Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a highly acclaimed actor, director, and producer, known for his roles in blockbuster movies and his versatile work behind the camera. At 43, he’s built an impressive career spanning both TV and film, with notable credits in Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and 500 Days of Summer.
His journey in showbiz began early, starting in musical theater, where he played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. From there, he moved on to commercials, promoting products like Sunny Jim peanut butter and Cocoa Puffs cereal. His acting career really took off with his role in the 1988 TV movie Stranger on My Land, followed by his first film role in 1992’s Beethoven.
Over the years, Gordon-Levitt has continued to gain recognition for his diverse roles. He starred in TV shows like 3rd Rock from the Sun, which brought him widespread fame, as well as The Mindy Project and Star Wars: Visions. He also hosted Saturday Night Live twice, further cementing his place in the entertainment world.
However, it’s in cinema where Joseph is perhaps most famous, with an impressive filmography. Some of his major films include Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), 500 Days of Summer (2009), Inception (2010), Looper (2012), and The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). Not only has he acted in these films, but he’s also directed, written, and produced, showing off his talents behind the scenes as well.
In his personal life, Joseph married Tasha McCauley, the CEO of the tech company Fellow Robots, in 2014. The couple has three children. Despite his success, he’s faced personal hardships, including the tragic loss of his older brother Daniel in 2010. Gordon-Levitt has also been vocal about his political views, particularly in opposition to former President Donald Trump.
When it comes to his heritage, Joseph Gordon-Levitt identifies as “100% Ashkenazi Jewish.” His parents, Dennis Levitt, a news director, and Jane Gordon, a politician, are both Jewish and were involved in the Progressive Jewish Alliance (now known as Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice), a political organization advocating for social justice and equality. Joseph has embraced his Jewish roots, and his background continues to be a source of pride for him.
Overall, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is not just a talented actor but a well-rounded creative force in Hollywood, using his platform for both artistic expression and social advocacy.