Hank Landry, the new commander of Stargate Command in STARGATE SG-1. He also played the character in five episodes of the spin-off series STARGATE ATLANTIS. As well as this, Bridges appeared in MY NAME IS EARL as Earl’s father.
Honourable mentions to…
The Phoenixes – River, Joaquin and Summer
The Wilsons – Luke, Andrew and Owen
The Baldwins – Alec, Steven, Billy and Daniel
The Arquettes – David, Rosanna, Alexis, Richmond, and Patricia
Who are your favourite actor siblings? Let us know in the comments below.
AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS is in Irish cinemas from September 6th
Words: Brogen Hayes