History of Leonardo DiCaprio in Timeline
Leonardo DiCaprio is a highly acclaimed American actor and film producer recognized for his roles in biographical and period films. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. His films have collectively grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide as of 2019, establishing him as one of the highest-paid actors globally.
1961: 'Revolutionary Road' novel released
In 1961, Richard Yates released his novel called 'Revolutionary Road'.
November 11, 1974: Leonardo DiCaprio's Birth
On November 11, 1974, Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born. He would later become a famous American actor and film producer.
1989: Parenthood series
In 1989 the Parenthood comedy film released, based on which Leonardo Dicaprio appeared in the series Parenthood in 1990.
1989: Role in The New Lassie
In 1989, Leonardo DiCaprio played the role of Glen in two episodes of the television show The New Lassie, marking an early role in his acting career.
1990: Acting Regularly on Television
By the early 1990s, Leonardo DiCaprio began acting regularly on television, starting with a role in the pilot of The Outsiders in 1990 and one episode of the soap opera Santa Barbara.
1990: Recurring Role in Parenthood and The Outsiders
In 1990, Leonardo DiCaprio had a recurring role in the sitcom Parenthood and appeared in The Outsiders. These roles marked early milestones in his television career.
1991: Recurring Role in Parenthood
From 1990 to 1991, Leonardo DiCaprio played Garry Buckman in Parenthood, a series based on the 1989 comedy film of the same name.
1991: Film Debut in Critters 3 and Role in Growing Pains
In 1991, Leonardo DiCaprio made his film debut in Critters 3 and became a recurring cast member on the sitcom Growing Pains, marking early stages in his acting career.
1992: Role in This Boy's Life
In 1992, Leonardo DiCaprio had a role in the first installment of the Poison Ivy film series and co-starred with Robert De Niro in This Boy's Life, marking a significant step in his career.
1993: First Major Film Role and Academy Award Nomination
In 1993, Leonardo DiCaprio had his first major film role in This Boy's Life and received critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination for What's Eating Gilbert Grape, marking a significant breakthrough in his career.
1993: Role in What's Eating Gilbert Grape
In 1993, Leonardo DiCaprio played the developmentally disabled brother in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, earning critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination.
1995: Stars in Total Eclipse
In 1995, DiCaprio starred in "Total Eclipse", directed by Agnieszka Holland. Holland noted that DiCaprio was one of the most mature actors she had worked with and praised his courageous role choices.
1995: Roles in The Quick and the Dead, The Basketball Diaries, and Total Eclipse
In 1995, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in The Quick and the Dead, The Basketball Diaries, and Total Eclipse, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
1996: 'The Beach' Novel Release
In 1996, Alex Garland's novel "The Beach" was released, which Leonardo DiCaprio adapted into a movie in 2000.
1996: International Stardom with Romeo + Juliet
In 1996, Leonardo DiCaprio achieved international stardom with the release of Romeo + Juliet, establishing him as a prominent figure in the film industry.
1996: Romeo + Juliet and Marvin's Room
In 1996, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Romeo + Juliet and Marvin's Room, earning a Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival for Romeo + Juliet.
1996: Starred in Romeo + Juliet
In 1996, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Romeo + Juliet, one of his most critically and commercially successful films.
1997: No Similarities between 'Revolutionary Road' and 'Titanic'
In 1997, Kate Winslet found little in common between the script of 'Revolutionary Road' and the blockbuster 'Titanic'.
1997: Starred in Titanic
In 1997, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Titanic, one of his most critically and commercially successful films.
1997: Titanic's Release
In 1997, Titanic was released, becoming the highest-grossing film in the world at the time and solidifying Leonardo DiCaprio's status as a global superstar.
1997: Silver Bear for Best Actor
Leonardo Dicaprio was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Actor in 1997 at the Berlin International Film Festival, for his role in Romeo + Juliet.
1997: International Stardom with Titanic
Since achieving international stardom with "Titanic" in 1997, Leonardo DiCaprio has expressed feeling nervous about starring in big-budget studio films due to the hype and marketing campaigns.
