Leonardo DiCaprio Biography begins with his birth in Los Angeles on November 11, 1974. He grew up in a creative family and started acting young. His story shows growth from TV roles to major films and activism.
Early Life and Background in Leonardo DiCaprio Biography
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. He is the only child of Irmelin Indenbirken and George DiCaprio. His parents divorced when he was one year old.
His mother worked as a legal secretary. His father was an underground comix artist. DiCaprio has Italian, German, and Russian ancestry.
He grew up in neighborhoods like Echo Park. Life was modest with exposure to art and culture. DiCaprio attended Catholic church as a child.
At a young age, he showed interest in performing. He appeared in a children’s show but was let go for behavior. This period shaped his drive for acting.
DiCaprio faced bullying in school. He preferred nature and animals. His name came from a da Vinci painting his mother saw while pregnant.
Education Details in Leonardo DiCaprio Biography
DiCaprio attended Seeds Elementary School in Los Angeles. He later went to John Marshall High School. He disliked traditional school settings.
He studied at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies. This magnet school focused on arts and sciences. DiCaprio dropped out in his junior year.
He earned a GED later. Education came more from on-set experiences. He learned from directors and co-stars.
DiCaprio has said school was not for him. He focused on auditions instead. This choice led to early career success.
Career Beginnings and Growth
DiCaprio started in TV commercials at age 14. He appeared in ads for Matchbox cars and Bubble Yum. His first TV role was in The New Lassie in 1989.
He had a recurring part in Parenthood in 1990. This led to Growing Pains in 1991. He played a homeless boy named Luke.
His film debut was Critters 3 in 1991. It was a low-budget horror movie. DiCaprio called it a bad experience.
In 1993, he starred in This Boy’s Life with Robert De Niro. The role showed his talent. It marked his shift to serious acting.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape came next in 1993. He played a mentally challenged brother. This earned his first Oscar nomination at age 19.
Major Film Roles in Leonardo DiCaprio Biography
Romeo + Juliet in 1996 boosted his fame. He played Romeo opposite Claire Danes. The modern take was a hit.
Titanic in 1997 made him a star. As Jack Dawson, he starred with Kate Winslet. The film grossed over $2 billion.
The Man in the Iron Mask followed in 1998. He played dual roles as king and twin. It was a commercial success.
Catch Me If You Can in 2002 showed his range. He portrayed con artist Frank Abagnale. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Inception in 2010 was a sci-fi thriller. As Dom Cobb, he led a dream heist. Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Django Unchained in 2012 had him as a villain. Quentin Tarantino directed. He earned a Golden Globe nomination.
The Great Gatsby in 2013 featured him as Jay Gatsby. Baz Luhrmann directed. It won awards for design.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019 starred him as Rick Dalton. Tarantino directed again. He got an Oscar nomination.
Don’t Look Up in 2021 was a satire. He played an astronomer. The Netflix film addressed climate issues.
One Battle After Another in 2025 was his latest. He played Bob Ferguson. It earned him TIME’s Entertainer of the Year.
Collaborations and Productions
DiCaprio worked with Martin Scorsese often. Their first was Gangs of New York in 2002. He played Amsterdam Vallon.
The Aviator in 2004 had him as Howard Hughes. He won a Golden Globe. Nominated for an Oscar.
The Departed in 2006 was a crime drama. He played an undercover cop. The film won Best Picture.
Shutter Island in 2010 was a thriller. He starred as a marshal. It was a box office hit.
The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013 showed him as Jordan Belfort. He produced it too. Golden Globe win.
Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023 was historical. He played Ernest Burkhart. Oscar nomination.
He founded Appian Way Productions in 2004. It produced films like The Revenant. Also documentaries on environment.
Upcoming is What Happens at Night with Scorsese. He stars with Jennifer Lawrence. Filming starts in 2026.
Achievements and Awards
DiCaprio won an Academy Award for The Revenant in 2015. Best Actor for Hugh Glass role. It was his first win after five nominations.
