History of Jared Leto in Timeline
Jared Leto is a highly acclaimed American actor and musician known for his immersive method acting and diverse roles. His three-decade career has earned him prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He is also recognized for his musical talent and captivating stage presence as the frontman of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
December 26, 1971: Birth of Jared Leto
Jared Joseph Leto was born on December 26, 1971.
1980: Release of Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining"
The psychological horror film "The Shining," directed by Stanley Kubrick, was released in 1980. The film, exploring themes of isolation and insanity, later served as inspiration for Jared Leto's directorial work on Thirty Seconds to Mars' music video for "The Kill."
1987: Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor" Premiers
Bernardo Bertolucci's historical drama, "The Last Emperor," was released in 1987. The film, set in China, later served as an inspiration for Jared Leto when he directed Thirty Seconds to Mars' music video for "From Yesterday."
1992: Move to Los Angeles
Jared Leto moved to Los Angeles in 1992 to pursue a career in directing.
1994: Television Debut in "My So-Called Life"
Jared Leto began his acting career in 1994 with a role in the television series "My So-Called Life".
1994: Breakthrough Role in "My So-Called Life"
Jared Leto's breakthrough role came in 1994 when he was cast in the television series "My So-Called Life".
1994: Setting of "Highway"
The film "Highway", starring Jared Leto, is set in 1994.
1995: Film Debut in "How to Make an American Quilt"
In 1995, Jared Leto made his film debut in the movie "How to Make an American Quilt".
1995: Film Debut in "How to Make an American Quilt"
Jared Leto made his film debut in the 1995 drama "How to Make an American Quilt".
1996: Role in "The Last of the High Kings"
Jared Leto co-starred with Christina Ricci in the film "The Last of the High Kings" in 1996.
1997: Critically Acclaimed Performance as Steve Prefontaine
In 1997, Jared Leto received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Olympic hopeful Steve Prefontaine in the biopic "Prefontaine".
1997: Supporting Role in "Switchback"
Jared Leto had a supporting role in the film "Switchback" in 1997.
1997: Breakthrough Role in "Prefontaine"
Jared Leto's performance as Steve Prefontaine in the 1997 biopic "Prefontaine" is often considered his breakthrough role.
1998: Roles in "Basil" and "Urban Legend"
Jared Leto starred in two films in 1998: the drama "Basil" and the horror film "Urban Legend".
1998: Formation and Early Years of Thirty Seconds to Mars
Jared Leto and his brother Shannon formed the band Thirty Seconds to Mars in Los Angeles in 1998 and worked on their debut album.
1998: Supporting Role in "The Thin Red Line"
Jared Leto had a supporting role in Terrence Malick's war film "The Thin Red Line" in 1998.
1998: Formation of Thirty Seconds to Mars
Jared Leto formed the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars with his brother Shannon in 1998.
1999: Roles in "Black and White", "Girl, Interrupted", and "Fight Club"
Jared Leto appeared in three films in 1999: "Black and White", "Girl, Interrupted", and "Fight Club".
1999: Roles in "Fight Club" and "Girl, Interrupted"
Jared Leto appeared in two notable films in 1999: "Fight Club" and "Girl, Interrupted".
1999: Relationship with Cameron Diaz Begins
Jared Leto began dating actress Cameron Diaz in 1999.
2000: Completion of Filming for "Highway"
Filming for the independent film "Highway", starring Jared Leto, was finished in early 2000.
2000: Engagement to Cameron Diaz
Jared Leto and Cameron Diaz became engaged in 2000 after a year of dating.
2000: Performances in "American Psycho" and "Requiem for a Dream"
Jared Leto delivered notable performances in two films in 2000: "American Psycho" and "Requiem for a Dream".
2000: Critically Acclaimed Performance in "Requiem for a Dream"
Jared Leto's portrayal of a heroin addict in the 2000 film "Requiem for a Dream" earned him critical acclaim.
March 2002: Release of "Highway"
The independent film "Highway", starring Jared Leto and Jake Gyllenhaal, was released on home video formats in March 2002.
August 27, 2002: Release of Debut Album
Thirty Seconds to Mars released their debut album, "30 Seconds to Mars", on August 27, 2002.
2002: Debut Album Release
Thirty Seconds to Mars released their debut album, "30 Seconds to Mars", on August 27, 2002.
2002: Jared Leto Returns to Acting with "Panic Room"
In 2002, Jared Leto returned to acting after a break, taking on the role of Junior in the thriller "Panic Room," directed by David Fincher. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing almost US$\200 million globally.
