Leonardo Dicaprio

Biography

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. Raised by his mother in a multicultural neighborhood, he showed an early interest in acting, influenced by his creative parents. From humble beginnings in commercials and television, DiCaprio would go on to become one of the most acclaimed and bankable actors in Hollywood.

He attended the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies and later focused on pursuing acting full-time, driven by a passion for emotionally resonant storytelling and complex characters.

Career

Early Work

DiCaprio’s career began with commercials and television appearances in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His early roles on shows like Growing Pains helped him break into the mainstream. However, it was his performance in a drama about a mentally challenged boy in the early '90s that earned him widespread critical acclaim and his first major acting nominations.

Rise to Stardom

The late 1990s saw DiCaprio explode into global superstardom with a romantic epic that became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. His role as the free-spirited Jack Dawson turned him into an international icon and a symbol of youthful rebellion and romantic idealism.

Rather than capitalizing solely on his newfound heartthrob status, DiCaprio chose to diversify his portfolio. He began working with auteur filmmakers and selecting roles that challenged both himself and his audience.

Filmography

Here is a selection of Leonardo DiCaprio’s most notable film and television works:

Feature Films

This Boy’s Life (1993) – As Toby, opposite Robert De Niro.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) – Critically acclaimed role as Arnie Grape.

The Basketball Diaries (1995) – Portrayed real-life poet and addict Jim Carroll.

Romeo + Juliet (1996) – Modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic.

Titanic (1997) – Jack Dawson, the role that made him a global superstar.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) – Dual roles as King Louis XIV and his twin.

The Beach (2000) – Adventure drama set in Thailand.

Gangs of New York (2002) – First collaboration with Martin Scorsese.

Catch Me If You Can (2002) – As con artist Frank Abagnale Jr.

The Aviator (2004) – Biopic of Howard Hughes; earned an Oscar nomination.

The Departed (2006) – Undercover cop in a crime thriller.

Blood Diamond (2006) – As a diamond smuggler in war-torn Sierra Leone.

Body of Lies (2008) – CIA thriller.

Revolutionary Road (2008) – Reunited with Titanic co-star Kate Winslet.

Shutter Island (2010) – Psychological thriller.

Inception (2010) – Sci-fi heist thriller exploring dreams within dreams.

J. Edgar (2011) – Biographical drama about FBI founder J. Edgar Hoover.

Django Unchained (2012) – Villainous plantation owner.

The Great Gatsby (2013) – As Jay Gatsby in the lavish adaptation.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – High-energy biopic of Jordan Belfort.

The Revenant (2015) – Survival epic; earned his first Academy Award for Best Actor.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Aging TV actor in 1960s Los Angeles.

Don’t Look Up (2021) – Satirical take on climate crisis and media.

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) – True crime epic set in 1920s Oklahoma.

Television and Documentaries

Growing Pains (1991–1992) – Regular role in final season.

The 11th Hour (2007) – Environmental documentary (narrator and producer).

Ice on Fire (2019) – Climate change documentary (producer/narrator).

Before the Flood (2016) – Global climate change doc (producer/star).

Legacy and Impact

Leonardo DiCaprio is more than just a film star—he’s a symbol of artistic integrity and social responsibility. With a career marked by careful choices, bold performances, and a commitment to global change, he has redefined what it means to be a modern Hollywood icon. He stands as a bridge between celebrity and conscience, using his influence to shape not only cinema but the world at large.