Career Timeline of Jared Leto: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Jared Leto, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Jared Leto is a multifaceted American artist, excelling as both an actor and a musician. His dedication to method acting has garnered him critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Beyond acting, Leto is the frontman of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, recognized for their music and his distinctive stage presence. His career, spanning three decades, reflects his versatility and commitment to both film and music.
1980: Inspiration from The Shining
In 1980, Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror film The Shining was released and later inspired Thirty Seconds to Mars' music video for "The Kill", directed by Jared Leto.
1987: Inspiration from The Last Emperor
In 1987, Bernardo Bertolucci's historical drama The Last Emperor was released and served as inspiration for Leto when he directed a short film for "From Yesterday".
1992: Move to Los Angeles
In 1992, Leto moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in directing, initially intending to act on the side.
1994: My So-Called Life
In 1994, Jared Leto started his career on the television series My So-Called Life.
1994: Breakthrough Role in My So-Called Life
In 1994, Leto got his first big break when he was cast in My So-Called Life opposite Claire Danes.
1995: Film Role in How to Make an American Quilt
In 1995, Leto landed his first film role in the drama How to Make an American Quilt.
1996: Co-starring in The Last of the High Kings
In 1996, Leto co-starred with Christina Ricci in The Last of the High Kings.
1997: Critical Attention for Prefontaine
In 1997, Leto gained critical attention for his performance in Prefontaine.
1997: Supporting Role in Switchback
In 1997, Leto got a supporting role in Switchback.
1997: Starring in Prefontaine
In 1997, Leto starred in the biopic Prefontaine as Olympic hopeful Steve Prefontaine, immersing himself in the runner's life to prepare for the role. His portrayal received positive reviews and is often considered his breakthrough.
1998: Formation of Thirty Seconds to Mars
In 1998, Jared Leto formed the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars in Los Angeles, California, with his brother Shannon.
1998: Starring in Basil and Urban Legend
In 1998, Leto landed the lead role in the drama Basil, and also starred in the horror Urban Legend. He also had a supporting role in the war film The Thin Red Line.
1998: Supporting Role in The Thin Red Line
In 1998, Leto played supporting roles in The Thin Red Line.
1999: Roles in Fight Club and Girl, Interrupted
In 1999, Leto acted in Fight Club and Girl, Interrupted.
1999: Roles in Black and White, Girl, Interrupted, and Fight Club
In 1999, Leto played in Black and White, had a supporting role in Girl, Interrupted, and portrayed Angel Face in Fight Club.
2000: Roles in American Psycho and Requiem for a Dream
In 2000, Leto played Paul Allen in American Psycho and starred as Harry Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream. He prepared for the latter role by living on the streets and losing 28 pounds.
2000: Filming of Highway
In early 2000, filming finished for the independent film Highway, in which Leto played Jack Hayes.
March 2002: Home Video Release of Highway
In March 2002, Highway, starring Jared Leto, was released on home video formats after filming finished in early 2000.
August 27, 2002: Release of 30 Seconds to Mars Debut Album
On August 27, 2002, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars, in the United States through Immortal and Virgin Records.
2002: Return to Acting with Panic Room
In 2002, Leto returned to acting in the thriller Panic Room, playing Junior.
2002: Release of Debut Album
In 2002, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars, to positive reviews but limited commercial success.
August 30, 2005: Release of A Beautiful Lie Album
On August 30, 2005, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their second studio album, A Beautiful Lie, in the United States.
2005: Release of A Beautiful Lie
In 2005, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their second album, A Beautiful Lie, which propelled the band into the public eye.
2006: Created cover art for the album 97X Green Room: Volume 2
In 2006, Jared Leto created the cover art for the album 97X Green Room: Volume 2, which proceeds from the sales benefited The Nature Conservancy.
2006: Role in Lonely Hearts
In 2006, Leto appeared in the neo-noir crime drama Lonely Hearts, playing Raymond Fernandez.
June 2008: Joined Habitat for Humanity
In June 2008, Jared Leto joined Habitat for Humanity to work with Thirty Seconds to Mars on a home being repaired and renovated through the Greater Los Angeles Area's "A Brush With Kindness" programme.
2008: Support for California Proposition 2 and Barack Obama
In 2008, Jared Leto supported the California Proposition 2 regarding the treatment of farm animals, and he also supported Senator Barack Obama of Illinois in the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Release of A Beautiful Lie Music Video
In 2008, Leto released the music video for "A Beautiful Lie", directed under the pseudonym Angakok Panipaq, which was filmed in Greenland and benefited the Natural Resources Defense Council.
April 28, 2009: Settlement of EMI Lawsuit
On April 28, 2009, Thirty Seconds to Mars announced the settlement of a $30 million breach of contract lawsuit filed by EMI, the parent label of Virgin. The defense was based on the De Havilland Law.
October 2009: Raises money against California Proposition 8
In October 2009, Jared Leto raised money for the campaign against California Proposition 8, which was created by opponents of same-sex marriage.
2009: Mr. Nobody Premieres
In 2009, Jared Leto starred in the science fiction drama Mr. Nobody, portraying Nemo Nobody, the last mortal on Earth. Mr. Nobody premiered at the 2009 Venice Film Festival where Leto's performance was praised by critics.
2010: Response to Haiti Earthquake
Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Jared Leto released a book of photographs taken during his trip to the Caribbean country in 2011, in a bid to raise funds for the earthquake-ravaged country.
2010: Launch of The One and Only Golden Tickets
In 2010, Jared Leto launched The One and Only Golden Tickets, a full service company which operates worldwide and manages exclusive services for concerts, festivals, and events.