2002: Appearance in "Panic Room"
Jared Leto acted in the film "Panic Room" in 2002.
2003: Breakup with Cameron Diaz
In 2003, Jared Leto and Cameron Diaz ended their four-year relationship.
2004: Jared Leto Stars in Oliver Stone's "Alexander"
Jared Leto portrayed Hephaestion, the close friend of Alexander the Great, in Oliver Stone's biographical film "Alexander" in 2004. While the film performed poorly in the US, it found success internationally, generating US$\167 million in revenue.
2004: Role in "Alexander"
Jared Leto took on a role in the film "Alexander" in 2004.
August 30, 2005: Thirty Seconds to Mars Releases "A Beautiful Lie"
On August 30, 2005, Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Jared Leto, released their second studio album, "A Beautiful Lie." The album achieved platinum status in the United States and several other countries, selling over four million copies.
2005: Performance in "Lord of War"
Jared Leto appeared in the film "Lord of War" in 2005.
2005: Release of "A Beautiful Lie"
Thirty Seconds to Mars released their second album, "A Beautiful Lie", in 2005.
2006: Jared Leto Stars in "Lonely Hearts"
Jared Leto appeared in the neo-noir crime drama "Lonely Hearts" in 2006. He played Raymond Fernandez, one of the notorious "lonely hearts killers" of the 1940s. His performance in the film was met with critical acclaim despite mixed reviews for the film overall.
2006: Leto Designs Album Art for Charity
Leto created the cover art for the album "97X Green Room: Volume 2" in 2006, with proceeds donated to The Nature Conservancy.
2007: Appearance in "Chapter 27"
Jared Leto acted in the film "Chapter 27" in 2007.
2007: Jared Leto Stars as Mark David Chapman in "Chapter 27"
Jared Leto took on the challenging role of John Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman, in the 2007 biographical film "Chapter 27." Leto's performance was praised by critics, who noted his commitment to the role, including gaining a significant amount of weight to accurately portray Chapman.
June 2008: Leto Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity
Leto worked with Habitat for Humanity in June 2008 on a home renovation project.
August 2008: Thirty Seconds to Mars Embroiled in Legal Battle with EMI
During the recording of their third studio album in August 2008, Thirty Seconds to Mars' attempt to sign with a new label led to a $30 million breach of contract lawsuit from their then-label EMI.
2008: Leto Supports Barack Obama and Proposition 2
In 2008, Leto supported Barack Obama in the presidential election and Proposition 2, regarding the treatment of farm animals.
2008: Jared Leto Directs "A Beautiful Lie" Music Video, Remixes The Cure's "The Only One"
In 2008, under the pseudonym Angakok Panipaq, Jared Leto directed the music video for "A Beautiful Lie," filmed in Greenland. The video received critical acclaim and awards, including an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video. That same year, Leto also remixed The Cure's song "The Only One" for their extended play "Hypnagogic States."
April 28, 2009: Thirty Seconds to Mars Settles Lawsuit with EMI, Signs New Contract
After a prolonged legal battle, Thirty Seconds to Mars reached a settlement with EMI on April 28, 2009, based on the De Havilland Law. Following the settlement, the band signed a new contract with EMI.
October 2009: Leto Raises Money to Oppose Proposition 8
Leto raised money for the campaign against California's Proposition 8 in October 2009.
November 9, 2009: Premiere of "Kings and Queens" Music Video
The short film for Thirty Seconds to Mars' "Kings and Queens," directed by Jared Leto, premiered on November 9, 2009, at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles. The video, featuring a surreal and visually striking mass movement through Los Angeles, was well-received.
December 2009: Thirty Seconds to Mars Release "This Is War"
In December 2009, Thirty Seconds to Mars, led by Jared Leto, released their third album, "This Is War," to positive reviews. The album reached the top ten on various national album charts and garnered numerous music awards.
2009: Jared Leto Stars in "Mr. Nobody"
Jared Leto played the lead role of Nemo Nobody in the science fiction drama "Mr. Nobody" in 2009. His portrayal of a man living in a world where humans have achieved near-immortality earned him critical praise for his acting range and the emotional depth he brought to the character.
2009: Starring Role in "Mr. Nobody"
Jared Leto starred in the film "Mr. Nobody" in 2009.
2009: Release of "This Is War"
The band Thirty Seconds to Mars released their third album, "This Is War", in 2009.
January 2010: Haiti Earthquake
A devastating earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010, prompting Jared Leto to later visit and support the country's recovery.
