Leonardo DiCaprio

Biography:

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio born November 11, 1974 is an American actor and film manufacturer. acknowledged for his work in biographical and period films, he’s the recipient of severa accolades, such as an Academy Award, a British Academy film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. As of 2019, his movies have grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide, and he has been located 8 times in annual rankings of the world’s highest-paid actors.

Born in la, DiCaprio began his profession in the overdue Nineteen Eighties by performing in television advertisements. within the early 1990s, he had habitual roles in diverse tv suggests, such as the sitcom Parenthood, and had his first main film component as author Tobias Wolff on this Boy’s existence (1993). He obtained critical acclaim and his first Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for his performance as a developmentally disabled boy in what’s eating Gilbert Grape (1993). DiCaprio performed worldwide stardom with the celebrity-crossed romances Romeo + Juliet (1996) and huge (1997). After the latter became the best-grossing movie within the world at the time, he decreased his workload for a few years. In an attempt to shed his photograph of a romantic hero, DiCaprio sought roles in other genres, along with the 2002 crime dramas trap Me If you can and Gangs of latest York; the latter marked the primary of his many successful collaborations with director Martin Scorsese.

DiCaprio endured to benefit acclaim for his performances inside the biopic The Aviator (2004), the political mystery Blood Diamond (2006), the crime drama The Departed (2006) and the romantic drama modern road (2008). He later made environmental documentaries and starred in numerous high-profile administrators’ successful tasks, including the motion mystery Inception (2010), the western Django Unchained (2012), the biopic The Wolf of Wall road (2013), the survival drama The Revenant (2015)—for which he gained the Academy Award for exceptional Actor— the comedy-dramas as soon as Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and don’t look Up (2021), and the crime drama Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).

DiCaprio is the founding father of Appian manner Productions—a production corporation that has made a number of his films and the documentary series Greensburg (2008–2010)—and the Leonardo DiCaprio basis, a nonprofit employer committed to promoting environmental recognition. A United international locations Messenger of Peace, he frequently supports charitable reasons. In 2005, he turned into named a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the arts, and in 2016, he seemed in Time magazine’s 100 maximum influential humans within the global. DiCaprio was voted one of the 50 finest actors of all time in a 2022 readers’ poll by using Empire.

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. He is the only child of Irmelin Indenbirken, a legal secretary, and George DiCaprio, an underground comix artist and distributor. They met while attending college and relocated to Los Angeles after graduating. His mother is of German descent, while his father has Italian and German ancestry. DiCaprio’s maternal grandfather, Wilhelm Indenbirken, was German, and his maternal grandmother, Helene Indenbirken, was a Russian immigrant residing in Germany. Raised in the Catholic faith, DiCaprio’s parents named him Leonardo because his pregnant mother felt him kick for the first time while admiring a Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Uffizi museum in Florence, Italy. When DiCaprio was one year old, his parents divorced due to his father’s infidelity, prompting them to move into adjacent cottages in Echo Park, Los Angeles, to co-parent him. DiCaprio’s father lived with his girlfriend and her son, Adam Farrar, with whom DiCaprio developed a close bond. Following their divorce, DiCaprio and his mother relocated to various neighborhoods in Los Angeles. DiCaprio has described his parents as bohemian and considers them the most trustworthy individuals in his life. He grew up in impoverished surroundings marked by crime, prostitution, and violence. Initially attending the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies and later Seeds Elementary School, he eventually enrolled at John Marshall High School. However, disliking public schooling, DiCaprio desired to pursue acting and dropped out of high school, later obtaining a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). As a child, DiCaprio aspired to become either a marine biologist or an actor but ultimately leaned toward acting due to his penchant for impersonations and captivating audiences with his performances. His interest in acting burgeoned at a young age when he spontaneously danced onstage during a performance festival and garnered a positive response from the audience. Inspired by his stepbrother Adam Farrar’s lucrative television commercial, DiCaprio pursued acting roles, beginning with appearances in commercials for brands like Matchbox cars, Kraft Singles, Bubble Yum, and Apple Jacks. He made his television debut in the children’s series Romper Room and later secured roles in series such as The New Lassie. Despite facing challenges in finding an agent and enduring numerous auditions, DiCaprio persevered, motivated by his father’s encouragement and the prospect of financial stability. Eventually, he landed roles in various commercials, gradually paving the way for his television career. DiCaprio’s television credits include appearances in series like The Outsiders, Santa Barbara, and Growing Pains, for which he earned nominations at the Young Artist Awards. He also competed on the children’s game show Fun House. DiCaprio made his film debut in Critters 3 (1991) and later joined the cast of Growing Pains as Luke Brower, a role intended to attract a younger female audience. However, he left the series before its conclusion. Throughout the early 1990s, DiCaprio continued to pursue acting opportunities on television and in film, gradually building his career and laying the groundwork for his future success.

