An agent once forced a young DiCaprio to get a stage name

One of the finest actors ever to grace the silver screen, Leonardo DiCaprio needs no introduction. Known for playing versatile roles that range from thrillers to comedies, DiCaprio enjoys a global fan base who are aware of the most minute details about the actor with Italian roots. Therefore, finding lesser-known facts about DiCaprio is a tough cookie for writers like us.

However, we did come across one fact that was recently made public by the actor himself, and it may not be widely known. Therefore, as the actor turns 51 this November, let us enlighten you with this story from Leo’s life that pertains to his stage name.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape & This Boy’s Life

Leonardo DiCaprio was around 19 when he starred in two epic films that catapulted him to stardom overnight. His representation of a mentally disabled boy on the verge of turning 18 in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was one of the finest acting performances by a newcomer. In fact, at that juncture, many were convinced that DiCaprio was genuinely disabled.

(Credit- HT)

On the other hand, in This Boy’s Life, his portrayal of a son living under the boots of his ab*sive father also earned him brownie points, and he became “the” Leonardo DiCaprio of Hollywood.

However, six or seven years prior to these films, he was compelled to adopt a stage name.

Lenny Williams

A stage moniker is a tradition in Hollywood; therefore, when DiCaprio was around 12 or 13 years old, he got himself an agent who almost forced him to adopt the moniker. The agent had said, “Your name is too ethnic. No, too ethnic. They’re never gonna hire you. Your new name is Lenny Williams.”

To this statement, DiCaprio had replied, “I go, ‘What do you mean? It’s Leonardo DiCaprio.’”

(Credit- The Independent)

Even DiCaprio’s father did not share the sentiment expressed by the agent. The Oscar winner added, “My dad saw his photo, ripped it up, and said, ‘Over my d**d body.’”

The hilarious episode from DiCaprio’s early days in the industry was revealed by the actor on the Sept. 24 episode of Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce’s New Heights.

Tribute to the painter

Leonardo was indeed named after the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci because when DiCaprio’s mother was pregnant with him, she felt his first-ever kick inside her womb while admiring a painting of da Vinci in an Italian museum. George DiCaprio, Leonardo’s father, who himself is an artist with Italian ancestry, felt it was the perfect tribute to da Vinci.

(Credit- Koimoi)

This year, DiCaprio is reaping the success of One Battle After Another, and as the actor ages like fine wine, we wish him a long and healthy life and hope that he will continue to surprise us with unparalleled acting and scripts, as he has done on numerous occasions.