History of Jared Leto in Timeline
Jared Leto is an American actor and musician celebrated for his method acting and contributions to rock music. He's garnered critical acclaim for diverse acting roles, receiving an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Beyond acting, Leto fronts the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, known for its music and his eccentric stage presence. His career spans three decades.
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 of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
1980: Inspiration for 'The Kill' Music Video
In 2006, Jared Leto directed the music video for "The Kill" by Thirty Seconds to Mars, inspired by themes of isolation and insanity present in the Stanley Kubrick-directed psychological horror film The Shining (1980).
1987: Inspiration for 'From Yesterday' Music Video
In 2006, Jared Leto directed a short film for "From Yesterday", taking inspiration from Bernardo Bertolucci's historical drama The Last Emperor (1987) as well as the work of Akira Kurosawa. It was filmed in the Forbidden City and became the first ever American music video shot in the People's Republic of China in its entirety.
1992: Move to Los Angeles
In 1992, Jared Leto moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in directing, initially intending to take acting roles on the side.
1994: Television Series Debut
In 1994, Jared Leto started his acting career on the television series My So-Called Life.
1994: Breakthrough Role in My So-Called Life
In 1994, Jared Leto's first break came when he was cast as Jordan Catalano in the ABC teen drama My So-Called Life.
1994: Setting of Independent Film Highway
The independent movie Highway, released on home video in March 2002, is set in 1994.
1995: First Film Role in How to Make an American Quilt
In 1995, Jared Leto landed his first film role in the drama How to Make an American Quilt.
1995: Film Debut
In 1995, Jared Leto made his film debut in How to Make an American Quilt.
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.
1997: Critical Attention for Prefontaine
In 1997, Jared Leto gained critical attention for his performance in Prefontaine.
1997: Supporting Role in Switchback
In 1997, Jared Leto had a supporting role in Switchback.
1997: Starring in Prefontaine
In 1997, Jared Leto starred as Olympic hopeful Steve Prefontaine in the biopic Prefontaine. He prepared extensively for the role and received positive reviews for his portrayal.
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 Leto. He initially kept his acting career separate from the band's promotion.
1998: Lead Role in Basil and Urban Legend
In 1998, Jared Leto landed the lead role of a British aristocrat in the drama Basil and starred in the horror Urban Legend.
1998: Supporting Roles in The Thin Red Line
In 1998, Jared Leto played supporting roles in The Thin Red Line.
1999: Roles in Black and White, Girl, Interrupted, and Fight Club
In 1999, Jared Leto played a gay high school teacher in Black and White, had a supporting role in Girl, Interrupted, and portrayed Angel Face in Fight Club.
1999: Supporting Roles in Fight Club, Girl, Interrupted
In 1999, Jared Leto played supporting roles in Fight Club and Girl, Interrupted.
2000: Filming Completed for Independent Film Highway
Filming completed in early 2000, for the independent film Highway, but it was not released until March 2002 on home video formats, although originally scheduled for a theatrical release.
2000: Roles in American Psycho and Requiem for a Dream
In 2000, Jared Leto appeared in American Psycho and received praise for his lead role as a drug addict in Requiem for a Dream.
March 2002: Release of Highway on Home Video
In March 2002, the independent film Highway, which finished filming in early 2000, was released on home video formats, after being originally scheduled for a theatrical release. The movie is set in 1994.
August 27, 2002: Release of Thirty 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. The album received mostly positive reviews and was a slow-burning commercial success.
2002: Return to Acting with Panic Room
In 2002, Jared Leto returned to acting with the movie Panic Room.
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.
2004: Role in Alexander
In 2004, Jared Leto appeared in the movie Alexander.
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. The album achieved platinum certification and significant commercial success.
2005: Release of A Beautiful Lie
In 2005, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their second album, A Beautiful Lie, which pushed the band into the public eye.
2006: Role in Lonely Hearts
In 2006, Jared Leto appeared in the neo-noir crime drama Lonely Hearts, playing Raymond Fernandez. His performance was widely praised.