1998: Donated to Los Feliz Library
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio and his mother donated $35,000 for a "Leonardo DiCaprio Computer Center" at a library in Los Feliz.
1998: Featured Role in 'Celebrity' and 'The Man in the Iron Mask'
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio appeared in Woody Allen's 'Celebrity' and played dual roles in 'The Man in the Iron Mask' as King Louis XIV and Philippe. Despite mixed reviews for the latter, DiCaprio's performance was generally praised.
1998: Established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting environmental awareness.
1998: Sued Playgirl Magazine
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio sued Playgirl magazine over plans to publish a nude picture of him.
1998: Cast in 'American Psycho', then leaves
In 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio was cast in 'American Psycho' but left due to disagreements with the director.
1998: Article in New York Magazine
In 1998, New York Magazine published an article criticizing DiCaprio and his group, "the Pussy Posse", for their reckless behavior. The article painted them as chasing girls and not tipping waitresses.
1999: Met Gisele Bündchen
In 1999, Leonardo DiCaprio met Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen, whom he dated until 2005.
1999: Won Worst Screen Couple
In 1999, Leonardo DiCaprio won a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple for his dual role in "The Man in the Iron Mask".
2000: Stars in The Beach
In 2000, DiCaprio starred in the film "The Beach", which, though not as successful as his other ventures, demonstrated his willingness to work with established directors on unconventional projects.
2000: Chaired National Earth Day Celebration
In 2000, Leonardo DiCaprio chaired the national Earth Day celebration where he interviewed Bill Clinton about global warming and the environment.
2000: DiCaprio Reflects on Titanic Phenomenon
In 2000, Leonardo DiCaprio reflected on the "Titanic phenomenon" and his experiences with global popularity, expressing his desire to pursue roles based on his own preferences.
2001: 'Don's Plum' Premieres
In 2001, 'Don's Plum', a film Leonardo DiCaprio acted in, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival after DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire attempted to block its release.
2002: Roles in Catch Me If You Can and Gangs of New York
In 2002, Leonardo DiCaprio sought roles in other genres, including Catch Me If You Can and Gangs of New York, the latter marking his first collaboration with Martin Scorsese.
2002: Stars in 'Catch Me If You Can'
In 2002, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in 'Catch Me If You Can', receiving critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
2002: Stars in 'Gangs of New York'
In 2002, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Martin Scorsese's 'Gangs of New York', marking his transition to more mature roles. The film received positive critical response.
2003: 'Shutter Island' Novel Release
In 2003, Dennis Lehane released the 'Shutter Island' novel.
2004: Founds Appian Way Productions and Stars in 'The Aviator'
In 2004, Leonardo DiCaprio founded Appian Way Productions and starred in 'The Aviator', earning a Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nomination.
2004: Acclaim for The Aviator
In 2004, Leonardo DiCaprio garnered acclaim for his performance in the biopic The Aviator, adding to his reputation as a versatile actor.
2005: Began dating Bar Refaeli
From 2005 to 2011, Leonardo DiCaprio was romantically involved with Israeli model Bar Refaeli.
2005: Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
In 2005, Leonardo DiCaprio was made a commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture for his contributions to the arts.
2005: Assaulted at Hollywood Party
In 2005, Leonardo DiCaprio's face was severely injured when model Aretha Wilson hit him over the head with a broken bottle at a Hollywood party, requiring seventeen stitches.
2006: Stars in 'The Departed' and 'Blood Diamond'
In 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in 'The Departed' and 'Blood Diamond', gaining critical acclaim for his performances.
2006: Roles in Blood Diamond and The Departed
In 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the political thriller Blood Diamond and the crime drama The Departed, further solidifying his status as a leading actor.
2007: Interest in Shutter Island
In 2007, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese became interested in working on 'Shutter Island'.
2007: Presented at Live Earth
In 2007, Leonardo DiCaprio presented at the American leg of Live Earth.
