Leonardo DiCaprio Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1974 |
| Age | 51 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1989-present |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Spouse | Not married |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | ~$300 million |
| Known For | Captivating performances, collaborations with Martin Scorsese, climate advocacy |
Early Life & Background
DiCaprio grew up in East Hollywood, raised by his mother Irmelin, a German-born legal secretary, after his parents separated. He appeared in commercials before landing TV roles on Growing Pains and Parenthood. His breakout came with This Boy's Life (1993) opposite Robert De Niro, followed by his Oscar-nominated turn in What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993).
Career Journey
Titanic Fame & Artistic Choices
James Cameron's Titanic (1997) made DiCaprio a global heartthrob. Rather than lean into romantic leads, he chose challenging projects such as Catch Me If You Can, Gangs of New York, and The Aviator. His longstanding partnership with director Martin Scorsese yielded acclaimed films like The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
Awards & Oscar Win
DiCaprio won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for Alejandro G. Inarritu's The Revenant (2015). He has earned seven Oscar nominations across acting and producing, showcasing range in thrillers (Inception), biopics (J. Edgar), and satire (Don't Look Up).
Producing & Activism
Through Appian Way Productions, DiCaprio develops films and documentaries including The Ides of March, Cowspiracy, and Apple TV+'s The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. He co-founded Earth Alliance, funds wildlife conservation grants, and serves as a UN Messenger of Peace for climate change.
Recent Work
DiCaprio starred in Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and is producing the Hulu limited series adaptation of The Devil in the White City. In 2026 he reunites with Scorsese for The Wagers, a maritime revenge epic, and hosts a NatGeo docuseries on climate solutions.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | What's Eating Gilbert Grape | Arnie Grape | First Oscar nomination |
| 1997 | Titanic | Jack Dawson | Global phenomenon |
| 2002 | Catch Me If You Can | Frank Abagnale Jr. | Spielberg collaboration |
| 2006 | The Departed | Billy Costigan | Scorsese thriller |
| 2010 | Inception | Dom Cobb | Nolan sci-fi |
| 2013 | The Wolf of Wall Street | Jordan Belfort | Golden Globe win |
| 2015 | The Revenant | Hugh Glass | Won Best Actor |
| 2021 | Don't Look Up | Dr. Randall Mindy | Netflix satirical hit |
| 2023 | Killers of the Flower Moon | Ernest Burkhart | Historical drama |
| 2026 | The Wagers | Capt. Charles Seacrest | In production |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | What's Eating Gilbert Grape | Nominated |
| 2005 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Drama | The Aviator | Won |
| 2014 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical/Comedy | The Wolf of Wall Street | Won |
| 2016 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | The Revenant | Won |
| 2024 | BAFTA Awards | Best Actor | Killers of the Flower Moon | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$300 million (2026)
Income stems from film salaries, backend deals (notably Titanic, Inception, Don't Look Up), Appian Way producing fees, property investments in Malibu and Manhattan, and eco-friendly ventures like Beyond Meat and Kingo Energy. His art collection includes works by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Personal Life
DiCaprio keeps relationships private and is often photographed advocating for ocean conservation. He enjoys freediving, surfing, and supporting Los Angeles Lakers games. DiCaprio allegedly turned down roles like American Psycho to avoid glamorizing violence.
Philanthropy & Activism
The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (now part of Earth Alliance) has granted over $100 million to rewilding, indigenous rights, and climate research. He produced documentaries Before the Flood, Ice on Fire, and And We Go Green to amplify environmental messaging. DiCaprio frequently meets world leaders at UN summits.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @leonardodicaprio focuses almost exclusively on climate news, sharing scientific studies, petitions, and philanthropic initiatives.
Lesser-Known Facts
- DiCaprio was named after Leonardo da Vinci because he kicked inside his mother's womb while she viewed the artist's painting.
- He owns an eco-resort on Belize's Blackadore Caye powered by renewable energy.
- DiCaprio is a founding investor in Formula E electric racing series.
- He and Tobey Maguire belong to the "Wolf Pack" of childhood friends who still play basketball together.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
DiCaprio is filming The Wagers with Scorsese for Apple TV+/Paramount, producing the climate documentary Tipping Point, and expanding Earth Alliance's Amazon rainforest initiatives. He will keynote the 2026 COP summit to unveil new conservation financing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Leonardo DiCaprio?
Leonardo DiCaprio is an American actor and producer known for critically acclaimed films and outspoken climate activism.
What is Leonardo DiCaprio most famous for?
He is most famous for roles in Titanic, Inception, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Revenant, as well as his partnership with director Martin Scorsese.
Is Leonardo DiCaprio active on social media?
Yes. DiCaprio's Instagram focuses on environmental issues, fundraising campaigns, and conservation victories rather than personal life.