2006: Leto Creates Album Cover for Charity
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.
2007: Starring in Chapter 27
In 2007, Jared Leto starred in the biographical film Chapter 27, portraying Mark David Chapman, the murderer of John Lennon. He gained a significant amount of weight for the role and received widespread praise for his performance, despite divided critical opinion on the film as a whole.
June 2008: Habitat for Humanity involvement
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: Directing 'A Beautiful Lie' Music Video
In 2008, Jared Leto directed the music video for "A Beautiful Lie" under the pseudonym of Angakok Panipaq. The video was filmed in Greenland, and Leto worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council to minimize the environmental impact of filming.
2008: Leto supports California Proposition 2 and Obama
In 2008, Jared Leto supported the California Proposition 2 regarding the treatment of farm animals and supported Senator Barack Obama of Illinois in the 2008 presidential election.
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, following a defense based on the De Havilland Law. The band then signed a new contract with EMI.
October 2009: Fundraising Against California Proposition 8
In October 2009, Jared Leto raised money for the campaign against California Proposition 8, which aimed to overturn the California Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
November 9, 2009: Kings and Queens Short Film Premieres
On November 9, 2009, the short film of "Kings and Queens", directed by Jared Leto, premiered at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles. The short film featured a critical mass movement founded with forward-thinking and eco-conscious intentions, through Los Angeles at night, and was positively received.
2009: Mr. Nobody Premieres
In 2009, Jared Leto starred in the science fiction drama Mr. Nobody as Nemo Nobody, the last mortal on Earth, requiring him to play the character from 34 to 118 years old. Mr. Nobody premiered at the 2009 Venice Film Festival to critical acclaim, with praise for both the film's artistry and Leto's performance.
2010: Closer to the Edge Filmed
In 2010, "Closer to the Edge", a short film featuring tour footage, fan commentary and pictures of Thirty Seconds to Mars from their youth, was filmed during the band's Into the Wild Tour.
2010: Closer to the Edge Described as Companion Piece
In 2010, Jared Leto described the concept of his short film, "Do or Die" (2013), as a companion piece to "Closer to the Edge".
2010: "Hurricane" Short Film
In 2010, Jared Leto filmed "Hurricane", an experimental short film exploring personal demons and fantasies in New York City, describing it as a "surrealistic nightmare dream-fantasy".
2010: Launch of The One and Only Golden Tickets
In 2010, Jared Leto launched The One and Only Golden Tickets, a full-service company operating worldwide that manages exclusive services for concerts, festivals, and events.
January 2011: Leto Returns to Haiti
In January 2011, Jared Leto returned to Haiti to reconnect with his former home and help various organizations following the earthquake 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: Launch of VyRT
In 2011, Jared Leto launched VyRT, an online platform created as a live video streaming service featuring social networking and official merchandise.
2011: "Hurricane" Receives MTV 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.
May 2012: Leto Supports Obama's Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage
In May 2012, Jared Leto expressed support after hearing that Barack Obama had endorsed same-sex marriage.
June 2012: VyRT Wins Best Online Concert Experience
In June 2012, the online platform VyRT, launched by Jared Leto, was awarded Best Online Concert Experience at the O Music Awards.
2012: Directorial Debut with Artifact
In 2012, Jared Leto made his directorial debut with the documentary film Artifact, which chronicles the legal dispute between Thirty Seconds to Mars and EMI, after the band tried to exit its contract over a royalties dispute. Artifact premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.
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, which was produced by Jared Leto and Steve Lillywhite.
October 12, 2013: "City of Angels" Short Film Premieres
On October 12, 2013, the short film for "City of Angels", directed by Jared Leto, premiered at the Hollywood Bowl. The music video features a number of celebrities who join the three members of Thirty Seconds to Mars in sharing their visions about Los Angeles.
November 23, 2013: Artifact Theatrical Release
Artifact, the documentary film directed by Jared Leto, received a limited theatrical release beginning November 23, 2013.
