Leonardo DiCaprio has been in the spotlight for over three decades. It’s hard to believe we’re not privy to every aspect of his life.
He’s among the most highly-paid actors, with a net worth of $260 million. He’s an exceptionally talented film star and a well-known environmentalist.
However, the Academy Award winner also has some interesting information about himself that only some people know about.
To learn more about the exciting experiences the actor from Hollywood has had throughout his life, read this list of the top twenty Leonardo DiCaprio facts below…
1. A DaVinci Painting inspired his Name
You can call it cliché; however, this story concerning Leo is still incredible! Leo’s parents were on wedding honeymoons in Florence, and on their trip to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, little Leo kicked his first time in front of his expecting mother, gazing at the DaVinci painting. His father interpreted this as a sign his son should be named “Leonardo.” That makes complete sense…
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2. Hollywood rejected 2…But his Name
That’s right! His full Name, Leo Williams, was considered “un-American” in Hollywood when the actor began his career. The agent for the actor suggested the change of his initials to “Lenny Williams’ in the hope of sounding “more American,” but Leo refused.
3. Leo Attended an Experimental Progressive School
As a youngster, Leo briefly attended an experimental progressive school. This brief period led him to want to pursue acting in his teen years, and shortly after, he quit to pursue his desires at a theater center.
“His time at the school, away from the public school system and his gritty neighborhood, made him want to retreat into acting as a teen,” was reported by The Guardian. As reported by The Independent, “He would beg his mother to take him to auditions because he hated attending public school.”
4. He was fired by the TV Show he was working in. First TV Job
If you’re unhappy with your work, here’s a small reminder that the best individuals must fail to succeed. That’s right! Leo was dismissed from his first TV gig! The actor was reportedly disruptive when filming a show called Romper Room.
5. Leo Started his Career in TV Commercials
Are you wondering about the way Leo was able to enter the realm of Hollywood? After his failure on TV, Leo made his way into Hollywood through his appearance in a variety of commercials for television during the 1980s. His first commercial was for a child’s car and a tracker.
The young actor began “attracting the attention of producers, who cast him in small roles in several television series, such as Roseanne (1988) and The New Lassie (1989)”. In 1991, Leonardo first appeared in a film with Critters 3 and eventually landed his first significant role for the television show Growing Pains.
6. He Once Got the Award for ‘Worst Actor
This bit of trivia is sure to be a huge surprise! Despite being a gifted and Oscar-winning actor, Leo was awarded the Golden Raspberry Award for ‘Worst Actor in 2001’ for his performance on The Beach, a widely criticized movie.
The guy cannot keep his cool when it comes down to worthy prizes! It took him more than 20 years to win the much-deserved Oscar in 2016.
7. Leo Has a Terrible Singing Voice
Although Leonardo’s acting talents are impressive, his singing could be better. However, that has yet to prevent him from going out of his familiar zone and singing for many films like his most recent box-office smash, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. “Well, thank god I wasn’t hired for my voice for this movie,” Leo said to Entertainment Weekly.
Bonus fact? Leo was initially scheduled to play in Moulin Rouge. However, Leo and the director discovered that his sound was “pretty atrocious,” costing the film the lead role.
8. Kate Winslet Flashed Him While Filming ‘Titanic.’
It’s hard not to admire Leo and Kate Winslet’s relationship! To help Leo feel more relaxed and ready for their intimate scenes during Titanic, Kate flashes him when they are on the film’s set for the first time so that nothing would be left to the imagination. This is the reason for Jack and Rose’s chemistry that is undeniable…
9. A Woman Was in Prison Because of Him
And it’s right! After a night out in 2005, the model Aretha Wilson smashed the head of Leonardo with a bottle which led to emergency treatment and an astounding 17 stitches. Later, the model was sentenced to two years after pleading guilty to the charge. She believed Leo was her former boyfriend. Wowza!
10.He’s an Environmentalist and Philanthropist
Leonardo always contributes to good causes. Through the years, Leonardo has given computer equipment to the Loz Felipe community, where his childhood home was constructed and donated $1 million to the Wildfire Conversation.
But it’s not the only thing. If you’ve followed Leonardo’s social media channels, you’d have seen his enthusiasm for the environment and climate change. Leo founded his foundation called the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which is “dedicated to securing a sustainable future for our planet,” and has produced two web-based short films (Water Planet and Global Warning) about environmental concerns.
