Leonardo DiCaprio needs no introduction. As one of the most beloved actors in the world, his good looks and charm captivated audiences when he starred in Titanic, making everyone swoon. Jack’s role catapulted him to Hollywood stardom, but in his impressive 30-year career, he has appeared in only 29 films.
This surprising fact, considering his fame, piqued our curiosity. We couldn’t resist delving deeper into his life to uncover more intriguing details about this iconic actor. Join us as we explore some surprising facts about Leonardo DiCaprio that you might not know.
#1 He was named after the Renaissance genius, Leonardo da Vinci.
While Leo’s mother was pregnant with him, she felt his first kicks while gazing at a painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
His parents viewed this moment as a significant sign, believing it to be a special connection. Inspired by this experience, they decided to name their son Leonardo, honoring the Renaissance genius whose artwork had sparked that memorable moment.:
#2 His name caused some difficulties in landing roles.
Despite the touching origins of his name, Leonardo DiCaprio faced significant challenges early in his career because of it.
During the 1980s, he went through 100 auditions without landing a single role, which nearly led him to quit acting altogether. One agent even suggested he change his “foreign-sounding” name to something more American to appeal to U.S. audiences.
Thankfully, Leo chose not to follow that advice and didn’t give up. His perseverance paid off, and he eventually secured a variety of iconic roles that have made him one of the most renowned actors in Hollywood.
#3 Leonardo DiCaprio has been struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder all his life.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by repetitive actions used to manage obsessive thoughts.
Leonardo DiCaprio, who has OCD, strives to prevent the disorder from controlling his life.
He battles urges to walk through doorways multiple times and resists the compulsion to step on every chewing gum stain on the sidewalk, demonstrating his determination to manage his condition.
#4 In 2009, Leo bought an island with the intention of creating an environment-friendly resort.
Leonardo DiCaprio invested an impressive $1.75 million in a visionary plan to create a resort that would be entirely self-sustaining, featuring 36 villas powered exclusively by natural energy.
Despite his ambitious vision, the project faced several construction delays.
However, after overcoming these challenges, building permits were finally issued, allowing the eco-friendly resort to move forward.
#5 Leo adopted, from a distance, a South African girl while he was in the country filming the movie, Blood Diamond.
Although Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t bring her to live with him in Los Angeles, he provides financial support by sending checks to her and the group home where she currently resides.
#6 He once won an award for being the “worst actor.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Leonardo DiCaprio has garnered numerous accolades, including a surprising Razzie Award. In 1999, he received the Razzie for “Worst Screen Couple” for his portrayal of King Louis in the movie The Man in the Iron Mask.
Despite this less-than-flattering recognition, DiCaprio’s performance in the film remains a notable part of his diverse filmography. The Razzie Award stands out as an interesting contrast to his many achievements, highlighting the varied reception of his work over the years.
#7 Leo rescued his dogs from a frozen lake.
This incident occurred on the set of the movie Don’t Look Up. While filming, Leonardo DiCaprio noticed one of his dogs had fallen into a lake.
Without hesitation, he jumped in to rescue it, only to have his other dog follow him into the water as well. Fortunately, all three of them emerged from the lake safe and sound.
#8 He and Kate Winslet helped pay nursing home fees for the last living Titanic survivor so she wouldn’t have to sell her mementos.
Millvina Dean, the youngest passenger and last living survivor of the Titanic, faced financial difficulties after breaking her hip and had to sell Titanic memorabilia to cover her nursing home fees.
A fund was set up in her honor, with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio generously donating $30,000 to help with her expenses.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet share a deep bond that began on the set of Titanic. Winslet recently shared that DiCaprio feels like “more of a husband” to her than her real husband, reflecting their strong connection.
Their collaboration on Revolutionary Road showcased their incredible chemistry, despite the challenges of filming intimate scenes directed by Winslet’s then-husband, Sam Mendes.
DiCaprio’s rise from early career setbacks to becoming a top actor highlights his resilience. Despite facing rejection, his dedication and grounded nature continue to inspire, demonstrating his commitment to both his craft and his causes.
#9 He and a group of Hollywood men had an entourage that partied through the ’90s.
Despite never having used drugs, Leonardo DiCaprio admitted to being a prominent partygoer in the ’90s.
He was part of a group known as “The Pussy Posse,” which included Hollywood figures like Tobey Maguire, David Blaine, and Harmony Korine. Together, they made headlines for their energetic social scene throughout the decade.
#10 His haircut was banned in certain countries.
Following the massive success of Titanic, “Leo-mania” swept across the globe. His iconic hairstyle even faced backlash in some countries; for example, Afghanistan banned the hairstyle as part of its effort to distance itself from the film’s popularity.
