The Quadrangle

Issue date: 2/23/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

It seems as if American audiences have seen actor Leonardo DiCaprio grow up before their very eyes. America was first acquainted with his piercing blue eyes and charming smile in 1991, when he became a cast member on the successful sitcom Growing Pains. Fourteen years and a voice change later, DiCaprio has transformed from teen heartthrob to one of the most talented young actors in the film industry. Thus, it is not surprising that at the mere age of thirty, his phenomenal talent, charisma, and work ethic have earned him The Santa Barbara Film Festival's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leonardo DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, and was named after the great Leonardo DaVinci. He began acting professionally in 1990, at the age of fourteen, landing small television and film roles until his breakthrough performance in 1993's This Boy's Life also starring Robert De Niro. It was the dark, tragic story of one boys' struggle to find solace and comfort in a life full of abuse and torment.

Leonardo DiCaprio also showcased a heartbreaking and gripping performance he was cast in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. It was this film in which DiCaprio showed both audiences and critics alike that he was a promising actor with amazing range and versatility. What's Eating Gilbert Grape earned him an Oscar nomination as well as a Golden Globe nomination, which is an amazing and impressive fest at such a young age. An Oscar nomination is enough in itself to suggest that an actor has hit his peak, but for DiCaprio the best was yet to come.

In 1997, DiCaprio starred in a little film some might remember entitled, Titanic. Titanic surprised the world by becoming the most successful box office movie in film history as it grossed more than one billion dollars world-wide, and had the longest cinematic release ever charted, totaling 281 days. Although DiCaprio was not nominated for the Oscar that year, it did not damper his skyrocketing god-like status as his ubiquitous face was pinned up on every teen magazine available. Teenage girls were swooning all around the world for the third-class Titanic passenger, but even they could not save some of DiCaprio's films that were released after the mighty Titanic. The ultimate question on everyone's minds was: Could Leonardo DiCaprio get past his newly stigmatized heartthrob status and once again earn the respect of his colleagues? Many doubted him, but once again, just when everyone thought he had hit his highest, he does one better.

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