Full Name: Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio
Date of Birth: November 11, 1974
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality: American
Early Life
Leonardo DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1974. His father, George DiCaprio, was a comic book artist and writer, and his mother, Irmelin, worked as a legal secretary. Leonardo’s parents separated when he was just a year old, so he grew up mostly with his mother. Despite their modest income, she always supported his love for acting.
Leonardo got his first name because his pregnant mother felt him kick while looking at a painting by Leonardo da Vinci in Italy. From a young age, he loved performing and making people laugh. He would often act out characters and tell stories at family gatherings.
Growing up in Los Angeles, he saw both the glamour of Hollywood and the struggles of life in tough neighborhoods. These early experiences shaped his determination to succeed.
Leonardo DiCaprio First Steps in Acting
Leonardo’s career began with TV commercials and educational shows in the late 1980s. He soon landed guest roles in popular TV series like Growing Pains and Parenthood. His first film role came in Critters 3 (1991), a small horror-comedy that didn’t gain much attention.
Things changed in 1993 when he starred alongside Robert De Niro in This Boy’s Life. The same year, he gave an unforgettable performance in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, playing a boy with a developmental disability. At just 19 years old, Leonardo earned his first Oscar nomination for this role.
Rising to Fame
In the mid-1990s, Leonardo became a teen heartthrob with roles in Romeo + Juliet (1996) and The Basketball Diaries (1995). But his career truly skyrocketed in 1997 when he played Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s Titanic.
The love story between Jack and Rose captured hearts worldwide, and Titanic became the highest-grossing movie of all time at the time. Leonardo became an international superstar almost overnight.
Proving Himself as a Serious Actor
After Titanic, Leonardo could have chosen easy romantic roles, but he decided to challenge himself. He worked with famous directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Christopher Nolan.
Some of his most famous movies include:
- Catch Me If You Can (2002)
- Gangs of New York (2002)
- The Aviator (2004)
- Blood Diamond (2006)
- The Departed (2006)
- Inception (2010)
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- The Revenant (2015)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
His dedication to his roles earned him many awards. In 2016, he finally won his first Academy Award (Oscar) for his performance in The Revenant.
Environmental Activism
Leonardo is not just a movie star; he is also a passionate environmental activist. In 1998, he started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to support projects that protect wildlife, oceans, and forests.
He speaks at United Nations meetings, funds conservation projects around the world, and produces documentaries like Before the Flood (2016) to raise awareness about climate change.
Leonardo DiCaprio Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Leonardo DiCaprio’s net worth is estimated to be between $260 million and $300 million. He earns around $20 million per movie and also makes money from investments, endorsements, and his production company, Appian Way Productions.
Leonardo owns luxurious homes in Los Angeles and New York, as well as a private island in Belize, which he plans to turn into an eco-friendly resort.
Leonardo DiCaprio Awards and Recognition
Leonardo has won:
- 1 Academy Award (Oscar)
- 3 Golden Globe Awards
- A BAFTA Award
- Dozens of other honors from critics and film festivals
He is also known for being one of the most respected and bankable stars in Hollywood.
Personal Life
Leonardo has never been married but is known for his long list of relationships with high-profile models and actresses. He keeps his personal life private, focusing instead on his work and activism.
He enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with friends on his yacht when he’s not filming.
Leonardo DiCaprio Fun Facts
- Leonardo was almost cast as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars.
- He was once offered the role of Spider-Man but turned it down.
- He is named after Leonardo da Vinci.
- He is known for avoiding technology—he doesn’t use social media much.
Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Environmentalist |
| Net Worth | $260M – $300M |
| Famous Movies | Titanic, Inception, The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street |
| Awards | 1 Oscar, 3 Golden Globes |
| Notable Cause | Environmental protection |
Leonardo DiCaprio is more than just a Hollywood star; he’s a cultural icon. From his teenage roles to becoming an Oscar-winning actor and global environmentalist, he has inspired millions.
His journey proves that talent, hard work, and passion can take you to the top of the world—while still making a difference.