December 3, 2013: Artifact Digital Release
On December 3, 2013, Artifact, directed by Jared Leto, was released digitally after its limited theatrical run.
2013: Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club
In 2013, Jared Leto won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as a trans woman in Dallas Buyers Club.
2013: Renaming of The One and Only Golden Tickets
In 2013, Jared Leto's company, The One and Only Golden Tickets, was renamed Adventures In Wonderland.
2013: Release of Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams
In 2013, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fourth album, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, which received further critical and commercial success.
2013: Return to Acting in Dallas Buyers Club
In 2013, after a five year hiatus, Jared Leto returned to acting in the drama Dallas Buyers Club, portraying Rayon, a transgender woman with AIDS. Leto lost 30 pounds and altered his appearance to accurately portray the role.
September 30, 2014: Leto Hosts Haiti Benefit Event
On September 30, 2014, Jared Leto hosted the event Haiti: The Journey Is the Destination in New York City, benefiting those affected by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
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, released through VyRT.
February 2015: Leto Named WWF Global Ambassador
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 Announces New Album
On November 3, 2015, Thirty Seconds to Mars announced they 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), directed by Martin Zandvliet.
August 2016: Thirty Seconds to Mars Signs with Interscope and Confirms New Music
In August 2016, Thirty Seconds to Mars revealed they had signed to Interscope Records and confirmed that they were working on new music.
2016: Role in Suicide Squad
In 2016, Jared Leto starred in Suicide Squad.
2016: Controversy Surrounds Leto's Method Acting on Suicide Squad
In 2016, during the filming of Suicide Squad, Jared Leto's method acting reportedly involved sending unorthodox gifts to his fellow cast members, including live rats and bullets, sparking controversy.
2016: Leto Cast as the Joker in Suicide Squad
In December 2016, Warner Bros. confirmed that Jared Leto would play the role of the Joker in Suicide Squad. Leto's method acting during production received attention.
September 2017: North American Tour with Muse and PVRIS
From May to September 2017, Thirty Seconds to Mars embarked on a North American tour with Muse and PVRIS.
November 2017: Sony Announces Morbius Film
In November 2017, Sony Pictures announced plans to adapt Morbius, the Living Vampire, into a film as part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe.
2017: Role in Blade Runner 2049
In 2017, Jared Leto starred in Blade Runner 2049.
February 2018: Monolith Tour Announced
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 officially released America, their fifth album.
June 27, 2018: Leto to Star in Morbius
On June 27, 2018, it was announced that Jared Leto would star in the film Morbius, the Living Vampire, which is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe. Daniel Espinosa was announced as the director.
2018: The Outsider Release
In 2018, Jared Leto appeared in the film The Outsider.
2018: Leto Leads WWF Fundraiser
In 2018, Jared Leto led a fundraiser for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) for his 47th birthday.
2018: Release of America
In 2018, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their album America, which polarized critics upon its release.
October 2020: Leto Reprises Role as the Joker
In October 2020, it was reported that Jared Leto would reprise his role of the Joker in Zack Snyder's Justice League.
January 2021: Release of A Day in the Life of America
In January 2021, A Day in the Life of America, a documentary film directed by Jared Leto, was released.
2021: 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.
2021: Leto Revisits Suicide Squad Method Acting
In a 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jared Leto claimed that the comments he made at Suicide Squad's premiere were "in jest", and stated that, "there were no used condoms" and that gifts were given with fun. He also said that the only gifts he gave Margot Robbie were cupcakes and a mouse.
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.
2023: Release of It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day
In 2023, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their album It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day, which polarized critics upon its release.
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.
2036: Leto Appears in 2036: Nexus Dawn
In 2036, Jared Leto appeared in 2036: Nexus Dawn, a promotional short film that takes place before Blade Runner 2049.
2049: Blade Runner is in 2049
In 2049, Blade Runner 2049, a sequel to Blade Runner, happened.
2049: Role in Blade Runner 2049
In 2049, Jared Leto starred in Blade Runner 2049.
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