Leonardo DiCaprio is a highly acclaimed American actor and film producer known for his roles in biographical and period films. His impressive filmography has earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. DiCaprio's global box office appeal is undeniable, with his films grossing over $7.2 billion worldwide as of 2019. His consistent success in the film industry has placed him among the world's highest-paid actors multiple times.
Douglas Fairbanks starred in a film adaptation of "The Man in the Iron Mask" in 1929.
A previous adaptation of "The Man in the Iron Mask" was released in 1939.
Though not directly related to DiCaprio, the book "The Right Stuff," which he would later adapt into a television series, was originally published in 1973.
On November 11, 1974, Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, California.
"The Parallax View," a film DiCaprio considered a stylistic inspiration for "Body of Lies," was released in 1974.
"Three Days of the Condor," another film influencing the style of "Body of Lies," was released in 1975.
As a child, Leonardo DiCaprio aspired to be either a marine biologist or an actor. He eventually pursued acting, driven by his passion for impersonating characters. At 14, he landed his first commercial role for Matchbox cars and later appeared in commercials for Kraft Singles, Bubble Yum, and Apple Jacks.
Leonardo DiCaprio made his television debut in 1989, appearing in two episodes of the family drama series "The New Lassie."
In the early 1990s, Leonardo DiCaprio began his television career with roles in the pilot of "The Outsiders" and the soap opera "Santa Barbara." He then landed a recurring role in the sitcom "Parenthood."
Leonardo DiCaprio made his film debut in 1991 with a role in the horror sequel "Critters 3." He also landed a recurring role as a homeless boy in the sitcom "Growing Pains."
In 1992, Leonardo DiCaprio was chosen by Robert De Niro to star alongside him in "This Boy's Life." DiCaprio's performance in this film marked a turning point in his career, garnering him significant recognition.
In 1993, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" as Arnie, the developmentally disabled brother of Johnny Depp's character. His performance was met with critical acclaim, earning him a National Board of Review Award and nominations for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 1993, Leonardo DiCaprio garnered critical acclaim for his roles in "This Boy's Life" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." The latter earned him his first Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations.
In 1993, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," a critically acclaimed film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was released, marking a significant milestone in his career.
DiCaprio appeared in three films in 1995: "The Quick and the Dead", a Western where his casting was championed by co-star Sharon Stone; "The Basketball Diaries", where he played a drug-addicted basketball player and writer; and "Total Eclipse", an erotic drama based on the relationship between Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine.
By 1995, Leonardo DiCaprio began receiving critical acclaim for his acting abilities, with author Michael K. Hammond praising his skill in embodying characters authentically. Director Agnieszka Holland, who worked with him on "Total Eclipse," commended his maturity and courage in role selection.
In 1996, DiCaprio starred in Baz Luhrmann's modern adaptation of "Romeo + Juliet" opposite Claire Danes, which solidified his status as a leading Hollywood actor. He also appeared in "Marvin's Room" alongside Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton.
Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Romeo in Baz Luhrmann's modern adaptation of "Romeo + Juliet" in 1996 catapulted him to international stardom.
Leonardo DiCaprio further solidified his status as a prominent actor with the 1996 release of "Romeo + Juliet," a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy.
Alex Garland's novel "The Beach," which DiCaprio's film was later adapted from, was published in 1996.
DiCaprio won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 1997 Berlin International Film Festival for his performance in "Romeo + Juliet".
Following the success of "Titanic" in 1997, Leonardo DiCaprio expressed his anxiety regarding big-budget films due to the overwhelming hype. He articulated his view of film as a timeless art form akin to painting or sculpture, emphasizing its enduring legacy.
Leonardo DiCaprio achieved global superstardom in 1997 with the release of "Titanic," a historical romance film that became a cultural phenomenon.
Leonardo DiCaprio's role in James Cameron's "Titanic" in 1997 cemented his status as a global superstar. The film became the highest-grossing film in the world at that time.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in James Cameron's "Titanic" in 1997 as Jack Dawson, a role that catapulted him to superstardom. The film became the highest-grossing film at the time, earning numerous accolades, including 11 Academy Awards.
