Leonardo DiCaprio is an acclaimed, Oscar-winning actor who basically has his pick of roles. But early in his career, he had to fight for the parts that earned him his reputation as one of the most talented actors in Hollywood.
When director Baz Luhrmann was casting his modern Shakespearean drama, Romeo + Juliet, DiCaprio was already making a name for himself. He had already been nominated for an Oscar (in 1993 for What's Eating Gilbert Grape?) and was building an impressive post-Growing Pains resume. Even so, Luhrmann hadn't heard of the then up-and-coming actor, Vanity Fair reports.
"When I saw Leonardo I thought, God, that's how he should look. But can he act?" the director told iHeart Radio. "Then I found out he was the pre-eminent young actor."
But it wasn't DiCaprio's reputation or resume that got him the coveted part of Romeo in Luhrmann's adaptation. It was his friends and knack for grand gestures.
DiCaprio enlisted several of his famous friends (who, at the time rather infamously included the likes of Tobey Maguire, Lukas Haas, and Kevin Connolly), and filmed a short version of the play. Oh, and as if that weren't enough, he flew to Luhrmann's home in Australia to personally deliver his very creative audition.
"He came down to Australia and he brought all these friends and we made a whole video of the show with other actors," Luhrmann said. "I won't say who, it will never be seen; I realized that I couldn't make it without him."
So basically, it was DiCaprio's triple threat combination of looks, talent, and good old fashioned gumption that landed him the iconic role—and we're glad it did. We couldn't imagine a more perfect '90s Romeo.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Bitten Lips Took Center Stage at Dior Fall 2024 Show
Models at the Dior Fall 2024 show paired bitten lips with bare skin, a beauty trend that will take precedence this season.
By Deena Campbell Published
-
30 Spring Items That Solve My Expensive-Taste-on-a-Humble-Budget Dilemma
See every under-$300 spring item on my wish list.
By Natalie Gray Herder Published
-
Your Makeup Won't Budge With These Setting Sprays
Prepare for 12-hour wear.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
How Timothée Chalamet's "Emotional Intelligence" Will Transform the Character of Willy Wonka
Literally perfect casting.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Adam Sandler Brought His Wife Jackie and Lookalike Daughter Sunny to 'The Out-Laws' Premiere
So cute!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Nicholas Hoult Told Toni Collette He Still Thinks of Her as His Mom When He Watches One of Her Movies
I love this so much.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Alicia Silverstone Would Totally Do a Sequel to The '90s Rom-Com She Starred In Opposite Brendan Fraser
Did you guys know about this movie??
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Grey Spotted Someone Watching 'Dirty Dancing' on a Plane on Valentine's Day
Fact: This is the best thing that's ever happened.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Coolidge Would Definitely Be "On Board" to Film 'Legally Blonde 3'
YES!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Salma Hayek Says Channing Tatum Almost "Killed" Her During a Lap Dance for 'Magic Mike's Last Dance'
LOL, Salma.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston Are Body-Swapping in an Upcoming Comedy, And It Might Be the Best News I've Ever Received
Clearly, I've lived an uneventful life.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published