Early Life and Education

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California, to Irmelin Indenbirken, a legal secretary, and George DiCaprio, an underground comix writer and distributor. His parents, both of German descent, named him after the artist Leonardo da Vinci after his mother felt him kick while viewing a da Vinci painting in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. DiCaprio's parents divorced when he was one year old, and he was primarily raised by his mother in various Los Angeles neighborhoods. He attended the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies and later John Marshall High School but eventually dropped out, earning his General Educational Development (GED) certificate later.

Career

Early Roles and Breakthrough (1989–1996)

DiCaprio began his career in the late 1980s, appearing in television commercials and educational programs. His first significant role was in the television series "Parenthood" (1990–1991), followed by a recurring role in "Growing Pains" (1991–1992). He made his film debut in "Critters 3" (1991) and gained critical acclaim for his performance in "This Boy's Life" (1993). His portrayal of a developmentally disabled boy in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. DiCaprio achieved international fame with leading roles in "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) and "Titanic" (1997), the latter becoming the highest-grossing film at the time.

Continued Success and Collaborations (2002–2010)

In 2002, DiCaprio starred in "Catch Me If You Can" and began a longstanding collaboration with director Martin Scorsese in "Gangs of New York." This partnership continued with "The Aviator" (2004), "The Departed" (2006), and "Shutter Island" (2010). His performance in "The Aviator" earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. DiCaprio also starred in "Blood Diamond" (2006) and "Revolutionary Road" (2008), receiving critical acclaim for both roles.

Recent Work and Accolades (2010–2023)

DiCaprio's role in "Inception" (2010) was both a critical and commercial success. He reunited with Scorsese for "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), earning another Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. In 2015, he starred in "The Revenant," winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. He continued to take on diverse roles in films such as "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019) and "Don't Look Up" (2021). In 2023, DiCaprio starred in "Killers of the Flower Moon," marking his sixth collaboration with Scorsese.

Environmental Activism

Beyond acting, DiCaprio is a dedicated environmental activist. He established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, focusing on global warming, biodiversity, and renewable energy. He has produced environmental documentaries, including "The 11th Hour" (2007) and "Before the Flood" (2016). In 2014, he was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace for climate change.

Personal Life

DiCaprio is known for his private personal life. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and is an advocate for environmental causes. Despite his fame, he maintains a low profile regarding his relationships and personal affairs.

Filmography and Awards

DiCaprio's films have grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide. He has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for "The Revenant," three Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award. His collaborations with directors like Martin Scorsese have been particularly noteworthy, contributing significantly to his critical acclaim and commercial success.

Legacy

Leonardo DiCaprio is regarded as one of the most influential actors of his generation. His commitment to diverse roles, environmental activism, and collaborations with esteemed directors have solidified his status in the film industry. His work continues to inspire both audiences and fellow actors alike.