In 1998, a New York Magazine article brought attention to Leonardo DiCaprio's reputation for partying and reckless behavior as part of a group dubbed the "Pussy Posse." The article and DiCaprio's response offered insights into his public image and the scrutiny faced by young actors.
DiCaprio had a brief but notable role in Woody Allen's "Celebrity" in 1998. That same year, he also starred in "The Man in the Iron Mask", playing the dual roles of King Louis XIV and his twin brother.
Driven by a lifelong passion for ecology, Leonardo DiCaprio founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998. This non-profit organization reflects his commitment to raising environmental awareness and combating issues like rainforest destruction and habitat loss.
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio filed a lawsuit against Playgirl magazine to prevent the publication of a nude photograph of him, demonstrating his stance on privacy and image control.
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio was initially cast in "American Psycho" but left due to disagreements with the director. He then took on the lead role in "The Beach," adapted from Alex Garland's novel.
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio, accompanied by his mother, made a generous donation of $35,000 to establish a computer center named "Leonardo DiCaprio Computer Center" at a library in Los Feliz.
In 1999, Leonardo DiCaprio's romantic life took center stage when he met Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen, marking the beginning of their relationship.
DiCaprio received a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple for his dual roles in "The Man in the Iron Mask" in 1999.
"American Psycho," the film DiCaprio left in 1998, was released in 2000.
In 2000, DiCaprio commented on the overwhelming fame he experienced after "Titanic", stating his desire to move beyond teen idol roles.
Leonardo DiCaprio actively participated in the national Earth Day celebration in 2000, where he interviewed former President Bill Clinton. Their discussion centered around strategies to address global warming and environmental concerns.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the film "The Beach," directed by Danny Boyle, in 2000.
The film "Don's Plum," which DiCaprio tried to block from release, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2001.
DiCaprio starred in Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can," based on Frank Abagnale Jr.'s life, in 2002. The same year, "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones," which DiCaprio declined a role in, was released.
DiCaprio starred in Scorsese's historical drama "Gangs of New York" in 2002, marking a transition to more mature roles.
In 2002, Leonardo DiCaprio sought to diversify his filmography with roles in "Catch Me If You Can" and "Gangs of New York." The latter marked the beginning of his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese.
The year 2002 proved to be significant in Leonardo DiCaprio's career, marked by the release of two acclaimed films: "Catch Me If You Can," a biographical crime comedy-drama, and "Gangs of New York," a historical drama.
DiCaprio founded his production company, Appian Way Productions, in 2004. He also starred in and co-produced Scorsese's "The Aviator," for which he won his first Golden Globe Award. His production company also released "The Assassination of Richard Nixon" starring Sean Penn.
Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Howard Hughes in the 2004 biopic "The Aviator" earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Howard Hughes in the 2004 biographical drama "The Aviator" garnered widespread critical acclaim and further cemented his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
In 2005, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bündchen's relationship came to an end.
Leonardo DiCaprio's contributions to the arts were recognized in 2005 when he was bestowed with the title of Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.
In a serious incident in 2005, Leonardo DiCaprio sustained a severe facial injury when model Aretha Wilson struck him with a broken bottle during a party in Hollywood.
In 2005, Leonardo DiCaprio was named a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts.
In 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio took on challenging roles in the political thriller "Blood Diamond" and the crime drama "The Departed," both of which garnered significant attention.
In 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio showcased his acting range with two contrasting roles in "The Departed," a crime thriller, and "Blood Diamond," a war thriller.
DiCaprio starred in both "The Departed" and "Blood Diamond" in 2006. Though a lead in "The Departed," he was campaigned for Supporting Actor to avoid competition with "Blood Diamond."
In May 2007, an EF5 tornado hit Greensburg, Kansas, the town featured in DiCaprio's documentary series "Greensburg."
DiCaprio's interest in playing Jordan Belfort began in 2007 after reading Belfort's autobiography. He won a bidding war against Brad Pitt and Paramount Pictures for the rights to Belfort's memoir, drawn to the book's candid and unapologetic tone.
