Jake Gyllenhaal and Boston bombing survivor will share Indy 500 role
For first time in race history, a duo will wave green flag
David Lindquist
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal and the man he portrays in an upcoming Boston Marathon bombing film will wave the green flag at this year's Indianapolis 500.
Jeff Bauman, a bombing survivor and author of best-selling book "Stronger," will share honorary starter duties with Gyllenhaal.
It's the first time two people have shared Indy 500 green-flag honors.
Gyllenhaal, known for his roles in "Nightcrawler," "Brokeback Mountain" and "Donnie Darko," will star in a film adaptation of Bauman's book that arrives in theaters on Sept. 22.
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After losing both of his legs in 2013's Boston Marathon bombing, Bauman helped law-enforcement officials identify Tamerlan Tsarnaev as one of the terrorists responsible for the attack.
From a hospital bed, Bauman wrote, "Saw the guy. Looked right at me."
Gyllenhaal will be the third consecutive actor to wave the Indy 500 green flag, following Chris Pine in 2016 and Patrick Dempsey in 2015.
The 101st running of the Indy 500 is scheduled for noon May 28.
Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.