History of Jared Leto in Timeline

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Jared Leto

Jared Leto is an American actor and musician prominent for his dedication to method acting and fronting the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. His acting career, spanning three decades, has garnered him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. He is also recognized for his eccentric stage persona in his musical endeavors.

December 26, 1971: Jared Leto's Birth

On December 26, 1971, Jared Joseph Leto was born. He would later become an American actor and musician known for his method acting and as the frontman for the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars.

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1980: Inspiration from The Shining

In 2006, Jared Leto directed the music video for "The Kill" by Thirty Seconds to Mars, drawing inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror film The Shining released in 1980.

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1987: Inspiration from The Last Emperor

Jared Leto's short film for "From Yesterday" in 2006 drew inspiration from Bernardo Bertolucci's historical drama The Last Emperor, released in 1987.

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1992: Move to Los Angeles

In 1992, Jared Leto moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in directing and acting.

1994: Early Career in Television

In 1994, Jared Leto started his acting career on the television series My So-Called Life.

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1994: Breakthrough Role in My So-Called Life

In 1994, Jared Leto's breakthrough role came when he was cast in My So-Called Life.

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1994: Setting of Highway Plot

The plot of Highway, filmed in 2000 and released in 2002, is set in 1994.

1995: First Film Role

In 1995, Jared Leto landed his first film role in How to Make an American Quilt.

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1996: Co-starring in The Last of the High Kings

In 1996, Jared Leto co-starred with Christina Ricci in The Last of the High Kings.

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1997: Critical Attention for Prefontaine

In 1997, Jared Leto gained critical attention for his performance in Prefontaine.

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1997: Supporting Role in Switchback

In 1997, Jared Leto got a supporting role in Switchback.

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1997: Starring in Prefontaine

In 1997, Jared Leto starred as Steve Prefontaine in the biopic Prefontaine, immersing himself in the runner's life to prepare for the role.

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1998: Formation of Thirty Seconds to Mars

In 1998, Jared Leto formed Thirty Seconds to Mars with his brother Shannon Leto.

1998: Roles in Basil and Urban Legend

In 1998, Jared Leto landed the lead role in Basil and starred in the horror film Urban Legend, while also securing a supporting role in The Thin Red Line.

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1998: Supporting Roles in Film

In 1998, Jared Leto played supporting roles in The Thin Red Line.

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1999: Roles in Black and White, Girl, Interrupted, and Fight Club

In 1999, Jared Leto appeared in Black and White, Girl, Interrupted, and Fight Club.

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1999: Roles in Fight Club and Girl, Interrupted

In 1999, Jared Leto had supporting roles in Fight Club and Girl, Interrupted.

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1999: Leto began dating Cameron Diaz

Jared Leto began dating actress Cameron Diaz in 1999.

2000: Leto and Diaz get engaged

In 2000, Jared Leto and Cameron Diaz became engaged.

2000: Roles in American Psycho and Requiem for a Dream

In 2000, Jared Leto played Paul Allen in American Psycho and starred as Harry Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream, going to extreme lengths to prepare for the latter role.

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2000: Lead Role in Requiem for a Dream

In 2000, Jared Leto received praise for his lead role as a drug addict in Requiem for a Dream, and also appeared in American Psycho.

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2000: Filming of Highway

In early 2000, filming was completed for the independent film Highway, starring Jared Leto. However, the film's release was delayed.

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March 2002: Release of Highway on Home Video

In March 2002, Highway, starring Jared Leto, was released on home video formats after delays and cancellation of its theatrical release.

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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.

2002: Return to Acting with Panic Room

In 2002, Jared Leto returned to acting with Panic Room.

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2002: Release of Debut Album

In 2002, Thirty Seconds to Mars released its debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars.

2003: Leto and Diaz split up

In 2003, Jared Leto and Cameron Diaz split up.

2004: Role in Alexander

In 2004, Jared Leto acted in Alexander.

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August 30, 2005: Release of A Beautiful Lie

On August 30, 2005, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their second studio album A Beautiful Lie in the United States.

2005: Role in Lord of War

In 2005, Jared Leto acted in Lord of War.

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2005: Release of A Beautiful Lie

In 2005, Thirty Seconds to Mars released its second album, A Beautiful Lie.

2006: Role in Lonely Hearts

In 2006, Jared Leto appeared in the neo-noir crime drama Lonely Hearts, playing Raymond Fernandez.

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2006: Leto creates cover art for charity album

In 2006, Jared Leto created the cover art for the album 97X Green Room: Volume 2, with proceeds from the sales benefiting The Nature Conservancy.

2006: Allegation of sexual misconduct against Leto

In June 2025, a report mentioned that one allegation of sexual misconduct against Jared Leto dates back to 2006.

2007: Role in Chapter 27

In 2007, Jared Leto acted in Chapter 27.

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2007: Leto became a teetotaler

In 2007, Jared Leto became a teetotaler.

June 2008: Leto joins 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.

August 2008: EMI Lawsuit

In August 2008, while recording their third album, Thirty Seconds to Mars attempted to sign with a new label, leading EMI to file a $30 million breach of contract lawsuit against them.