Leonardo DiCaprio demonstrated his commitment to environmental causes by appearing at the 2007 American leg of Live Earth, a global concert series aimed at raising awareness about climate change.
DiCaprio's documentary series "Greensburg" premiered in 2008. The same year, he starred in the spy film "Body of Lies."
DiCaprio and Kate Winslet's performance in "Titanic" led Vanity Fair to label them "Hollywood's most iconic screen couple" in 2008.
Leonardo DiCaprio's decision to make "The Wolf of Wall Street" was influenced by the 2008 financial crisis, which fueled his desire to explore themes of greed and corruption in the financial world.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the romantic drama "Revolutionary Road" in 2008, showcasing his versatility in portraying complex relationships.
In 2008, Leonardo DiCaprio founded Appian Way Productions, a production company that has backed several of his films, including the documentary series "Greensburg" (2008–2010).
In 2008, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, co-stars in the blockbuster "Titanic" (1997), reunited for the drama "Revolutionary Road," directed by Winslet's then-husband Sam Mendes. The film, adapted from Richard Yates' 1961 novel, explores the complexities of a failing marriage in the 1950s. DiCaprio's performance as the "unheroic" and "cowardly" Frank Wheeler was lauded by critics, with some considering it his most mature and memorable to date. His performance garnered him his seventh Golden Globes nomination.
Leonardo DiCaprio's financial success in the film industry was highlighted in 2008 when he debuted on Forbes' annual list of the world's highest-paid actors, marking the beginning of a consistent presence on the list.
In May 2009, displaying his philanthropic side, Leonardo DiCaprio joined efforts with Kate Winslet, James Cameron, and Celine Dion to raise funds for the nursing home care of Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the RMS Titanic.
DiCaprio concluded the 2000s by producing Jaume Collet-Serra's psychological horror film "Orphan" (2009). The film, starring Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, and Isabelle Fuhrman, achieved commercial success despite receiving mixed reviews.
In 2009, Leonardo DiCaprio made a notable real estate purchase, acquiring Blackadore Caye, an island situated off the coast of Belize, with plans to establish an eco-friendly resort.
In 2010, Aretha Wilson, who had pleaded guilty to assaulting Leonardo DiCaprio in 2005, received a prison sentence of two years.
Demonstrating his compassion and global awareness, Leonardo DiCaprio contributed $1 million in 2010 to support relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake.
The documentary series "Greensburg," produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions, concluded in 2010 after airing for three seasons.
Leonardo DiCaprio continued to be recognized for his box office success and high earnings, consistently appearing on Forbes' list of highest-paid actors from 2010 onward.
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending action thriller "Inception," a critical and commercial success.
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio collaborated with Martin Scorsese on "Shutter Island," a psychological thriller based on Dennis Lehane's 2003 novel. DiCaprio played Edward "Teddy" Daniels, a U.S. Marshal investigating a psychiatric facility, who grapples with his own sanity. DiCaprio co-produced the film under his production company, Appian Way. The film, known for its disturbing scenes, took a toll on DiCaprio, who reported experiencing nightmares during production. Despite mixed reviews, "Shutter Island" was a commercial triumph.
DiCaprio's documentary series "Greensburg" ran for three seasons and ended in 2010.
Also in 2010, DiCaprio starred in Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed science fiction film "Inception." He portrayed Dom Cobb, an "extractor" who infiltrates people's dreams to steal information. Drawn to the film's exploration of lucid dreaming, DiCaprio took a pay cut for the role in exchange for a share of the profits. The gamble paid off, as "Inception" became one of DiCaprio's highest-grossing films, earning him a significant personal fortune.
2010 saw Leonardo DiCaprio starring in two successful films: "Shutter Island," a neo-noir psychological thriller, and "Inception," a science fiction action film.
In 2011, Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his advocacy for animal rights, joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund's campaign advocating for the release of Tony, a tiger who had spent a decade confined at a truck stop in Grosse Tête, Louisiana.
Leonardo DiCaprio's exceptional year in film resulted in him topping Forbes' list of highest-paid actors in 2011, solidifying his position as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.
