Josh Gad reveals Jake Gyllenhaal’s reaction to pursuing role in ‘The Book of Mormon’
In a recent memoir titled “In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some,” actor Josh Gad shared an interesting anecdote about his Love & Other Drugs co-star Jake Gyllenhaal. According to Gad, Gyllenhaal was initially supportive but later had reservations about Gad pursuing a role in the musical-comedy production, The Book of Mormon.
During a car ride back from set in Pittsburgh, Gad played the opening number of the musical for Gyllenhaal. Initially, Gyllenhaal seemed enthusiastic and even laughed along with the music. However, as the tracks progressed, Gyllenhaal’s demeanor changed drastically. He expressed concerns about the controversial nature of the production and questioned the involvement of the South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Despite Gyllenhaal’s initial hesitations, Gad went on to spend 15 months portraying Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon on Broadway. His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical in 2011, proving Gyllenhaal’s doubts wrong.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Gad reflected on the theme of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of one’s dreams, a theme that is central to his memoir. He also delved into personal aspects of his life, including the impact of his absent father on his own fatherhood experience. Gad shares two daughters with his wife Ida Darvish.
Writing the memoir was a cathartic experience for Gad, who hopes that readers will find inspiration and humor in its pages. The book serves as a testament to Gad’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity, a message that resonates with readers looking to achieve their own aspirations.
Overall, the story of Gad and Gyllenhaal’s interaction serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest achievements come from pursuing the unexpected and embracing the challenges along the way.
