Trivial Biographies: Leonardo DiCaprio

NAME Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Leonardo DiCaprio is an Academy Award-winning actor and environmental activist renowned for his intense and versatile performances in critically acclaimed films.

BIRTH Leonardo DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Hollywood, California.

FAMILY BACKGROUND DiCaprio’s mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, is a German-born legal secretary. His name was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci after Irmelin felt a sudden kick from her unborn son while admiring a da Vinci painting in Italy. His father, George DiCaprio, is an underground comic artist, as well as a producer and distributor of comic books.

CHILDHOOD As a child, DiCaprio lived in Germany for a brief time and speaks fluent German. His early years in Hollywood exposed him to the entertainment industry, but his childhood wasn’t without challenges. At the age of five, he was removed from the set of the children’s show Romper Room for being disruptive. In one of his earliest public appearances, he participated in a game show where he performed the stunt of catching fish with his teeth.

EDUCATION Leonardo DiCaprio's educational journey was unconventional, reflecting his early passion for acting. During his childhood, he attended several schools, including Seeds Elementary School and the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies. He subsequently enrolled at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, but ultimately dropped out after his junior year. DiCaprio expressed his dislike for the traditional public school system, prioritizing pursuing acting opportunities instead.

Despite not completing high school in the traditional manner, DiCaprio later earned his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). However, his true education stemmed from his early experiences in the entertainment industry. He began appearing in television commercials at the age of 14 and also participated in educational films, providing valuable on-the-job learning experiences.

In a poignant full-circle moment, DiCaprio has recently given back to education. In 2023, he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship fund at the UCLA Lab School, where he himself was once a scholarship recipient. He also created a Climate Justice Education Program at the same school, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

DiCaprio attended the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies and later John Marshall High School but dropped out before graduation to pursue acting full-time. He eventually earned his GED.

CAREER RECORD DiCaprio’s career began with appearances in commercials and educational films. Despite early struggles, including an agent suggesting he adopt the more "American-sounding" name Lenny Williams, he persisted and landed roles in television series such as Growing Pains.

His breakout film role was in This Boy’s Life (1993), followed by critically acclaimed performances in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), Romeo + Juliet (1996), and Titanic (1997), which catapulted him to global stardom. Over the decades, DiCaprio has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished actors in Hollywood, earning multiple awards, including an Oscar for his role in The Revenant (2015).

APPEARANCE Leonardo DiCaprio has evolved from a youthful heartthrob to a mature leading man. He stands at 6'0" with piercing blue eyes and dark brown hair. His physique is athletic, with a build that has fluctuated over the years.

Over time, his appearance has undergone subtle changes. While his youthful features were once described as soft and delicate, he has gained weight and his face has become less defined.

DiCaprio in 2019 by Georges Biard

FASHION In the 1990s, DiCaprio embodied the grunge aesthetic of the era. He was known for his signature mid-length sweepy hair and a casual style that often included baseball caps, ribbed cardigans, workman jackets, and layered t-shirts. On the red carpet, he initially challenged formal codes, opting for unconventional pairings like a tuxedo jacket with a monk-neck shirt. In later years, he embraced classic Hollywood glamour with impeccably tailored tuxedos.

His casual style typically reflects a laid-back Los Angeles cool, often featuring classic blue suits, t-shirts and jeans, and his ever-present baseball caps. Over time, his appearance has undergone subtle changes.

CHARACTER DiCaprio is widely regarded as intelligent, focused, and deeply committed to his craft. He is also known for his wit and passion for environmental activism, founding the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 to address global environmental issues.

SPEAKING VOICE DiCaprio has a smooth, resonant voice that complements his performances. He can switch between accents seamlessly, a skill that has added depth to many of his roles. Fluent in German due to his childhood experiences, he occasionally demonstrates his bilingual abilities in interviews.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Leonardo DiCaprio has a sharp sense of humour, which often translates into memorable moments on screen. One of the most iconic examples of this was his improvised line, "I'm the king of the world!" in James Cameron's Titanic. The line became legendary and remains associated with his career.

RELATIONSHIPS Leonardo DiCaprio's romantic life has been a subject of intense public interest throughout his career. His early relationships include notable figures like model Bridget Hall and supermodel Naomi Campbell. He had a more serious relationship with actress and model Kristen Zang, who was considered by some to be "the love of his life" at the time.

The 2000s saw DiCaprio in high-profile relationships with Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen and Israeli model Bar Refaeli, both of which lasted for several years.

More recently, he has dated a string of models and actresses, including Blake Lively, Erin Heatherton, Toni Garrn, Kelly Rohrbach, Nina Agdal, and Camila Morrone. His relationship with Camila Morrone, which lasted nearly five years, ended shortly before her 25th birthday, leading to much speculation about a pattern in his dating life.

A notable pattern in DiCaprio's dating history is his preference for models and actresses, and there's a well-documented trend of his relationships ending around the time his partners reach 25 years old. Despite numerous long-term relationships, he has never married.

Leonardo DiCaprio has built enduring friendships. He and fellow actor Tobey Maguire have been friends since childhood, a bond that began before their Hollywood fame.

