Received the Golden Raspberry Award and did not allow to change his name: 5 little-known facts about Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio, the iconic Oscar-winning actor, has been captivating audiences with his brilliant performances for more than three decades. SSPDaily shares 5 little-known facts from his life that will definitely surprise you.
Hollywood wanted to change his name
Surprisingly, when Leonardo was just starting his acting career, Hollywood considered his full name "un-American". In an attempt to conform to conventional wisdom, his agent suggested the name "Lenny Williams," but Leo stood his ground and refused to make the change.
Dismissal from television
Before experiencing success, Leonardo faced a series of setbacks. The first time he was fired from his job on television was in the series Romper Room. Apparently, his behavior on the set was perceived as too disruptive.
Television commercial
Leonardo's road to Hollywood fame was not easy. After failures on television in the 1980s, he switched to advertising. Over time, his talent began to be recognized, attracting producers who offered him minor roles in such series as Roseanne (1988) and The New Lassie (1989). The turning point came in 1991 when Leonardo made his film debut in the movie The Critters 3.
Worst Actor Award
Even for such an outstanding person as Leonardo, not every moment was successful. In 2001, to the surprise of many, he received the famous Golden Raspberry Award in the Worst Actor nomination for his role in the critically acclaimed movie The Beach. However, in 2016, Leonardo finally received a well-deserved Oscar.
Attack on the actor
In 2005, during a night out, Leonardo DiCaprio was attacked by model Aretha Wilson, who hit him in the head with a bottle. The actor needed emergency treatment, so he received 17 stitches. Wilson, who mistakenly believed Leo to be her ex-boyfriend, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to the crime.