(CNN Spanish) — Leonardo DiCaprio is never long out of the public spotlight: whether it’s for a new movie, a fiery environmental message or a rumor about his romantic life. His figure has been with us for at least 25 years, when “Titanic” catapulted him to world stardom, something he has intentionally used in favor of his most beloved causes. But his story didn’t start there.
DiCaprio, born in Hollywood in 1974, made his debut at age five on “Ramper Room,” a children’s television show that was followed by commercials and educational tapes as a teenager.
Leonardo DiCaprio in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” the first film for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
At the beginning of the 90s, he appeared in some series on the small screen and debuted in what would be his definitive career, the cinema, with a low-budget horror film called “Critters 3” in 1991. He followed that same path with productions of increasingly high profile until in 1997 came the one that would seal his fame: “Titanic”.
“Titanic”, Leonardo DiCaprio’s catapult
The tragic story of Jack and Rose, played by DiCaprio and Kate Winslet —who turned 22 and 21, respectively, during that shoot— moved audiences worldwide and swept the following Oscar season.
And it turns out that it almost didn’t happen.
A short time ago it became known that the director of the film, James Cameron, almost did not choose Winslet or DiCaprio for the roles.
In his case — who by then had already headlined several films including “Romeo + Juliet” and had earned an Oscar nomination for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” — it was because he initially refused to read part of the script in a try next to Winslet. DiCaprio felt that he no longer had to audition. “Well, thanks for coming,” the director replied, insisting that he should take the test. Reluctantly, the actor relented and the rest is history.
In addition to cementing his place in Hollywood and beyond, the filming of “Titanic” kicked off a friendship he maintains to this day with Winslet, with whom he also shared the screen in 2008’s “Revolutionary Road.”
“We are united for life,” said the actress in 2021, recalling her reunion with DiCaprio after a time without being able to see each other due to border closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.
the fifth is the charm
The films in which DiCaprio has acted since then number in the dozens and there are for all tastes: “Catch Me If You Can” (2002), “Gangs of New York” (2002), “The Aviator” (2004), ” The Departed” (2006), “Blood Diamond” (2006), “Shutter Island” (2010), “Inception” (2010), “Django Unchained” (2012), “The Great Gatsby” (2013), “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), “The Revenant” (2015), “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) and Don’t Look Up” (2021) are among the most prominent.
In addition to being prolific, DiCaprio has been an award-winning star. The great milestone for him in this matter came in 2016, when he won the Oscar for best actor for “The Revenant.”
It was the actor’s fifth nomination: the first was for his supporting role as Johnny Depp’s little brother in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” DiCaprio had subsequently been nominated for playing Howard Hughes in 2005’s “The Aviator,” a diamond smuggler in 2006’s “Blood Diamond,” and a crooked stockbroker in Martin’s “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Scorsese, released in 2013.
His extensive list of honors also includes three Golden Globes and a BAFTA award.
To his prolific acting career we must add another of similar stature as a producer. Shorts, movies, TV series, documentaries: DiCaprio has participated in these tasks in all kinds of productions from 2004 onwards.
A reserved private life
DiCaprio is not distinguished, precisely, for being open in regards to his private life: his social networks are dedicated to his environmental fight and he does not usually give interviews.
His first high-profile partner was supermodel Giselle Bundchen, and he was also in a relationship with Bar Refaeli and Camila Morrone, among others.
Leonardo DiCaprio along with Giselle Bundchen arrive at the 2005 Oscars in Hollywood. (Credit: Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Although he does not speak publicly on the subject, he has repeatedly been at the center of public conversations about the age of his partners.