MONEY AND FAME DiCaprio's fame skyrocketed after his role in Titanic, making him one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.

Despite his wealth and fame, DiCaprio has used his platform for significant philanthropic efforts, including donating $1 million to the Wildlife Conservation Society in 2010.

FOOD AND DRINK Leonardo DiCaprio's eating habits reflect a focus on organic and environmentally conscious choices. He favors organic foods, including nuts, seeds, vegetables, and occasionally beef and chicken. While not strictly vegetarian or vegan, he has significantly reduced his red meat consumption, influenced by concerns about the environmental impact of meat production.

DiCaprio has also shown an interest in plant-based alternatives, partnering with companies like Beyond Meat. He enjoys a variety of cuisines, including pasta, pizza, sushi, and seafood, and prefers to eat multiple small meals throughout the day to maintain his energy levels. (1)

DiCaprio's drinking preferences include cocktails, often ordering two at a time – one caffeinated and one alcoholic. Vodka soda is a common choice, and he has also been known to enjoy champagne, particularly from his investment in Champagne Telmont, a sustainable champagne house. (2)

His eating and drinking habits are also influenced by his health and fitness goals. For specific movie roles, he has adhered to strict diets and rigorous workout regimens, often incorporating protein shakes into his diet. He also prioritizes hydration, consuming around three liters of water daily.

DiCaprio's environmental activism significantly influences his dietary choices. He has acknowledged the irony of eating beef while advocating for environmental protection and actively seeks out sustainable food and beverage options. While he enjoys indulging in food and drink, he demonstrates a conscious effort to balance his personal preferences with his health and environmental concerns.

MUSIC AND ARTS DiCaprio has a deep appreciation for the arts and has worked with some of the most celebrated directors and actors in Hollywood. However, his singing voice left much to be desired. He famously auditioned for the role of Christian in Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! but didn't get the part due to his "terrible" singing voice.

DiCaprio is an avid art collector, with a particular focus on contemporary and street art. His collection boasts impressive pieces by renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat.

CINEMA There are actors, and then there are Actors — the kind who make you forget you're watching a performance at all. Leonardo DiCaprio, a man who has been on our screens for over three decades, firmly belongs in the latter camp. His career, peppered with unforgettable performances, is a testament to his knack for reinventing himself and his uncanny ability to pick roles that stay with you long after the credits roll.

DiCaprio’s first taste of showbiz came at the ripe old age of five on the children’s TV show Romper Room. However, this foray into entertainment didn’t end with applause and gold stars; he was promptly removed for being “disruptive.” It’s heartwarming to think that one of Hollywood’s greatest talents began his career as an on-set rascal.

Undeterred, young Leonardo pivoted to commercials and TV shows, including appearances in The New Lassie and Santa Barbara. His big break came with recurring roles on Parenthood and Growing Pains, where his boyish charm began to take root. These early gigs were hardly glamorous, but they set the stage for what would become an extraordinary film career.

Leonardo’s leap to the silver screen came with This Boy’s Life (1993), starring opposite none other than Robert De Niro. This was no small feat; imagine trying to hold your own against De Niro as a teenager.

Then came What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), where DiCaprio delivered a performance so raw and real as Arnie Grape — a young man with developmental disabilities — that audiences were convinced they’d discovered a once-in-a-lifetime talent. The Academy agreed, handing him his first Oscar nomination at just 19.

By the mid-1990s, DiCaprio’s star was firmly on the rise. He became the brooding, modern Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (1996), cementing his appeal as both a heartthrob and a serious actor. Then, in 1997, along came Titanic.

It’s difficult to overstate the cultural phenomenon Titanic became. Girls swooned, boys practiced sketching questionable drawings, and DiCaprio’s boyish charm as Jack Dawson made him an international superstar. Notably, he improvised the now-famous line, “I’m the king of the world!” — a moment that perfectly encapsulates his knack for inhabiting larger-than-life characters.

Rather than coast on his Titanic fame (and really, who could have blamed him?), DiCaprio leaned into challenging, diverse roles. In Catch Me If You Can (2002), he played the slippery, ever-charming conman Frank Abagnale Jr. with an ease that made forgery look downright respectable.

The same year, he began a fruitful collaboration with director Martin Scorsese in Gangs of New York (2002). This partnership would span several films, with DiCaprio morphing into everything from a tycoon (The Aviator) to a troubled cop (The Departed).

For years, DiCaprio was Hollywood’s most famous Oscar bridesmaid, nominated multiple times but always watching someone else take home the golden statuette. Then, in 2016, it finally happened: his portrayal of a fur-trapper-turned-survivor in The Revenant earned him his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor. The speech was as memorable as the win, with DiCaprio using his moment to talk about climate change — a cause close to his heart.

Leonardo isn’t one to rest on his laurels. His performance in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) showed off his comedic chops as a washed-up actor trying to reclaim his former glory. More recently, he starred in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), reuniting with Scorsese yet again in a chilling exploration of greed and murder in 1920s America.

