Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most celebrated actors of all time, and his new movie, “One Battle After Another,” has debuted with strong reviews. Recently, in an interview on the “New Heights” podcast, he revealed that he was told to change his name early in his career.
The beloved actor said, “I finally got an agent. They said, ‘Your name is too ethnic.'” He continued, “I go, ‘What do you mean? It’s Leonardo DiCaprio.’ They go, ‘No, too ethnic. They’re never gonna hire you. Your new name is Lenny Williams.'”
DiCaprio then shared that he was 12 or 13 years old when the agent gave him the advice. He also stated that the “Williams” suggestion came from his middle name, which is Wilhelm. Regarding his dad’s reaction to the suggestion, DeCaprio recalled him saying, ‘Over my dead body.'”
DiCaprio Also Recalled His Life as a Child Actor
During the New Heights interview, DiCaprio recalled that it took him some time to find work as an actor. He said, “I remember auditioning when I was very young. I was like a child actor.”
He continued, “My stepbrother was an actor, and there were these acting agents that would line you up like cattle. I was a break dancer. I’d break dance for, like, money on the streets sometimes. Oh, yeah. I had the step haircut.”
DiCaprio also discussed the setbacks he faced as a break dancer. He explained, “I remember saying to my dad, ‘This is horrible.’ I went back, and they did it again. ‘Yes. Yes. No. No.'”
Luckily, he had his dad, George DiCaprio, to reassure him that his time in the spotlight would eventually come. Of course, his career as an actor blossomed in the 1990s, and he’s now an Oscar winner.
He’s Now Making a Choice to Slow Down in Hollywood
DiCaprio is currently promoting “One Battle After Another,” which arrives in movie theatres on September 26. However, he recently spoke to PEOPLE and admitted that he’s started to slow down when it comes to accepting acting roles.
He shared, “I’m slowing down a bit.” As to why he accepted the role in “One Battle,” DiCaprio stated, “When these opportunities come up, I mean, I can’t say no.” He also spoke about working with director Paul Thomas Anderson and why this was the right time.
According to him, “I think anytime would’ve been the right time, to be honest. Ever since I met Paul early on and I saw Boogie Nights, I’ve been an obsessive fan of his work, watched all his movies.”