2008: Directing "A Beautiful Lie" Music Video

In 2008, Jared Leto directed the music video "A Beautiful Lie" by Thirty Seconds to Mars under the pseudonym Angakok Panipaq, filming it in Greenland and working to minimize environmental impact.

2008: Leto supports California Proposition 2 and Barack Obama

In 2008, Leto supported the California Proposition 2 regarding the treatment of farm animals. In the 2008 presidential election, Leto supported Senator Barack Obama of Illinois.

April 28, 2009: Lawsuit Settlement

On April 28, 2009, Thirty Seconds to Mars announced the settlement of a $30 million breach of contract lawsuit with EMI, following a defense based on the De Havilland Law. The band then signed a new contract with EMI.

October 2009: Leto raises money against California Proposition 8

In October 2009, Jared Leto raised money for the campaign against California Proposition 8, created by opponents of same-sex marriage to overturn the California Supreme Court decision that had legalized same-sex marriage.

November 9, 2009: "Kings and Queens" Short Film Premiere

On November 9, 2009, the short film for "Kings and Queens" by Thirty Seconds to Mars premiered at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles and was positively received. The film features a critical mass movement through Los Angeles at night and garnered nominations at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

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December 2009: This Is War Album Release

In December 2009, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their third album, This Is War, to critical acclaim. The album reached the top ten of several national album charts and won multiple music awards.

2009: Role in Mr. Nobody

In 2009, Jared Leto acted in Mr. Nobody.

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2009: Mr. Nobody Film Release

In 2009, Jared Leto starred in the science fiction drama Mr. Nobody, portraying Nemo Nobody, the last mortal on Earth. His role required extensive makeup to depict various ages. Mr. Nobody premiered at the 2009 Venice Film Festival and garnered praise for both the film's artistry and Leto's performance.

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2009: Release of This Is War

In 2009, Thirty Seconds to Mars released This Is War.

January 2010: Haiti earthquake

After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, he 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.

February 2010: Into the Wild Tour Begins

In February 2010, Thirty Seconds to Mars began their Into the Wild Tour, which became one of the hardest-working tours of the year.

2010: "Closer to the Edge" Described as Companion Piece

In 2010 Leto described the concept of his next short film, "Do or Die" (2013), as a companion piece to "Closer to the Edge".

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2010: "Closer to the Edge" Short Film Filmed

In 2010, Leto filmed "Closer to the Edge," a short film featuring tour footage, fan commentary, and photos from Thirty Seconds to Mars' youth, during the band's Into the Wild Tour.

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2010: Leto launched The One and Only Golden Tickets

In 2010, Leto launched The One and Only Golden Tickets, a full service company which operates worldwide and manages exclusive services for concerts, festivals, and events.

2010: "Hurricane" Short Film Project

In 2010, Leto's next project was "Hurricane", an experimental short film which explores personal demons and unlocking secret fantasies in what is believed to be a dream. Leto filmed it in New York City and described its concept as a surrealistic nightmare dream-fantasy.

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January 2011: Leto returns to Haiti

In January 2011, Jared Leto returned to Haiti to "reconnect" with his former home following the tremor of January 2010.

December 2011: Guinness World Record

In December 2011, Thirty Seconds to Mars entered the Guinness World Records for most live shows during a single album cycle, with 300 shows.

2011: Webpage allegedly created by Leto

A documentary claimed that in 2011, Jared Leto allegedly created a webpage for his most devoted followers that explains that he is the Antichrist.

2011: Leto launched VyRT

In 2011, Leto launched the online platform VyRT, a live video streaming service featuring social networking and official merchandise.

2011: "Hurricane" MTV Video Music Awards Nominations

In 2011, the short film "Hurricane" received three nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards in the categories of Best Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Editing.

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May 2012: Leto expresses support for same-sex marriage after Obama's endorsement

In May 2012, Jared Leto expressed support after hearing that Obama had endorsed same-sex marriage.

June 2012: VyRT awarded Best Online Concert Experience

In June 2012, VyRT was awarded Best Online Concert Experience at the O Music Awards.

2012: Artifact Documentary Debut

In 2012, Leto made his directorial debut with the documentary film Artifact, chronicling the legal dispute between Thirty Seconds to Mars and EMI. The film premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and received the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary.

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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, through Interscope Records. The album, produced by Leto, reached the top ten in more than fifteen countries.

October 12, 2013: "City of Angels" Short Film Premiere

On October 12, 2013, the short film for "City of Angels," directed by Leto, premiered at the Hollywood Bowl. The video features celebrities sharing their visions of Los Angeles.

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November 23, 2013: Artifact Theatrical Release

On November 23, 2013, the documentary film Artifact, directed by Jared Leto, began a limited theatrical release.

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December 3, 2013: Artifact Digital Release

On December 3, 2013, the documentary film Artifact, directed by Jared Leto, was released digitally.

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2013: Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club

In 2013, Jared Leto earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as a trans woman in Dallas Buyers Club.