January 2011: Returned to Haiti
In January 2011, Jared Leto returned to Haiti to reconnect with his former home following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
2011: Launch of VyRT
In 2011, Jared Leto launched the online platform VyRT, a live video streaming service featuring social networking and official merchandise.
May 2012: Expresses support after Obama endorsed same-sex marriage.
In May 2012, Jared Leto expressed support after hearing that Barack Obama had endorsed same-sex marriage.
2012: Chairs Gen44 Event
In 2012, Jared Leto chaired a Gen44 event, a campaign set up by Barack Obama to energize voters under 40.
2012: Directorial Debut with Artifact
In 2012, Jared Leto made his directorial debut with the documentary film Artifact. The documentary chronicles the legal dispute between Thirty Seconds to Mars and EMI.
May 2013: Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams Album Release
In May 2013, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fourth album, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams. The album received generally positive reviews and reached the top ten in more than fifteen countries.
2013: Dallas Buyers Club Release
In 2013, Jared Leto starred in the drama Dallas Buyers Club, portraying Rayon, a transgender woman with AIDS. Dallas Buyers Club received widespread critical acclaim and resulted in various accolades for Leto.
2013: Renaming of The One and Only Golden Tickets to Adventures In Wonderland
In 2013, Jared Leto's company, The One and Only Golden Tickets, was renamed Adventures In Wonderland.
2013: Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club
In 2013, Leto earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club.
2013: Release of Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams
In 2013, Thirty Seconds to Mars released Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, which received further critical and commercial success.
September 30, 2014: Hosted Haiti: The Journey Is the Destination event
On September 30, 2014, Jared Leto hosted the event Haiti: The Journey Is the Destination in New York City, benefitting those affected by the 2010 earthquake in the Caribbean country.
2014: Premiere of Into the Wild Documentary Series
In 2014, Jared Leto premiered the documentary series Into the Wild, which tells the story behind the concert tour of the same name by Thirty Seconds to Mars.
February 2015: Named global ambassador for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
In February 2015, Jared Leto was named a global ambassador for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), supporting online fundraisers.
April 2016: Leto to appear in The Outsider
In April 2016, it was announced that Jared Leto would appear in the film The Outsider (2018), directed by Martin Zandvliet.
August 2016: Signing to Interscope Records and Casting in Blade Runner 2049
In August 2016, Thirty Seconds to Mars revealed they had signed to Interscope Records and Jared Leto was cast as Niander Wallace in the 2017 film Blade Runner 2049.
2016: Jared Leto plays the Joker in Suicide Squad
In 2016, Jared Leto played the role of the Joker in Suicide Squad, based on the comic book series.
2016: Method Acting on Suicide Squad
In 2016, Jared Leto's method acting on Suicide Squad involved sending unorthodox gifts to his fellow cast members. Gifts reportedly included live rats, bullets, anal beads and used condoms.
November 2017: Sony Pictures Announces Morbius Film
In November 2017, Sony Pictures announced plans for a film adaptation of Morbius, the Living Vampire, which is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe.
2017: Role in Blade Runner 2049
In 2017, Leto starred in Blade Runner 2049.
April 6, 2018: Release of America album
On April 6, 2018, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fifth album titled America. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, becoming the band's highest entry on the chart.
June 27, 2018: Leto to Star in Morbius
On June 27, 2018, it was announced that Jared Leto would star in the film adaptation of Morbius, the Living Vampire, directed by Daniel Espinosa, as part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe.
2018: Led a fundraiser for his 47th birthday
In 2018, Jared Leto, as a global ambassador for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), led an online fundraiser for his 47th birthday.
2018: Release of America
In 2018, Thirty Seconds to Mars released America, which polarized critics upon release.
October 2020: Leto to Reprise Role as Joker in Zack Snyder's Justice League
In October 2020, it was reported that Jared Leto would reprise his role as the Joker in Zack Snyder's Justice League.
January 2021: Release of "A Day in the Life of America" documentary
In January 2021, Thirty Seconds To Mars released the documentary film, "A Day in the Life of America," directed by Jared Leto. The film received general praise.
2021: Roles in The Little Things and House of Gucci
In 2021, Jared Leto played Albert Sparma in The Little Things and Paolo Gucci in House of Gucci, receiving award nominations for both roles.
April 2022: Release of Morbius
On April 1, 2022, the film Morbius starring Jared Leto was released.
July 30, 2022: Leto to star in Haunted Mansion
On July 30, 2022, it was announced that Jared Leto would star in Haunted Mansion, a film directed by Justin Simien for Disney.
July 28, 2023: Release of Haunted Mansion
On July 28, 2023, the film Haunted Mansion, starring Jared Leto, was released.
November 9, 2023: Scaling the Empire State Building
On November 9, 2023, Jared Leto became the first person to legally scale the Empire State Building to promote his upcoming worldwide tour Seasons Tour.
2023: Release of It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day
In 2023, Thirty Seconds to Mars released It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day, which polarized critics upon release.
November 2024: Leto Cast in Lunik Heist
In November 2024, it was announced that Jared Leto was cast in the crime film Lunik Heist for Searchlight Pictures.
December 20, 2024: Leto Cast as Skeletor
On December 20, 2024, it was announced that Jared Leto was cast as Skeletor in the Masters of the Universe reboot.
June 5, 2026: Masters of the Universe Film Release
The Masters of the Universe reboot, starring Jared Leto as Skeletor, is scheduled to be released in the United States on June 5, 2026, by Amazon MGM Studios.
2049: Role in Blade Runner 2049
In 2049, Leto starred in Blade Runner 2049.
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