DiCaprio portrayed J. Edgar Hoover in Clint Eastwood's biopic "J. Edgar" (2011). The film delved into Hoover's long reign as FBI director, including his rumored homosexuality. Despite mixed reviews for the film itself, DiCaprio's performance earned praise for its depth and nuance.
In 2011, Leonardo DiCaprio ended his relationship with Israeli model Bar Refaeli, whom he had been romantically involved with since 2005.
In 2012, DiCaprio starred as the villainous plantation owner Calvin Candie in Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." Initially apprehensive about the film's unflinching depiction of racism, DiCaprio was persuaded by Tarantino and his co-stars to portray the character authentically. His performance was critically acclaimed, earning him a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Quentin Tarantino's western "Django Unchained" in 2012, showcasing his range as an actor.
Leonardo DiCaprio took on the role of a villainous slave owner in the 2012 revisionist Western film "Django Unchained," directed by Quentin Tarantino.
In January 2013, DiCaprio revealed his intention to take a hiatus from acting to focus on environmental activism. However, the year saw four releases featuring him as both actor and producer. One notable role was Jay Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby" (1925), co-starring Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire. DiCaprio's performance garnered critical acclaim, with some considering it one of his career-best.
In 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio organized a benefit auction titled "11th Hour" that featured fine art. The event successfully raised nearly $38.8 million, with proceeds directed towards his foundation's environmental conservation efforts.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese were honored with the National Board of Review's Spotlight Award in 2013 for their impactful collaborations in filmmaking.
Leonardo DiCaprio's romantic life continued to make headlines in 2013 when he began dating German fashion model Toni Garrn.
Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" in 2013 earned him critical acclaim.
In 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio donated $61,000 to GLAAD, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
In April 2014, "Virunga," a documentary produced by Leonardo DiCaprio about the threats facing mountain gorillas, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. This marked DiCaprio's growing involvement in environmental documentaries.
Recognizing his dedication to environmental advocacy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon designated Leonardo DiCaprio as a UN Messenger of Peace in September 2014, focusing on climate change.
Expanding his real estate portfolio, Leonardo DiCaprio purchased the iconic Dinah Shore residence in Palm Springs, California, in 2014, a property originally designed by renowned architect Donald Wexler.
In 2014, Leonardo DiCaprio and Toni Garrn decided to go their separate ways, ending their relationship.
Leonardo DiCaprio took on the physically and emotionally demanding role of Hugh Glass in "The Revenant" in 2015. His performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Leonardo DiCaprio received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his work on "Virunga" in 2015. That same year, he executive produced "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret," further highlighting his commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues.
Taking a significant step in his environmental advocacy, Leonardo DiCaprio publicly announced his decision to divest from fossil fuels in 2015, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable investments and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Leonardo DiCaprio's immersive performance in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's survival drama "The Revenant" in 2015 earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
Film critic Bilge Ebiri, writing for Rolling Stone in 2015, called DiCaprio's role in "Titanic" his best performance.
In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio's performance in "The Revenant," a survival drama set in the American wilderness, earned him widespread recognition and an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations in April 2016, advocating for urgent action on climate change, prior to the signing of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
In July 2016, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation demonstrated its commitment to environmental and social justice by donating $15.6 million. These funds were allocated to initiatives focused on protecting wildlife, supporting the rights of Native Americans, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Continuing his dedication to environmental activism, DiCaprio executive produced "The Ivory Game" and "Catching the Sun" in 2016. He also produced, hosted, and narrated the climate change documentary "Before the Flood."
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton for the presidential election.
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio showed his support for the Children of Armenia Fund by donating $65,000 at their annual fundraising gala, where he was a special guest of his friend, Tony Shafrazi.
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental activism and impact on the entertainment industry earned him a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio's impact extended beyond the screen as he was named one of the 100 most influential people globally by Time magazine. He also maintained his position on Forbes' list of highest-paid actors, demonstrating his consistent success.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivered his acceptance speech at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016.