2007: Produces 'Gardener of Eden' and 'The 11th Hour'
In 2007, Leonardo DiCaprio produced 'Gardener of Eden' and co-wrote and narrated 'The 11th Hour', a documentary on the environment.
2008: Production of Greensburg Documentary Series
From 2008 to 2010, Appian Way Productions, founded by Leonardo DiCaprio, produced the documentary series Greensburg, highlighting his involvement in environmental awareness through film.
2008: 'Farragut North' play
In 2008, Beau Willimon's play 'Farragut North' was released.
2008: Labeled as "Hollywood's Most Iconic Screen Couple"
In 2008, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were labeled "Hollywood's most iconic screen couple" since Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
2008: Stars in 'Revolutionary Road'
In 2008, Leonardo DiCaprio starred alongside Kate Winslet in 'Revolutionary Road', earning a Golden Globe nomination.
2008: Stars in 'Body of Lies' and Produces 'Greensburg'
In 2008, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in 'Body of Lies' and produced 'Greensburg', a show about rebuilding a town sustainably.
2008: Included on Forbes' List of Highest-Paid Actors
In 2008, Leonardo DiCaprio was included on Forbes' annual list of the world's highest-paid actors with earnings of $45 million.
2008: Inspired by the Financial Crisis
In 2008, the financial crisis inspired Leonardo DiCaprio to make "The Wolf of Wall Street". He was motivated by the events to explore themes of greed and corruption in the financial industry.
May 2009: Raised money for Millvina Dean
In May 2009, Leonardo DiCaprio joined Kate Winslet, director James Cameron and Canadian singer Celine Dion, in a campaign to raise money to financially support the fees of the nursing home where Millvina Dean, a survivor of the RMS Titanic, was residing. DiCaprio and Winslet donated $20,000 to support Dean.
2009: Bought Blackadore Caye
In 2009, Leonardo DiCaprio bought an island, Blackadore Caye, off mainland Belize—on which he is set to open an environment-friendly resort.
2009: Produces 'Orphan'
In 2009, Leonardo DiCaprio produced the psychological horror thriller 'Orphan'.
2010: Production of Greensburg Documentary Series
From 2008 to 2010, Appian Way Productions, founded by Leonardo DiCaprio, produced the documentary series Greensburg, highlighting his involvement in environmental awareness through film.
2010: Aretha Wilson Sentenced
In 2010, Aretha Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting Leonardo DiCaprio in 2005.
2010: Donated to Haiti relief
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio donated $1 million to relief efforts in Haiti after the earthquake.
2010: Stars in 'Shutter Island'
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in 'Shutter Island', receiving praise for his emotionally complex performance.
2010: Starred in Shutter Island and Inception
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Shutter Island and Inception, both being among his most critically and commercially successful films.
2010: Starring in Inception
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the successful action thriller Inception, adding to his list of high-profile projects.
2010: Included on Forbes' List of Highest-Paid Actors
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio was included on Forbes' annual list of the world's highest-paid actors with earnings of $28 million.
2010: 'Greensburg' ends
In 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio's produced 'Greensburg' ran for three seasons.
2011: Joined Animal Legal Defense Fund's campaign to release Tony.
In 2011, Leonardo DiCaprio joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund's campaign to release Tony, a tiger that had spent the last decade at a truck stop in Grosse Tête, Louisiana.
2011: Stars in 'J. Edgar' and Produces 'Red Riding Hood' and 'The Ides of March'
In 2011, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in 'J. Edgar' and produced 'Red Riding Hood' and 'The Ides of March'.
2011: Included on Forbes' List of Highest-Paid Actors
In 2011, Leonardo DiCaprio was included on Forbes' annual list of the world's highest-paid actors, topping the list with earnings of $77 million.
2011: Ended Relationship with Bar Refaeli
Leonardo DiCaprio's relationship with Israeli model Bar Refaeli ended in 2011.
2012: Starred in Django Unchained
In 2012, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Django Unchained, one of his most critically and commercially successful films.