February 2010: Thirty Seconds to Mars Embarks on "Into the Wild Tour"
Thirty Seconds to Mars launched their "Into the Wild Tour" in February 2010, in support of their album "This Is War." The tour saw the band performing extensively throughout the year.
2010: Hurricane Release
Jared Leto released his experimental short film "Hurricane" in 2010. The film, which explores personal demons and unlocking secret fantasies, was filmed in New York City.
2010: Do or Die Release
Jared Leto released "Do or Die" as a companion piece to his earlier short film "Closer to the Edge" (2010).
2010: Leto Launches The One and Only Golden Tickets
In 2010, Leto started The One and Only Golden Tickets, a company managing exclusive services for events.
2010: Closer to the Edge Release
Jared Leto filmed "Closer to the Edge" in 2010. The short film featured tour footage, fan commentary, and pictures of Thirty Seconds to Mars from their youth.
January 2011: Return to Haiti and Photographic Book Release
In January 2011, Leto returned to Haiti, where he had spent a year of his childhood, to reconnect with the country following the devastating earthquake in 2010. He also released a book of photographs taken during this trip to raise funds for the earthquake-ravaged country.
December 2011: Guinness World Record
In December 2011, Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Jared Leto, was entered into the Guinness World Records for the most live shows during a single album cycle with an impressive 300 shows.
2011: Hurricane's MTV Video Music Award Nominations
In 2011, Jared Leto's short film "Hurricane" was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Editing.
2011: Leto Launches VyRT
Leto launched the online platform VyRT, a live video streaming service, in 2011.
May 2012: Leto Voices Support for Same-Sex Marriage
Leto expressed his support for same-sex marriage after Barack Obama endorsed it in May 2012.
June 2012: VyRT Wins Award
In June 2012, Leto's company VyRT won Best Online Concert Experience at the O Music Awards.
2012: Artifact Premiere
Jared Leto premiered his directorial debut, the documentary film "Artifact", at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. The film chronicles the modern music business by charting the legal dispute between Thirty Seconds to Mars and record label EMI. The film won the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary at the festival.
May 2013: Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams Release
Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Jared Leto, released their fourth studio album, "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams", in May 2013. The album reached the top ten in more than fifteen counties.
October 12, 2013: City of Angels Premiere
Jared Leto's short film for "City of Angels" premiered on October 12, 2013 at the Hollywood Bowl.
November 23, 2013: Artifact's Limited Theatrical Release
Jared Leto's documentary film, "Artifact", was released in a limited theatrical release on November 23, 2013.
December 3, 2013: Artifact's Digital Release
Jared Leto's documentary film "Artifact" was released digitally on December 3, 2013, following a limited theatrical release.
2013: Academy Award for "Dallas Buyers Club"
Jared Leto won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2013 film "Dallas Buyers Club".
2013: Release of "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams"
Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fourth album, "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams", in 2013.
2013: The One and Only Golden Tickets Renamed Adventures In Wonderland
Leto's company, The One and Only Golden Tickets, was renamed Adventures In Wonderland in 2013.
2013: Dallas Buyers Club
Jared Leto returned to acting in 2013 after a five-year hiatus to star in the drama "Dallas Buyers Club." Leto portrayed Rayon, a drug-addicted transgender woman with AIDS. To accurately portray the role, Leto lost 30 pounds, shaved his eyebrows, and waxed his entire body. His performance won Leto an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.
September 30, 2014: Haiti: The Journey Is the Destination Event
On September 30, 2014, Jared Leto hosted "Haiti: The Journey Is the Destination" in New York City to benefit those affected by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
2014: Into the Wild Premiere
Jared Leto premiered his documentary series "Into the Wild" in 2014. The series, produced by Leto and Emma Ludbrook, tells the story behind the concert tour of the same name.
February 2015: World Wide Fund for Nature Global Ambassador
Jared Leto was named a global ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in February 2015. In this role, he supports online fundraisers, including one for his 47th birthday in 2018.
November 3, 2015: Thirty Seconds to Mars Fifth Album Announcement
On November 3, 2015, Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Jared Leto, announced that they were working on their fifth studio album.
2015: Relationship with Valery Kaufman Begins
Jared Leto began a relationship with Russian model Valery Kaufman in 2015.
April 2016: Leto Cast in "The Outsider"
In April 2016, Jared Leto was announced to appear in the film "The Outsider," directed by Martin Zandvliet.
August 2016: Thirty Seconds to Mars Signs with Interscope, Leto Cast in "Blade Runner 2049"
August 2016 was a busy month for Leto. Thirty Seconds to Mars signed with Interscope Records and began working on new music. Leto was also cast as Niander Wallace in "Blade Runner 2049."
