Back when Brokeback Mountain was released in 2005, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger were both Hollywood heartthrobs taking on a daring new role — portraying lovers in this groundbreaking film. And it certainly solidified both actors as bona fide stars. But with all that star power, there were other actors in the movie who you may have forgot were in Brokeback Mountain . In honor of the Ang Lee-helmed film's 10th anniversary, I think it's about time we salute those who were a little bit lower on the cast list.
Brokeback Mountain, based on the short story by Annie Proulx, tells the story of Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenaal) who work together in 1960s Wyoming and end up pursuing a forbidden love affair with each other. The film was an Oscar darling that year, earning eight nominations — the most of any movie that year — including Best Picture. On the night of the ceremony, the Academy bestowed three Oscars on Brokeback Mountain: Best Director for Ang Lee, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. At the box office, the film grossed more than $178 million worldwide.
Check out who you may have forgotten was in Brokeback Mountain.
1. Linda Cardellini
The Freaks and Greeks actress played Cassie Cartwright, a waitress who dates Ennis after his divorce from wife Alma (Michelle Williams).
2. Anna Faris
This funny lady appeared in this dramatic film as Lashawn Malone, the wife of a man named Randall (David Harbour, more on him below) who starts a clandestine affair with Jack Twist. At this time, Jack is also married to a woman named Lureen (Anne Hathaway).
3. Randy Quaid
I used to have a theory that Quaid has had roles in 85 percent of the movies released in modern times and he's in this movie, too. Quaid plays Joe Aguirre, the man who hired Ennis and Jack to herd sheep. In a way, we have Quaid's character to thank for introducing these two soon-to-be lovers to one another.
4. Kate Mara
Before she was on House of Cards, Mara appeared at the end of Brokeback Mountain as Alma Del Mar Jr, the daughter of Ennis and Alma (Sr). And yes, Alma Jr. is her real name — it's even in the script. (Side note: Alma named her daughter after her and called her junior? How awesomely feminist).
5. David Harbour
This stage and screen actor played Randall Malone, one of Jack's clandestine lovers. You also know Harbour from Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Revolutionary Road, State of Play, The Newsroom, and Elementary.
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