Leonardo DiCaprio's Life in Photos
It was a long road to Oscar glory.
Here's a fun fact: Leonardo DiCaprio has been a working actor for over three decades. But reaching his current A-list status didn't happen overnight. If you need a reminder of his roles over the years—and feel like tussling with us in the comments section—you can head over to our ranking of every single one of his movies.
Now, the actor has a new film in theaters, with Killers of the Flower Moon standing as another triumph for both DiCaprio and his longtime collaborator, Martin Scorsese. That means it's time to look back at the legendary actor's career and personal life over the years—from his days on TV to his breakout role in Titanic to finally winning the Academy Award for Lead Actor in 2016. (For what, you ask? His brawl with a big ol' bear in The Revenant, of course.) Let's dive in.
1975: Baby Leo
Leonardo DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974 in Los Angeles. He was named after the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci, because his mom first felt him kick while looking at one of his paintings.
1975: A Broken Home
DiCaprio's mom and dad divorced when he was only one. He was was primarily raised by his mother, Irmelin Indenbirken.
1978: The Little Brother
The actor's future stepmother, Peggy Anne Farrar, and her son, Adam, moved in with DiCaprio's father when he was just a baby and the pair married in 1995. DiCaprio's stepbrother pursued acting first and was cast in a series of commercials as a child.
1989: A Young Actor
DiCaprio followed in Adam's footsteps and started acting in commercials for brands like Kraft Singles and Bubble Yum in the late '80s before transitioning to television.
1990: His First Show
The young actor snagged his first major role on TV as Garry Buckman on NBC's Parenthood, starring alongside David Arquette (far right). The show only lasted one season.
1991: A New TV Family
His time on Parenthood caught the attention of ABC network execs, which led to DiCaprio being cast as the newest member on the hit sitcom, Growing Pains.
1992: Celebrity Status
By 1992, DiCaprio was television's bright new star. Here, he's pictured competing in MTV's Rock 'n Jock basketball tournament, alongside Joey Lawrence from Blossom and Ian Ziering from 90210.
1993: Back-to-Back Films
In 1993, the actor made his first appearance in a movie in This Boy's Life, which costarred Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin.
1993: A Major Movie
In 1993, he filmed What's Eating Gilbert Grape alongside Johnny Depp. He earned his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the role. Here he's with his mom at the premiere.
1993: A Rising Star
With two hit movies and an Oscar nomination in one year, the actor was poised to become the next big thing in Hollywood.
1994: His First Girlfriend
DiCaprio's first public relationship was with Victoria's Secret model Bridget Hall. The two were first linked in 1994.
1994: An Entourage
The actor has been part of a group of famous friends for years. Even though Mark Wahlberg's HBO show Entourage is loosely based on his own time as a young star, it's been said that DiCaprio also served as an inspiration for the main character.
1994: The Best Date
DiCaprio's mom has long served as his date to premieres and award shows, and the 1994 Golden Globes were no exception. The actor earned his first nomination for his role in What's Eating Gilbert Grape and Indenbirken showed her support on the red carpet.
1994: The Academy Awards
Even though 1994 was DiCaprio's first time at the Academy Awards, he's since returned many times throughout his career.
1995: Back on Set
The actor followed his initial success in movies with the lead role in The Quick and the Dead in 1995.
1995: Filming 'Total Eclipse'
Another fringe film he starred in was the 1995 movie Total Eclipse in which he played Arthur Rimbaud.
1995: Another Big Premiere
DiCaprio arrives at the premiere of The Basketball Diaries, his third film, which released in 1995.
1995: A Relationship Rumor
Over the years, DiCaprio has been linked to some of fashion's most famous models. including Naomi Campbell in the mid-'90s. The two never confirmed a romantic status, but they remain friends today.
1995: Friends First
The actor has been friends with David Blaine and Lukas Haas for decades. Here, the group is seen together early on in their friendship.
1996: Starring as Romeo
DiCaprio was cast to play Romeo in the modern day adaption of Romeo and Juliet in 1996. His costar, Claire Danes, was another buzzy up-and-coming actor in Hollywood at the time.
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