Lasse Hallström, holding a microphone in his left hand and gazing away from the camera, directed DiCaprio in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993), a film that earned DiCaprio his first Academy Award nomination. In 1992, DiCaprio had a brief role in the initial installment of the Poison Ivy film series and was selected by Robert De Niro from a pool of 400 young actors to co-star with him in “This Boy’s Life,” based on Tobias Wolff’s memoir. The movie explores the dynamic between a rebellious teenager, Toby (DiCaprio), and his mother (Ellen Barkin) and abusive stepfather (De Niro). Director Michael Caton-Jones noted DiCaprio’s initial lack of familiarity with on-set protocols, prompting him to adopt a mentorship approach, which led to an improvement in DiCaprio’s behavior. Bilge Ebiri of Rolling Stone praised the compelling chemistry between Barkin and DiCaprio, highlighting DiCaprio’s portrayal of his character’s nuanced evolution from a rebellious youth to an independent young adult. “This Boy’s Life” marked DiCaprio’s breakthrough role.

In “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993), DiCaprio portrayed the developmentally disabled brother of Johnny Depp’s character in a comedy-drama centered on a dysfunctional Iowa family. Initially hesitant due to DiCaprio’s perceived attractiveness, Hallström cast him after being impressed by his keen observation skills during auditions. To authenticate his portrayal, DiCaprio studied individuals with similar disabilities, and Hallström allowed him to infuse the character with his own researched traits. The film garnered critical acclaim, earning DiCaprio a National Board of Review Award and nominations for a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the seventh-youngest nominee in the category. Critics lauded DiCaprio’s performance, with Janet Maslin of The New York Times praising his portrayal of Arnie’s mannerisms as sharp and deeply intense, while Caryn James noted the authenticity and emotional depth he brought to his roles in both “This Boy’s Life” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” In 1995, DiCaprio starred in Sam Raimi’s Western “The Quick and the Dead” and portrayed teenage Jim Carroll in the biopic “The Basketball Diaries,” showcasing his versatility as an actor. He also appeared in the erotic drama “Total Eclipse” (1995), where he aimed to showcase his acting prowess over physical appeal. Despite mixed commercial success, his performances continued to earn critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a promising talent in the industry.

DiCaprio’s next role paired him with Claire Danes in Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” (1996), a contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy featuring authentic Shakespearean dialogue. Initially hesitant about another adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” DiCaprio reconsidered at his father’s suggestion and engaged in a two-week workshop with Luhrmann to exchange ideas, ultimately leading to their collaboration. “Romeo + Juliet” elevated DiCaprio to the status of a leading Hollywood actor, with film scholar Murray Pomerance noting that DiCaprio’s growing popularity contributed to the film’s rapid profitability soon after its release. David Thomson of The Guardian praised DiCaprio’s versatility and performance in various early roles, highlighting his critical acclaim in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “This Boy’s Life,” “The Basketball Diaries,” and his compelling portrayal in “Romeo + Juliet,” which earned him a Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 1997 Berlin International Film Festival.

Following this success, DiCaprio portrayed a troubled young man in “Marvin’s Room” (1996), a family drama featuring Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton. DiCaprio declined a role in “Boogie Nights” (1997) to star alongside Kate Winslet in James Cameron’s “Titanic” (1997), where they portrayed individuals from different social classes who find love aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Despite initial doubts, DiCaprio was persuaded by Cameron to take on the role. “Titanic” became the highest-grossing film of its time, earning over $2.1 billion worldwide and garnering 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jack Dawson catapulted him to superstardom, sparking a phenomenon known as “Leo-mania” and solidifying his status as a heartthrob. However, DiCaprio sought to distance himself from his teen idol image and carefully selected his subsequent roles to align with his artistic aspirations.

