Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the most acclaimed actors in Hollywood, recently disclosed a surprising fact about his early career involving a suggestion to change his name. During an interview on the New Heights podcast, DiCaprio shared how he was advised to adopt a fake name to increase his chances of getting work, shedding light on the challenges he faced as a young actor trying to break into the industry.
Agent Proposed Changing DiCaprio’s Name to ‘Lenny Williams’
At the start of his career, DiCaprio revealed that his agent told him his real name was “too ethnic” to succeed.
“I finally got an agent. They said, ‘Your name is too ethnic,’”
DiCaprio said. The agent suggested he change his name to “Lenny Williams,” a name influenced by his middle name Wilhelm.
“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,’”
he recalled.
DiCaprio was around 12 or 13 years old when this advice was given. He also shared his father George DiCaprio’s strong opposition to the idea, quoting him: “’Over my dead body.’” This response revealed the family’s protective stance amid the pressures of Hollywood‘s early demands. The moment highlights the unique hurdles young actors encounter, particularly regarding identity and perceptions in the entertainment world.
Challenges and Experiences as a Child Actor and Break Dancer
Reflecting on his early days, DiCaprio described the difficulties he faced trying to book roles as a child actor.
“I remember auditioning when I was very young. I was like a child actor,”
he said. He also shared memories of his stepbrother, who was an actor, and how both experienced long waits and lineups orchestrated by acting agents. DiCaprio explained,
“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.”
He detailed some setbacks in his break dancing attempts, recalling conversations with his father about the hardships.
“I remember saying to my dad, ‘This is horrible.’ I went back, and they did it again. ‘Yes. Yes. No. No,’”
he admitted. Despite the frustrations, George DiCaprio was a steady source of encouragement, assuring his son that his career would eventually take off. This steadfast support helped Leonardo navigate the uncertain beginnings that many child actors encounter before achieving success.
Choosing to Slow Down While Promoting a New Film
Currently, DiCaprio is promoting his latest film, One Battle After Another, which is set to hit movie theatres on September 26. While he continues to appear on screen, he recently told PEOPLE magazine that he is intentionally slowing his pace in selecting acting roles. “I’m slowing down a bit,” he admitted.
Nonetheless, DiCaprio said he found it hard to refuse certain projects. About accepting the role in One Battle After Another, he stated,
“When these opportunities come up, I mean, I can’t say no.”
He also reflected on his collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson, explaining the timing felt right.
Regarding Anderson’s work, DiCaprio expressed admiration:
“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.”
This partnership demonstrates how DiCaprio continues to prioritize meaningful creative experiences while managing his evolving career trajectory.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s openness about his past, including the suggestion to use the fake name “Lenny Williams,” reveals the pressures within Hollywood regarding image and cultural identity. His journey from a break dancer and child actor to a celebrated Oscar winner illustrates resilience and determination. As he slows down selectively accepting roles, fans can expect him to focus on projects that truly resonate, maintaining his status as one of the industry’s most impactful performers.
