Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born to George and Irmalin DiCaprio on November 11, 1974 in Los Angeles, California. His parents chose the name Leonardo while on their honeymoon in Italy. Irmalin had felt a swift kick from her unborn son while admiring a painting by Leonardo DaVinci. Although his parents had been together since the 1960's, Their marriage only lasted a few short years. They remained friends and would often share family outings.

Leonardo showed a talent for entertaining at a very young age and by five, he was cast in the TV series "Romper Room." Unfortunately, his uncontrollable behavior got him booted off the set. At the age of fourteen, he landed an agent and began his struggle to the top. He took part in over 30 commercials and found parts in educational films and on TV series ("The Outsiders," "Rosanne," "Parenthood"). He was finally cast in a regular role at the age of sixteen. It was on the popular TV show "Growing Pains," which lasted for a year.

Leo's 1st big break came when he was eighteen. He was cast in "This Boy's Life" where he played the lead role of Tobias Wolff. He gained instant recognition as a young talented actor and was subsequently cast in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" alongside Johnny Depp. Leo gave a superb performance as the mentally retarded boy, not meant to live through childhood. He earned his first Oscar nomination for the role.

With his new found fame, he was able to choose his roles rather than hunt them. He chose to be cast with Sharon Stone in low budget film "The Quick and The Dead" rather than Robin in the outrageously inflated "Batman Forever." In his choice was the fact that remains with his choices today. He chooses his films for content, not box office commercialism.

He gained paramount attention for his role in "Titanic," in which he starred opposite Kate Winslet. The movie was a worldwide blockbuster and renewed the mysteries and fascination with the sunken vessel.

Looking at all the contrasting roles Leo has portrayed over the years shows his vast capability of playing a wide variety of roles and his unique talents. He knows how to bring emotion and reality to his characters, and has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.