He has three Golden Globe Awards. For The Aviator, The Departed, and The Revenant. Multiple nominations.
One BAFTA Award for The Revenant. Best Leading Actor. Other nominations over years.
Screen Actors Guild Award for The Revenant. Outstanding Performance. Ensemble nods too.
Silver Bear for Romeo + Juliet in 1997. Best Actor at Berlin Festival.
AACTA Award for The Great Gatsby in 2013. Best International Lead Actor.
Time 100 most influential people in 2016. For acting and activism.
Forbes highest-paid actor lists. Earnings reached $77 million in 2011.
Personal Life in Leonardo DiCaprio Biography
DiCaprio has never married. He dated Gisele Bündchen from 1999 to 2005. Then Bar Refaeli from 2005 to 2011.
Brief relationships with Blake Lively in 2011. Erin Heatherton in 2011-2012. Toni Garrn in 2013-2014.
He dated Camila Morrone from 2017 to 2022. Since 2023, with Vittoria Ceretti.
He owns homes in Los Angeles and New York. Also in Belize and Palm Springs. Values privacy.
Height is 6 feet (183 cm). Net worth estimated at $300 million in 2025.
He is agnostic. Focuses on environmental causes. Avoids public spotlight often.
In 2019, rescued a man from drowning. In 2005, injured by a model at a party.
In 2025, attended Art Basel in Miami. Keeps low profile.
Philanthropy and Activism
DiCaprio founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998. It supports environmental projects. Donated over $100 million by 2018.
He gave $1 million for Haiti earthquake in 2010. $3 million for Australia fires in 2020. $10 million for Ukraine in 2022.
Supports wildlife conservation. $43 million for Galápagos in 2021. Works with WWF and IFAW.
Produced documentaries like The 11th Hour in 2007. Before the Flood in 2016. Ice on Fire in 2019.
UN Messenger of Peace since 2014. For climate change. Spoke at UN summits.
Divested from fossil fuels in 2015. Criticized palm oil in 2016. Opposed pipelines.
Met Pope Francis in 2016 on environment. Endorsed politicians for green policies.
In 2025, continued foundation work. No new major donations noted.
Legacy and Influence
DiCaprio influenced acting with complex roles. Known for biographical films. Films grossed over $7 billion.
His activism raised climate awareness. Foundation impacted global projects. Inspired young activists.
Avoided superhero roles. Chose independent films. Mentored new talent.
As of December 2025, plans more films. Legacy includes Oscar win and environmental honors.
Influenced peers like Jonah Hill. Praised by directors like Scorsese.
Summary
Leonardo DiCaprio Biography traces his path from young actor to award winner and activist. Born in 1974, he rose with Titanic and won an Oscar for The Revenant. His work in films and environment endures as of December 2025.
FAQ
When was Leonardo DiCaprio born?
Leonardo DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California.
What is Leonardo DiCaprio’s height?
Leonardo DiCaprio stands at 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
What is Leonardo DiCaprio’s net worth?
As of 2025, Leonardo DiCaprio’s net worth is estimated at $300 million.
Where did Leonardo DiCaprio go to school?
He attended Seeds Elementary School and John Marshall High School but dropped out and earned a GED.
What was Leonardo DiCaprio’s breakthrough film?
Titanic in 1997 was his breakthrough, grossing over $2 billion worldwide.
How many Oscars has Leonardo DiCaprio won?
He won one Academy Award for Best Actor in The Revenant in 2015.
Who has Leonardo DiCaprio dated?
He has dated Gisele Bündchen, Bar Refaeli, Camila Morrone, and currently Vittoria Ceretti.
What is Leonardo DiCaprio known for besides acting?
He is known for environmental activism through his foundation and UN role.
What recent film did Leonardo DiCaprio star in 2025?
He starred in One Battle After Another, earning TIME’s Entertainer of the Year.
What upcoming projects does Leonardo DiCaprio have?
Upcoming include What Happens at Night with Martin Scorsese and Heat 2.
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