In Woody Allen’s 1998 satire “Celebrity,” DiCaprio had a brief but notable role, earning acclaim as “the best thing in the film.” That same year, he tackled the dual roles of King Louis XIV and his sympathetic twin brother Philippe in Randall Wallace’s “The Man in the Iron Mask,” a reimagining of the 1939 film and a 1929 adaptation featuring Douglas Fairbanks. Despite mixed to negative reviews, the film grossed $180 million against a $35 million budget. While some critics questioned DiCaprio’s suitability for the part due to his youthful appearance, others praised his natural talent, describing him as “a fluid and instinctive actor, with the face of a mischievous angel.” However, DiCaprio received a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple for his portrayal of the dual roles in 1999.

Also in 1998, DiCaprio was set to star in “American Psycho” (2000) for a reported $20 million salary. However, disagreements with director Oliver Stone led to his departure from the project, and he opted to lead in “The Beach” instead. Based on Alex Garland’s novel, the film follows an American traveler who discovers a secret island commune in the Gulf of Thailand. Despite earning nearly three times its budget at the box office, the film received negative reviews, leading to a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actor for DiCaprio. While critics acknowledged his compelling performance, some felt his character lacked defining traits. The film also faced criticism for its depiction of Thailand, prompting DiCaprio to work towards restoring the filming location.

During the mid-1990s, DiCaprio agreed to appear in the black-and-white short film “Don’s Plum” as a favor to director R.D. Robb. However, when Robb expanded it into a feature film, DiCaprio and co-star Tobey Maguire prevented its release in the US and Canada through legal action, arguing that they never intended to make a full-length movie. Although the film premiered at the 2001 Berlin International Film Festival, it remains relatively unknown.

In 2002, DiCaprio turned down the role of Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” feeling unprepared for such a commitment at the time. Instead, he starred in “Catch Me If You Can,” a biopic based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a check fraudster who amassed millions before his 19th birthday. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film garnered critical acclaim and grossed $355 million worldwide, becoming DiCaprio’s second highest-grossing film after “Titanic.” Critics praised his departure from darker roles, with some considering it his best performance yet. DiCaprio earned his third Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Abagnale.

Additionally, in 2002, DiCaprio headlined Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York,” a historical drama set in mid-19th century New York City. Initially struggling to secure funding for the ambitious project, Scorsese’s vision gained momentum after DiCaprio expressed interest in the lead role. Despite production challenges and budgetary issues, the film received positive reviews and grossed $193 million worldwide. While DiCaprio’s performance as Amsterdam Vallon was praised, some critics felt he was overshadowed by co-star Daniel Day-Lewis.

In “Blood Diamond,” DiCaprio portrayed a diamond smuggler from Rhodesia embroiled in the Sierra Leone Civil War. During filming, he collaborated with 24 orphaned children from the SOS Children’s Village in Maputo, Mozambique, an experience that deeply touched him. To prepare for the role, he spent six months in Africa, learning camouflage techniques from South African military personnel and extensively researching the accent by interviewing and recording locals. The film received generally positive reviews, with DiCaprio praised for his authentic South African accent, a feat often considered challenging to replicate. Claudia Puig of USA Today commended DiCaprio’s on-screen transformation from a boy to a man, while Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post noted his continued growth as an actor since “The Departed.” DiCaprio earned nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance in “Blood Diamond.”

In 2007, DiCaprio ventured into production with the comedy-drama “Gardener of Eden,” which failed to connect with audiences according to Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter. Later that year, he produced, co-wrote, and narrated “The 11th Hour,” a documentary focusing on environmental issues, which won the Earthwatch Environmental Film Award in 2008. Additionally, DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, produced the series “Greensburg” (2008–2010) for Planet Green, documenting the sustainable rebuilding of a tornado-ravaged town in Kansas. Also in 2008, DiCaprio starred in the spy film “Body of Lies,” undergoing a physical transformation and receiving mixed reviews from critics. He then reunited with Kate Winslet for the drama “Revolutionary Road,” which garnered critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayal of a disillusioned husband. The film grossed $75.9 million against a $35 million budget. DiCaprio rounded off the decade by producing the horror thriller “Orphan” (2009), which despite mixed reviews, achieved commercial success.

In Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar” (2011), DiCaprio portrayed the controversial FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, earning praise for his layered performance despite criticism of the film’s overall coherence. DiCaprio’s production company also backed projects like “Red Riding Hood” and “The Ides of March” (both 2011), with varying degrees of critical and commercial success. In 2012, he starred as the menacing plantation owner Calvin Candie in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Despite initial discomfort with the film’s portrayal of racism, DiCaprio’s chilling performance was widely acclaimed, contributing to the film’s global box office success.