LITERATURE DiCaprio has taken on roles that reflect his interest in complex and literary characters. In 1995, he starred in Total Eclipse, portraying the French poet Arthur Rimbaud opposite David Thewlis as Paul Verlaine. The film not only showcased his acting range but also marked his first on-screen kiss, which happened to be with Thewlis.

NATURE DiCaprio is a staunch advocate for the environment, dedicating much of his time and resources to conservation efforts. His dedication to nature extends beyond advocacy, as he often seeks refuge in natural settings to recharge.

DiCaprio also serves on the boards of several environmental organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

PETS Leonardo DiCaprio is known to be an animal lover, and he has owned several pets over the years. They include:

Jack & Jill: A pair of Husky siblings that DiCaprio and his then-girlfriend Camila Morrone adopted in March 2020 during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple quickly grew attached to the siblings and decided to adopt them as their own. In December 2021, DiCaprio shared a story about rescuing these dogs from a frozen lake.

Django: A French Bulldog that DiCaprio adopted in 2004. Django was known for traveling with the actor and, amusingly, for his flatulence.

Sulcata Tortoise: In September 2010, DiCaprio purchased an African spurred tortoise (also known as a Sulcata tortoise) for $400 at a reptile trade show in California. This species can live up to 100 years in captivity and grow to weigh up to 180 pounds. (3)

Lizard: During the filming of Titanic, DiCaprio reportedly had a pet lizard named Blizzard that he carried around on set. Unfortunately, Blizzard was involved in an accident with a truck but survived and was nursed back to health by DiCaprio

HOBBIES AND SPORTS DiCaprio is passionate about basketball and frequently attends games, particularly for his hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

When he isn’t busy filming, he also enjoys surfing, scuba diving and exploring the world’s oceans, further connecting his hobbies to his love of nature. On one occasion he survived swimming in a cage with a great white shark.

He is also an avid traveler, visiting places with beautiful scenery and interesting cultures. Some of his favorite destinations include the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, and Tanzania.

DiCaprio maintains his fitness by working out at Gold's Gym in Hollywood.

DiCaprio also exhibits interests in sports like cycling.

He has been known to enjoy gambling, particularly poker, and has visited casinos in Las Vegas and Monaco. He also collects action figures and enjoys playing video games.

More recently, DiCaprio has taken up pottery as a hobby, sometimes engaging in this activity with fellow actor Brad Pitt.

SCIENCE AND MATHS DiCaprio's interest in science is evident through his environmental activism. He has produced several documentaries, such as Before the Flood, focusing on the science behind climate change and its global impact. His commitment to spreading awareness about the intersection of science and policy has made him a significant voice in the fight against climate change.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Leonardo DiCaprio has not publicly aligned himself with any particular philosophical or theological beliefs but often incorporates a sense of purpose and morality into his work. His environmental activism reflects a worldview rooted in sustainability and collective responsibility for the planet.

POLITICS DiCaprio is an outspoken advocate for environmental and climate policies. In 2016, he addressed the United Nations to support global climate action and has participated in various climate summits. Despite his significant involvement in advocacy, he avoids public endorsements of political candidates, choosing instead to focus on policy issues.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and DiCaprio at the Our Ocean Conference in 2016

SCANDAL In 2005, DiCaprio was the victim of a shocking assault at a Hollywood party when model Aretha Wilson hit him over the head with a broken bottle, severely injuring his face. Wilson later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Additionally, DiCaprio faced controversy over his association with financier Jho Low, a central figure in the 1MDB scandal. Though DiCaprio returned gifts linked to the scandal, the incident attracted significant media attention.

MILITARY RECORD Leonardo DiCaprio has portrayed military characters on screen, such as his role in Blood Diamond (2006), where he played a mercenary in war-torn Sierra Leone.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS DiCaprio is known for maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle, especially when preparing for physically demanding roles. His dedication to fitness was evident during the filming of The Revenant, where he endured grueling conditions, including extreme cold and physically intense scenes. However, DiCaprio has been candid about enjoying a laid-back lifestyle when he’s off-set.

HOMES DiCaprio owns multiple luxurious properties around the world, including a mansion in the Hollywood Hills, an eco-friendly apartment in New York City, and a private island in Belize that he has transformed into an eco-resort. These homes reflect his love for sustainable architecture and his dedication to environmental conservation.

TRAVEL As a global superstar and environmental activist, DiCaprio travels extensively. His dedication to environmental causes saw him attend the tiger summit in Russia in 2010, overcoming two plane delays to arrive. This earned him praise from Vladimir Putin, who called him a "real man."

DiCaprio has a deep love for nature and adventure. He enjoys exploring pristine, untouched areas of the world, engaging in activities like trekking in rainforests, spending time by the ocean, and even skydiving. He is also an avid scuba diver.

DiCaprio is also known for enjoying lavish vacations on yachts, though he faces occasional criticism for their environmental impact.

DEATH Leonardo DiCaprio has portrayed death in iconic roles, such as Jack Dawson’s tragic demise in Titanic. His commitment to realism often makes these portrayals unforgettable.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA DiCaprio's career spans decades of iconic performances in critically acclaimed films and frequent appearances at environmental events and award ceremonies.