by Leonardo DiCaprio is a famous actor, producer, and director. He is best known for his performance in the critically acclaimed film The Wolf of Wall Street as well as for playing Jack Dawson in Titanic. He is also the founder of Appian Way Productions which was created to produce films, television shows, and commercials that are focused on environmental awareness.
Born November 11th, 1974, Leonardo’s real name is Leandro-Leonardo Robert DiCaprio. Born in Los Angeles to a father who was an entrepreneur and a mother who worked at American Airlines, he began acting at age 10 after his mother’s colleague took him to an acting class that she taught at her children’s school where he met Rick Van Ness who later became his acting coach.
About Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is a 42-year-old actor, producer, and director. He was born in Los Angeles to a father who was an entrepreneur and a mother who worked at American Airlines. In 1996 at age 18, he became a household name as the star of The Basketball Diaries after filming his first starring role in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? His breakout performance came when he played Jack Dawson in Titanic. After that studio executives began bidding against each other to get Leonardo to star in their films. He is currently 32nd on the list of highest-grossing actors of all time and has made more than $6 billion on screen.
Life of DiCaprio
His birth
Leonardo DiCaprio was born as Leandro-Leonardo DiCaprio. He is an actor, producer, and director who was born on November 11th, 1974. His full name is Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio. His father was a businessperson and his mother worked at American Airlines.
Leonardo’s family
DiCaprio’s mother was the only member of her family to survive the Holocaust after escaping from Germany following Adolf Hitler’s takeover of Austria, to 1939 when she arrived in America with her mother, little sister, and grandmother. His father is German and his mother is Italy American.
His education
DiCaprio is a graduate of the prestigious Troy High School and later attended the University Of Michigan to study Mechanical Engineering. However, after failing to meet his hiring goals there, he switched majors and eventually dropped out to pursue his acting career.
DiCaprio’s love life
He met his long-time girlfriend at the time, Kelly Rohrbach while they were both attending the University Of Michigan to study mechanical engineering. They managed to keep their relationship a secret until 2014 when they became engaged and later married in 2017.
His personal life
Leonardo has been involved in numerous environmental causes, like getting the government to ban commercial whaling and stopping the deforestation planning in Brazil. In 2007, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace and it is believed that he will be made a UN Ambassador due to his efforts in saving endangered species. He also owns an organization named the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation which was created for the purpose of protecting wildlife and preserving Earth’s ecological balance through conservation.
DiCaprio’s career
DiCaprio first started acting when his mother enrolled him in an acting class at her son’s elementary school when she discovered that he had an interest in performing after watching The Wizard Of Oz. He began acting in plays at the age of 7 and at the age of 10, he began his career as a child model.
In 1996, DiCaprio shot to fame in his first leading role in the film titled The Basketball Diaries after starring as James Leo Butters Jr. In 1997, he shot to fame when he starred as Jack Dawson in the blockbuster Titanic. He did not appear on camera that much until 2004 when he starred as Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese’s biographical film Shutter Island.
1991–1996: Early work and breakthrough
In 1991, DiCaprio starred in the show Parenthood opposite Melora Walters. He also played a supporting role in the film Critters 3 with Dee Wallace and future girlfriend Kelly Rohrbach. On September 25, 1993, he appeared on The Cosby Show in the episode “A Class Divided” as a high school student whose father is accused of racism.
In 1994, DiCaprio played Roger in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape alongside Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis. The movie was directed by Lasse Hallström and was nominated for an Academy Award for its screenplay by Peter Hedges.
On November 27, 1994, he played a supporting role in the short film “The Beach” along with his future wife Diane Kruger.
On July 7, 1996, DiCaprio appeared in the first of the documentary series for The Learning Channel titled “Portraits of Passion” as a young boy who liked to play football.
In 1997, he starred in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo Dicaprio.
1997–2001: Titanic and worldwide recognition
DiCaprio’s star power increased with roles in the box office hit Titanic, which was shot from 1997 to 1998 and released in theaters on December 19, 1997. DiCaprio portrayed the character of Jack Dawson, a struggling, young artist who uses his talent and determination to travel to the top of his profession. Collaborating once more with director James Cameron, DiCaprio described his role as being “a love story on the deep ocean.” The movie became one of the highest-grossing films of all time; it won 11 Academy Awards (tied for most with Ben-Hur) including Best Picture and 3 Golden Globes awards.
In 1999, he starred in the psychological thriller What’s Eating Gilbert Grape alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo Dicaprio.
2001–2006: The Departed and Inception
2001 was a big year for DiCaprio as he began shooting his next project, the crime drama The Departed. This was the first time he collaborated with Martin Scorsese – in fact, it was their fourth collaboration together and it would be their last.
The film was released in theaters on December 21, 2002, and became a huge success. DiCaprio received many nominations for his role in the film, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
On November 5, 2004, DiCaprio starred in the title role of the film based on Jordan Belfort’s autobiography The Wolf of Wall Street. The movie was directed by Martin Scorsese and co-starred Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey.
It was released on November 15, 2013, to mostly positive reviews from critics. And was a commercial hit. To rave reviews from critics. But still drew the ire of some moviegoers because of its violent drama. Leading to an MPAA rating of R which is only given to movies that are considered unsuitable for young children.
2007–2009: Venture into film production
On May 5, 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the film Catch Me If You Can alongside Tom Hanks. DiCaprio played a young boy. Who uses his talent and determination. To become a professional con artist by inventing new scams and working with his best friend. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg. And releasing on December 25, 2002, in the United States on Christmas Day.
The following year, he produced the film Blood Diamond starring Djimon Hounsou. And his girlfriend at the time Gisele Bündchen as well as Invictus starring Morgan Freeman.
2010–2013: Films with high-profile directors
In 2010, he produced two films; the crime drama Revolutionary Road alongside Kate Winslet and Emily Blunt, followed by The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The following year, 2011 brought his biggest film project yet on the screen – Inception directed by Christopher Nolan. However, it release on July 16, 2010, to mostly positive reviews from critics. The film was nominate for 9 Academy Awards and won all of them.
It was also nominate for a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay Motion Picture. And a BAFTA award for Best Production Design – Motion Picture.
In 2012, he appeared in Django Unchained with Jamie Foxx. The film was release in cinemas on December 25, 2012. However, positive reviews from critics and was a huge commercial success. The movie received four Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Picture.
In 2013, DiCaprio collaborated with director Martin Scorsese for the third time in The Wolf of Wall Street; they both starred along with Jonah Hill. The movie is based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort released in 2007. And was release on December 25, 2013, to mostly positive reviews from critics.
The movie won top honors at the 2014 Golden Globe awards including Leonardo DiCaprio. Therefore, for his performance as a stockbroker who gets involve in corruption and fraud.
2014–present: Focus on environmental documentaries and awards success
In 2014, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the film The Revenant alongside Tom Hardy and directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Therefore, it was release on December 25, 2015, to positive reviews from critics and was a great commercial success. The movie received 12 nominations at the 88th Academy Awards winning three awards. Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio), Best Director, and Best Cinematography.
DiCaprio also received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor (but lost to Bryan Cranston for his role in Trumbo).
In 2016, he was nominate again for an Oscar in the same category. But this time he won it – beating five other contestants.
Awards and Honor
DiCaprio has won three Golden Globe Awards and a BAFTA Award. He has also been nominate for three Academy Awards. And nine Golden Globes, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Satellite Awards.
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