Leonardo DiCaprio joined the People's Climate March in April 2017, expressing his dissent against President Donald Trump's stance on climate change and advocating for stronger environmental policies.
In 2017, in light of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal that implicated Red Granite Pictures, the production company behind "The Wolf of Wall Street," Leonardo DiCaprio surrendered gifts he had received from individuals connected to the company to the US government.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Toni Garrn briefly rekindled their romance in 2017.
Responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, Leonardo DiCaprio, through his foundation, donated $1 million to support relief efforts in 2017.
In 2017, Alissa Wilkinson of Vox praised DiCaprio's "boyish charm" and "natural and unaffected" performance in "Titanic".
The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation made a substantial impact in December 2018 by donating $100 million to support global efforts in combating climate change. This significant contribution underscored the foundation's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its effects.
By 2018, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation had made significant strides in environmental conservation, funding over 200 projects and providing $100 million in support for a sustainable future.
In 2018, DiCaprio served as a producer for the psychological horror film "Delirium" and the action-adventure film "Robin Hood," the latter of which faced commercial disappointment.
In 2018, Entertainment Weekly critics lauded DiCaprio's performance in "Catch Me If You Can" as his best role.
Leonardo DiCaprio's enduring influence in Hollywood was acknowledged by The Hollywood Reporter, as he was included in their list of the 100 most powerful people in entertainment from 2016 to 2019.
After a four-year hiatus from acting, Leonardo DiCaprio returned to the screen in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" in 2019. His performance as Rick Dalton alongside Brad Pitt earned him critical acclaim and award nominations.
By 2019, Leonardo DiCaprio's films had grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide, solidifying his position as a global box office draw.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred alongside Brad Pitt in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" in 2019, a nostalgic love letter to Hollywood.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred alongside Brad Pitt in the 2019 comedy-drama "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," directed by Quentin Tarantino.
In March 2020, Leonardo DiCaprio demonstrated his political support by attending a fundraiser for Joe Biden at the home of Paramount Pictures executive Sherry Lansing.
DiCaprio executive produced the television adaptation of "The Right Stuff," released on Disney+ in 2020. Additionally, he made a brief appearance in the finale of the miniseries "The Last Dance" in May of that year.
In 2020, Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation made a significant donation of $3 million towards relief efforts in response to the devastating bushfires in Australia.
In May 2021, Leonardo DiCaprio demonstrated his commitment to protecting biodiversity by pledging $43 million to fund conservation projects in the Galápagos Islands.
In 2021, DiCaprio starred alongside Jennifer Lawrence in Adam McKay's satirical comedy "Don't Look Up." He actively participated in script revisions, driven by his passion for raising awareness about climate change.
In 2021, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the satirical science fiction black comedy "Don't Look Up," which sparked conversations about climate change and societal responses to impending crises.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Adam McKay's satirical comedy-drama "Don't Look Up" in 2021, which tackled the issue of climate change.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, various media outlets reported Leonardo DiCaprio's significant donation in support of Ukraine, though the exact amount remains unconfirmed.
In 2022, Empire magazine conducted a readers' poll that placed Leonardo DiCaprio among the 50 greatest actors of all time, acknowledging his commitment to challenging and transformative roles.
In 2022, Leonardo DiCaprio was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers' poll conducted by Empire magazine, cementing his legacy in film history.
Leonardo DiCaprio's relationship with American model and actress Camila Morrone, which began around 2017, concluded in 2022.
Since August 2023, Leonardo DiCaprio has been reported to be in a relationship with Italian model Vittoria Ceretti.
DiCaprio starred in Martin Scorsese's crime drama "Killers of the Flower Moon" in 2023, choosing to portray the morally complex Ernest Burkhart. His performance generated significant critical acclaim.
In 2023, Leonardo DiCaprio became involved in a legal case, providing testimony in the trial of Prakazrel Michel, who was accused of involvement in a foreign influence campaign targeting the Obama and Trump administrations.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in "Killers of the Flower Moon," a Western crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, released in 2023.
Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Martin Scorsese's crime drama "Killers of the Flower Moon" in 2023, based on the true story of the Osage Nation murders.