Peter Sarsgaard On Marriage With Maggie Gyllenhaal: “I Can’t Work Constantly”

Marriage isn’t always easy, especially when both partners are in the spotlight. For actors Peter Sarsgaard and Maggie Gyllenhaal, balancing their professional and personal lives is a delicate dance — one they’ve been perfecting for over two decades.

In a recent chat with PEOPLE about his upcoming movie September 5, Peter, 53, opened up about how he and Maggie, 47, make it all work. Their secret? Taking turns in the spotlight.

According to Peter, he and Maggie “take turns in terms of our work.” Peter shared. 

“I think at one point I used to think that I would work more if I could. But I think that’s wrong. I think I would’ve done a lot more things that I was not proud of,” he added.

Peter explained that being selective with his roles isn’t just about quality control — it’s about prioritizing his loved ones. “So when I say yes to do something, it’s some type of sacrifice for me. Not a big one,” he said, “Everyone else has got bigger sacrifices in the world, but just talking artistically — I can’t work constantly. I have a whole other life. I have a family,

Peter and Maggie’s love story began in 2001 when they first met over dinner. By 2002, they were officially a couple, and by 2006, they were engaged and expecting their first child. The pair tied the knot in May 2009 and are now proud parents to two daughters, Ramona, 18, and Gloria Ray, 13.

While both actors have enjoyed successful careers, Maggie has also stepped into the director’s chair. Her 2021 directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, featured Peter in a key role and earned critical acclaim. Now, Maggie is working on her second film, The Bride, based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, and Maggie’s brother, Jake Gyllenhaal — with Peter also playing a role.

Peter couldn’t hide his excitement about Maggie’s latest project. “I’ve seen several cuts of it, and I just think it’s absolutely phenomenal. I can’t wait for people to see it,” he said.

But when asked for advice on marriage, Peter kept it humble. “But I don’t know if I have couple advice,” he admitted, adding, “I think every couple is as unique as every person. I think it would be a lot more difficult to be married to someone who had a more consistent type of employment in one place.”

When it comes to choosing roles, Peter takes a thoughtful approach. Reflecting on his role in September 5, where he portrays ABC executive Roone Arledge, Peter emphasized his commitment to quality storytelling. “I am not shy about kicking the tires and making sure [the director] is as serious as I am about making this the best thing it can be.”