January 2013: DiCaprio Takes a Break from Acting to Focus on Environmental Work
In January 2013, DiCaprio announced he would take a long break from acting to focus on environmental work and travel the world. He expressed a desire to contribute positively to the environment.
2013: Began dating Toni Garrn
From 2013 to 2014 and later in 2017, Leonardo DiCaprio dated German fashion model Toni Garrn.
2013: National Board of Review Spotlight Award
In 2013, DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese were awarded the National Board of Review (Spotlight Award) for their collaborations, highlighting the career-defining nature of their partnership.
2013: Donated to GLAAD
In 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio donated $61,000 to the gay rights group GLAAD.
2013: Organized "11th Hour" Benefit Auction
In 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio organized a benefit fine art auction, "11th Hour", which raised nearly $38.8 million for his foundation.
2013: Starred in The Great Gatsby and The Wolf of Wall Street
In 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in The Great Gatsby and The Wolf of Wall Street, both being among his most critically and commercially successful films.
2013: Starring in The Wolf of Wall Street
In 2013, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the biopic The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese.
April 2014: Virunga Premieres at Tribeca Film Festival
In April 2014, the documentary film "Virunga", for which DiCaprio was an executive producer, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film focuses on the conservation of mountain gorillas.
September 2014: Designated UN Messenger of Peace
In September 2014, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon designated Leonardo DiCaprio as a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a focus on climate change, and he addressed the UN Climate Summit later that month.
2014: Relationship with Toni Garrn ended
From 2013 to 2014 and later in 2017, Leonardo DiCaprio dated German fashion model Toni Garrn. The year 2014 marks the end of the relationship for the first time.
2014: Purchased Dinah Shore Residence
In 2014, Leonardo DiCaprio purchased the original Dinah Shore residence designed by architect Donald Wexler in Palm Springs, California.
2015: Stars in The Revenant
In 2015, DiCaprio starred as Hugh Glass in "The Revenant", a role that required him to endure harsh conditions, including eating raw bison liver and sleeping in animal carcasses. He also learned survival skills for the role.
2015: Nomination for Primetime Emmy Award
In 2015, DiCaprio was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special for his work as an executive producer on "Virunga". This nomination recognized his contribution to the film's success and impact.
2015: Announced Intention to Divest from Fossil Fuels
In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio announced his intention to divest from fossil fuels.
2015: Academy Award Win for The Revenant
In 2015, Leonardo DiCaprio won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the survival drama The Revenant, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2015: Titanic Called DiCaprio's Best Role
In a 2015 Rolling Stone article, Ebiri called Leonardo DiCaprio's role in Titanic his best, highlighting the genuine emotion he and Kate Winslet brought to the film.
April 2016: Spoke at the UN Prior to Paris Climate Agreement Signing
In April 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio spoke at the UN prior to the signing of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
July 2016: Donated to Protect Wildlife and Native Americans
In July 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation donated $15.6 million to help protect wildlife and the rights of Native Americans, along with mitigating climate change.
2016: Executive Producer for Documentaries
In 2016, DiCaprio served as an executive producer for "The Ivory Game" and "Catching the Sun", and produced, hosted, and narrated "Before the Flood", a documentary about climate change, showing his continued involvement in environmental issues.
2016: Donated to Children of Armenia Fund
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio donated $65,000 to the annual fundraising gala for the Children of Armenia Fund.
2016: Endorsed Hillary Clinton for President
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio endorsed Hillary Clinton for the presidential election.
2016: Linked with Rihanna
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio was briefly romantically linked with Barbadian singer Rihanna, with the pair attending Coachella together.
2016: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio was featured in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world, acknowledging his significant impact and influence.
April 2017: Protested Trump's Climate Change Inaction
In April 2017, Leonardo DiCaprio protested against President Donald Trump's inaction on climate change by attending the People's Climate March.
2017: Dated Toni Garrn again
From 2013 to 2014 and later in 2017, Leonardo DiCaprio dated German fashion model Toni Garrn.
