You know her from several movies such as that BDSM movie titled "Secretary." Or you may even know her as Jake Gyllenhaal's sister. But what you don't know is that she is actually a Columbia degree holder.

Like her brother Jake, she grew up with family that is close to the film-making industry. She started her acting career when she was in her teens. She even appeared in one movie with Jake, "Donnie Darko." Like her brother, she only appeared in movies her father directed. She was not allowed to act in other films as that meant she will be away from home. But she was not prohibited from auditioning for roles. However, she was given critically acclaimed praise for her work in Lee Holloway's "Secretary." From that film, she received a Golden Globe.

Maggie Gyllenhaal grew up in Los Angeles. And at a young age, she attended the Harvard-Westlake prep school. She graduated in 1995 and transferred to New York. From there she attended Columbia University. She completed her four year course in literature and Eastern religions, quotes KR CR Tv.

But even through her education, she already acted and performed in films. When she was 15, she made her film debut with "Waterland." The movie was directed by her father. She didn't restrict her craft to movies and film alone. She ventured in theater by joining the Berkeley Repertory Theatre production of Patrick Marber's "Closer."

But it was her portrayal of a secretary that is into BDSM that earned her the recognition in the industry. "Secretary" is a black comedy movie about two people fulfilling a BDSM lifestyle.Gyllenhaal's performance earned her the Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actress award from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.

Now you know, Maggie Gyllenhaal is not only known as the "Dark Knights'" leading lady but as an actress with a Columbia University degree.

Check out Maggie's opinion about the American School System: