October Sky tells the true story of a young man pursuing rocket science, despite his father’s wishes.
Catch up with the stars of the celebrated 1999 film.
Jake Gyllenhaal (Homer Hickam)
Early in his career,Jake GyllenhaalledOctober Skyas Homer Hickam.
MCA/Courtesy Everett Collection; Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
(1993), andHomegrown(1998).
October Skywas just the beginning for Gyllenhaal.
In 2005, he starred withHeath LedgerinBrokeback Mountain, earning his firstOscarnomination.
MCA/Courtesy Everett Collection; Todd Williamson/Getty Images
He followed with roles inJarhead(2005),Rendition(2007), andBrothers(2009).
His TV roles include playing Al Templeton inHulu’s miniseries11.22.63and Leonard Geist onAmazon’sHomecoming.
Laura Dern (Miss Riley)
Laura Dernhad an emotional turn inOctober Skyas Miss Riley.
MCA/Courtesy Everett Collection; Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images
Dern notably reprised her role as Dr. Ellie Sattler in 2022’sJurassic World Dominion.
He played the nerdy Quentin, a surprising addition to the Rocket Boys' friend group.
The same year thatSkyarrived in theaters, Owen also starred inShe’s All ThatandAmerican Pie.
Jonathan Leibson/WireImage
She’s also appeared in episodes ofQuarry,Still the King, andTrue Detective.
(1996), andArmageddon(1998) and onMelrose Place,NYPD Blue, andThe X-Files.
Elya Baskin (Ike Bykovsky)
Elya Baskin joinedOctober Skyas Ike Bykovsky.
Michael Bezjian/WireImage
Elsewhere,MacGyver,Northern Exposure,Mad About You, andFelicity.
Lilly Lawrence/WireImage
MCA/Courtesy Everett Collection; Youtube.com/createlittlerock
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
Vincent Sandoval/WireImage