In January 2013, DiCaprio announced his intention to take an extended hiatus from acting to focus on environmental activism, stating his plans to travel the world and contribute positively to environmental causes. Despite this, he remained involved in four film releases that year, both as an actor and a producer. His first role was as the millionaire Jay Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” a performance that garnered praise and earned him the AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Critics lauded DiCaprio’s portrayal as multi-dimensional and captivating, contributing significantly to the film’s success at the box office, grossing over three times its budget. Additionally, DiCaprio produced three films under his production company, Appian Way, in 2013, including “Runner Runner,” “Out of the Furnace,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

In “The Wolf of Wall Street,” DiCaprio collaborated with Martin Scorsese for the fifth time, portraying the real-life stockbroker Jordan Belfort. DiCaprio had long desired to play Belfort, inspired by his candid autobiography and the financial crisis of 2007–2008. The film received critical acclaim for Scorsese’s and DiCaprio’s collaboration, with particular praise for DiCaprio’s dynamic and free-spirited portrayal of Belfort. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and nominations for BAFTA and Academy Awards.

After a four-year hiatus from acting, DiCaprio returned in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019), where he played the aging television actor Rick Dalton. DiCaprio and co-star Brad Pitt agreed to take pay cuts to support the film’s financing, reflecting their enthusiasm for the project. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim, with DiCaprio’s performance widely praised for its authenticity and chemistry with Pitt. He received nominations for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in the film, which grossed $374 million worldwide.

In 2020, DiCaprio served as an executive producer for the television series adaptation of “The Right Stuff” and made a brief appearance in the finale of the miniseries “The Last Dance.” The following year, he starred in Adam McKay’s satirical comedy “Don’t Look Up,” alongside Jennifer Lawrence, playing an astronomer trying to warn humanity about an impending comet strike. DiCaprio saw the film as a metaphor for society’s indifference to climate change and praised McKay for addressing critical issues from various perspectives. Despite mixed reviews, critics commended DiCaprio’s and Lawrence’s performances, and the film set a Netflix viewing record.

DiCaprio’s next venture was in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023), adapted from David Grann’s book of the same name, for which he received a hefty paycheck of $30 million. Initially cast in the heroic role of FBI agent Thomas Bruce White Sr., DiCaprio insisted on portraying the morally complex character of Ernest Burkhart, leading to significant script revisions. David Ehrlich of IndieWire hailed this performance as the pinnacle of DiCaprio’s career, praising his nuanced portrayal of the morally conflicted Burkhart. He earned another Golden Globe nomination for this role.

Following this, DiCaprio is set to star in Paul Thomas Anderson’s yet-to-be-titled film, alongside Sean Penn and Regina Hall.

An active figure in the climate change movement, DiCaprio has long championed environmental causes, considering global warming as the paramount environmental challenge. He founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and supporting initiatives for a sustainable future. The foundation has funded over 200 projects, providing substantial financial support. DiCaprio has also been involved with various environmental organizations and initiatives, serving on the boards of the World Wildlife Fund and the Global Fund for Animal Welfare.

While DiCaprio has promoted environmental causes, his use of private jets and yachts has drawn criticism for their environmental impact. Nevertheless, he has actively participated in environmental events and fundraisers, including chairing the national Earth Day celebration in 2000 and organizing benefit auctions. In recognition of his advocacy, he was designated as a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a focus on climate change in 2014.

In his personal life, DiCaprio’s relationships have often been scrutinized by the media. He has been linked to several women, including Gisele Bündchen, Bar Refaeli, Toni Garrn, and Camila Morrone, prompting both interest and criticism.

DiCaprio possesses residences in Los Angeles and apartments in New York City. In 2009, he acquired an island called Blackadore Caye near mainland Belize, with plans to develop an eco-friendly resort. Additionally, in 2014, he purchased the original Dinah Shore house, designed by architect Donald Wexler, located in Palm Springs, California.

In 2005, DiCaprio suffered facial injuries when model Aretha Wilson struck him with a broken bottle at a Hollywood party, resulting in seventeen stitches to his face and neck. Wilson later pleaded guilty to the assault and was sentenced to two years in prison in 2010.

Amid the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal involving The Wolf of Wall Street producer Red Granite Pictures in 2017, DiCaprio surrendered gifts he had received from business associates at the production company, including items from fugitive businessman Jho Low, to the US government. These items included an Oscar trophy awarded to Marlon Brando, a Pablo Picasso painting valued at $3.2 million, and a Jean-Michel Basquiat collage valued at $9 million.