2017: Vox Contributor Notes DiCaprio's Charm in Titanic
In 2017, a Vox contributor noted Leonardo DiCaprio's "boyish charm" and found his performance in Titanic "natural and unaffected."
2017: Supported Hurricane Harvey Relief
In 2017, supporting Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, Leonardo DiCaprio provided $1 million through his foundation.
2017: Turned Over Gifts from Red Granite Pictures
In 2017, when The Wolf of Wall Street producer Red Granite Pictures was involved in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal, Leonardo DiCaprio turned over the gifts he received from business associates at the production company to the US government.
December 2018: DiCaprio foundation donates to fight climate change.
In December 2018, The DiCaprio foundation donated $100 million to fight climate change.
2018: Foundation Funded Over 200 Projects
By 2018, Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation had funded more than 200 projects, providing $100 million in support.
2018: Production Ventures
In 2018, DiCaprio produced the psychological horror film "Delirium" and the action-adventure film "Robin Hood", though the latter was commercially unsuccessful. These ventures highlighted his continued interest in film production.
2018: 'Catch Me If You Can' Deemed DiCaprio's Best Role
In 2018, Entertainment Weekly critics called Leonardo DiCaprio's role in 'Catch Me If You Can' his best.
2019: Film Grosses Reach $7.2 Billion
As of 2019, Leonardo DiCaprio's films have grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide, marking a significant milestone in his career.
2019: Listed as One of the 100 Most Powerful People in Entertainment
From 2016 to 2019, The Hollywood Reporter listed Leonardo DiCaprio as one of the 100 most powerful people in entertainment; the entry for 2019 is included here.
2019: Starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
In 2019, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, one of his most critically and commercially successful films.
March 2020: Attended Fundraiser for Joe Biden
In March 2020, Leonardo DiCaprio attended a fundraiser for Joe Biden at the home of Paramount Pictures executive Sherry Lansing.
2020: Executive Producer for The Right Stuff
In 2020, DiCaprio served as an executive producer for "The Right Stuff", a television series adaptation of the 1973 book, which was released on Disney+. This project continued his involvement in television production.
2020: Donated to Australia Bushfire Relief
In 2020, Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation donated $3 million to Australia bushfire relief efforts.
May 2021: Pledged to enact conservation operations across the Galápagos Islands.
In May 2021, Leonardo DiCaprio pledged $43 million to enact conservation operations across the Galápagos Islands.
2021: Appears in Don't Look Up
In 2021, DiCaprio starred in Adam McKay's satirical comedy "Don't Look Up", playing an astronomer trying to warn humanity about an extinction-level comet. He saw the film as an analogy of the world's indifference to the climate crisis.
2022: Donation to Support Ukraine
Amidst the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the media announced Leonardo DiCaprio donated $10 million to support Ukraine.
2022: Voted One of the Greatest Actors of All Time
In 2022, DiCaprio was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers' poll by Empire magazine. The magazine praised his dedication to embodying his characters fully.
2022: Voted One of Empire's 50 Greatest Actors
In 2022, Leonardo DiCaprio was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers' poll by Empire, solidifying his legacy in the film industry.
2022: Relationship with Camila Morrone ended
Leonardo DiCaprio was in a relationship with American model and actress Camila Morrone from 2017 until 2022.
August 2023: Began dating Vittoria Ceretti
Since August 2023, Leonardo DiCaprio has been dating Italian model Vittoria Ceretti.
2023: Stars in Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, DiCaprio starred in Martin Scorsese's crime drama "Killers of the Flower Moon", playing the role of Ernest Burkhart. DiCaprio insisted on playing this role, leading to script rewrites. His performance was highly praised.
2023: Testified in trial against Prakazrel Michel
In 2023, Leonardo DiCaprio testified during the trial against Prakazrel Michel, who is being accused of participating in a foreign influence campaign.
October 2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris for President
In October 2024, Leonardo DiCaprio formally endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for president, citing her policies on climate change mitigation, while criticizing her Republican opponent Donald Trump.
