Leonardo DiCaprio has been one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars for decades, but his road to success wasn’t free of obstacles—or bad advice. On a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, Leonardo DiCaprio revealed that his very first agent told him his name was “too ethnic” and insisted he rebrand as “Lenny Williams.”
“I finally got an agent and they said, ‘Your name is too ethnic,’” Leonardo DiCaprio recalled. “They go, ‘They’re never going to hire you. Your new name is Lenny Williams.’”
The actor said the agent even went as far as creating a headshot under the new name. But when Leonardo DiCaprio’s father saw it, he tore it up. “Over my dead body,” he told his son.
Benicio del Toro Related to the Experience
Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t alone in facing such industry prejudice. His One Battle After Another co-star Benicio del Toro chimed in, joking that he too was nearly rechristened as “Benny Del.” Both actors laughed off the absurdity, but it highlighted the pressure young performers once faced to “Americanize” themselves to fit Hollywood’s mold.
Career Lessons and Influences
Reflecting further, Leonardo DiCaprio spoke about lessons that shaped his craft. He remembered director Michael Caton-Jones’ advice while filming This Boy’s Life with Robert De Niro at just 16 years old: “Watch De Niro. Pain is temporary, film is forever.” The line stuck with him throughout his career.
Asked about his cinematic inspirations, Leonardo DiCaprio listed East of Eden, Taxi Driver and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Benicio del Toro, meanwhile, named Papillon and On the Waterfront.
When quizzed on swapping roles, Leonardo DiCaprio chose del Toro’s Sicario, calling it “badass,” while del Toro said he’d happily step into The Wolf of Wall Street.
‘One Battle After Another’ Hits Theaters
The conversation came as Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro promoted Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, One Battle After Another, which has already earned glowing reviews ahead of its theatrical release this Friday.
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FAQs
Q1: What name did Leonardo DiCaprio’s agent want him to use?
Leonardo DiCaprio’s first agent suggested he change his name to “Lenny Williams,” claiming his real name was “too ethnic.”
Q2: What advice shaped Leonardo DiCaprio’s acting career?
While filming This Boy’s Life, director Michael Caton-Jones told Leonardo DiCaprio, “Pain is temporary, film is forever.”
Q3: What is Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest movie?
Leonardo DiCaprio stars alongside Benicio del Toro in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which opens in theaters this week.
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