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2013: Dallas Buyers Club Release and Accolades

In 2013, Jared Leto returned to acting in Dallas Buyers Club, portraying Rayon, a transgender woman with AIDS. His performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and various awards, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor.

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2013: Release of Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams

In 2013, Thirty Seconds to Mars released Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams.

2013: The One and Only Golden Tickets renamed Adventures In Wonderland

In 2013, the company The One and Only Golden Tickets was renamed Adventures In Wonderland.

September 30, 2014: Leto hosts 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: Into the Wild Documentary Series Premiere

In 2014, Jared Leto premiered the documentary series Into the Wild, telling the story behind Thirty Seconds to Mars' concert tour of the same name. The series was released through the online platform VyRT.

February 2015: Leto named global ambassador for WWF

In February 2015, Jared Leto was named a global ambassador for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), supporting online fundraisers.

November 3, 2015: Thirty Seconds to Mars Working on New Album

On November 3, 2015, it was announced that Thirty Seconds to Mars were working on their fifth studio album.

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).

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August 2016: Thirty Seconds to Mars Signs with Interscope Records

In August 2016, Thirty Seconds to Mars revealed they had signed to Interscope Records and confirmed that they were working on new music.

2016: Unorthodox Gifts on Suicide Squad

In 2016, Jared Leto sent unorthodox gifts to his fellow cast members in Suicide Squad, including live rats and bullets, as part of his method acting.

2016: Role in Suicide Squad

In 2016, Jared Leto starred in Suicide Squad.

2016: Cast as the Joker in Suicide Squad

In December 2016, Jared Leto played the role of the Joker in Suicide Squad, a supervillain film based on the comic book series of the same name.

September 2017: Thirty Seconds to Mars Tour and MTV VMA Performance

From May to September 2017, Thirty Seconds to Mars embarked on a North American tour with Muse and PVRIS. Thirty Seconds to Mars then performed at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards featuring special guest Travis Scott.

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.

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2017: Role in Blade Runner 2049

In 2017, Jared Leto starred in Blade Runner 2049.

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February 2018: The Monolith Tour Announcement

In February 2018, Thirty Seconds to Mars officially announced the Monolith Tour with Walk the Moon, Misterwives, K. Flay, Joywave, and Welshly Arms.

April 6, 2018: America Album Release

On April 6, 2018, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fifth album, America, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.

June 27, 2018: Jared Leto to star in Morbius

On June 27, 2018, it was announced that Jared Leto would star in the film Morbius, the Living Vampire, directed by Daniel Espinosa, which is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe.

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2018: The Outsider film release

In 2018, Jared Leto appeared in the film The Outsider.

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2018: Leto leads online 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.

October 2020: Leto Reprises Role as Joker in Justice League

In October 2020, it was reported that Jared Leto would reprise his role as the Joker in Zack Snyder's Justice League.

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January 2021: A Day in the Life of America Documentary Release

In January 2021, A Day in the Life of America, a documentary film directed by Leto, was released to general praise.

2021: Roles in The Little Things and House of Gucci

In 2021, Jared Leto starred in The Little Things and House of Gucci.

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2021: Leto Addresses Suicide Squad Gift Controversy

In a 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jared Leto claimed that his comments at Suicide Squad's premiere were "in jest", and stated that the gifts given were done with fun and adventure, and were received with laughter.

April 2022: Release of Morbius

The film Morbius starring Jared Leto was released on April 1, 2022.

July 30, 2022: Jared Leto to star in Haunted Mansion

On July 30, 2022, it was announced that Jared Leto would star in the film Haunted Mansion directed by Justin Simien for Disney.

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July 28, 2023: Release of Haunted Mansion

The film Haunted Mansion starring Jared Leto was released on July 28, 2023.

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November 9, 2023: Jared Leto scales 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 Seasons Tour.

2023: Jared Leto loses lawsuit regarding "Antichrist" documentary

In 2023, Jared Leto filed a lawsuit against the owner of MichaelCastingPearls.com for creating and posting a documentary on the website about Jared Leto allegedly being "the Antichrist." Leto attempted to censor the content, but Leto lost the lawsuit and the content remains on the website.

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.

November 2024: Jared Leto cast in crime film Lunik Heist

In November 2024, it was announced that Jared Leto was cast in the crime film Lunik Heist for Searchlight Pictures.

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December 20, 2024: Jared Leto cast as Skeletor in Masters of the Universe reboot

On December 20, 2024, it was announced that Jared Leto was cast as Skeletor in the Masters of the Universe reboot.

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June 2025: Air Mail publishes report accusing Leto of sexual misconduct

In June 2025, Air Mail published a report in which nine women accused Jared Leto of sexual misconduct, with one allegation dating back to 2006.

June 5, 2026: Masters of the Universe reboot scheduled for 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, and internationally by Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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2036: Leto Appeared in 2036: Nexus Dawn

In 2036, Leto appeared in 2036: Nexus Dawn, a promotional short film that takes place before Blade Runner 2049 directed by Luke Scott and co-starring Benedict Wong.

2049: Future Role in Blade Runner 2049

In 2049, Jared Leto would have already starred in Blade Runner 2049.

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