Leonardo DiCaprio, born on November 11, 1974, is one of the most acclaimed and bankable actors of his generation. Known for his roles in biographical and period films, he has received numerous prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. With over $7.2 billion in worldwide box office earnings as of 2019, DiCaprio consistently ranks among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
DiCaprio began his career in the late 1980s with television commercials, followed by a recurring role in the sitcom Parenthood (1990–1991). His breakout film role came in This Boy’s Life (1993), where he played author Tobias Wolff. His performance in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) as a developmentally disabled boy earned him widespread critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination.
International fame arrived with his starring role in Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Titanic (1997), the latter becoming the highest-grossing film in the world at the time. After the success of Titanic, DiCaprio took a more selective approach to his roles, seeking to avoid being typecast as a romantic hero. His career took a new direction with diverse roles in films such as Catch Me If You Can (2002), Gangs of New York (2002), and several successful collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, including The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), and Blood Diamond (2006).
Over the years, DiCaprio continued to take on complex roles in various genres, earning critical acclaim for his performances in Revolutionary Road (2008), Inception (2010), Django Unchained (2012), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). He won his long-awaited Academy Award for Best Actor for his harrowing performance in The Revenant (2015). His subsequent work in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) further cemented his place as a leading figure in modern cinema.
Beyond acting, DiCaprio is a passionate environmental activist. He founded Appian Way Productions, which produces many of his films, and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, dedicated to environmental causes. He has been named a United Nations Messenger of Peace and is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his advocacy for climate change awareness. In 2005, he was named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters for his contributions to the arts.
Recognized as one of the greatest actors of all time, DiCaprio’s career continues to be marked by his dedication to meaningful roles and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.