September 2016: Leto to Play Andy Warhol in Biopic
It was announced in September 2016 that Leto would portray Andy Warhol in a biopic written by Terence Winter.
2016: Role in "Suicide Squad"
Jared Leto portrayed the Joker in the 2016 film "Suicide Squad".
2016: Jared Leto Cast as the Joker
Warner Bros. confirmed that Jared Leto would play the role of the Joker in the upcoming "Suicide Squad" (2016) film.
2016: Method Acting Controversy
In 2016, while filming "Suicide Squad," Jared Leto garnered controversy for his method acting when he sent his fellow cast members unorthodox gifts, including a live rat, bullets, anal beads, and used condoms.
February 2017: Leto to Direct "77"
In February 2017, it was announced that Leto would direct the thriller film "77" for Paramount Pictures.
September 2017: Thirty Seconds to Mars Tours with Muse and PVRIS
From May to September 2017, Thirty Seconds to Mars went on a North American tour with Muse and PVRIS.
November 2017: Sony Announces "Morbius" Film Adaptation
Sony Pictures announced their plans for a "Morbius" film in November 2017.
2017: Appearance in "Blade Runner 2049"
Jared Leto appeared in the film "Blade Runner 2049" in 2017.
February 2018: Thirty Seconds to Mars Announces Monolith Tour
Thirty Seconds to Mars officially announced their Monolith Tour in February 2018, with supporting acts Walk the Moon, Misterwives, K. Flay, Joywave, and Welshly Arms.
April 6, 2018: Thirty Seconds to Mars Release "America"
On April 6, 2018, Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fifth album, "America."
June 27, 2018: Leto to Star in "Morbius"
It was announced on June 27, 2018, that Leto would star in the Spider-Man spinoff "Morbius."
2018: Fundraising for WWF on 47th Birthday
Jared Leto led an online fundraiser for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2018 to mark his 47th birthday.
2018: Release of "America"
Thirty Seconds to Mars released their fifth album, "America", in 2018.
August 2020: Leto to Star in "Tron: Ares"
In August 2020, it was announced that Leto would star as Ares in the new "Tron" installment, "Tron: Ares."
August 2020: Leto Confirms Warhol Role
Leto confirmed his portrayal of Andy Warhol on Instagram in August 2020.
October 2020: Leto to Reprise Joker Role in "Zack Snyder's Justice League"
In October 2020, it was reported that Jared Leto would reprise his role as the Joker in the movie "Zack Snyder's Justice League."
January 2021: Release of "A Day in the Life of America" Documentary
"A Day in the Life of America," a documentary about Thirty Seconds to Mars directed by Leto, was released in January 2021.
January 28, 2021: Leto to Star in Aronofsky's "Adrift"
On January 28, 2021, it was announced that Leto would star in Darren Aronofsky's film "Adrift."
2021: Method Acting Clarification
In 2021, Jared Leto claimed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that his 2016 comments about his "Suicide Squad" gifts were "in jest." Leto did maintain that he gifted Margot Robbie a mouse and cupcakes.
2021: Roles in "The Little Things" and "House of Gucci"
In 2021, Jared Leto starred in two films: "The Little Things" and "House of Gucci". His performances in both films earned him nominations and awards recognition.
2021: Leto Stars in "The Little Things" and "House of Gucci"
In 2021, Leto had roles in two films: he played Albert Sparma in "The Little Things" and Paolo Gucci in "House of Gucci."
April 2022: "Morbius" Released
The film "Morbius," starring Leto, was released on April 1, 2022.
July 30, 2022: Leto to Star in "Haunted Mansion"
On July 30, 2022, it was announced that Leto would star in Disney's "Haunted Mansion," directed by Justin Simien.
October 6, 2022: Leto to Play Karl Lagerfeld in Biopic
On October 6, 2022, it was announced that Leto would play Karl Lagerfeld in a biopic, which he will also produce.
2022: End of Relationship with Valery Kaufman
Jared Leto and Valery Kaufman's relationship ended in 2022 after seven years together.
July 28, 2023: "Haunted Mansion" Released
"Haunted Mansion," starring Leto, was released on July 28, 2023.
August 14, 2023: Production for "Tron: Ares" Postponed
Production for "Tron: Ares" was set to start on August 14, 2023, but was postponed indefinitely due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
2023: Release of "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day"
The band Thirty Seconds to Mars released their sixth album, "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day", in 2023.