When he was a child, people mistook Leonardo for a girl because of his long blond hair and the outfits he was dressed in. Says his mother, Irmelin diCaprio, “I would make litle red velvet outfits and my mother would send me different- coloured shoes from Germany for Leo to wear. In those days, boys didn’t have fancy clothe, and he would argue with me about how I’d try to dress him.”
When Leonardo is asked to describe himself, he says, “I’m shy, but when the time comes to be wild, I am. I’m fun- loving, adventurous, and mysterious.”
His first memory is of wearing red and yellow tap shoes nd being lifted onto a stage by his father to entertain people waiting for a concert.
Leonardo is serious about social issues such as taking care of the environment and helping the homeless.
Juliette Lewis, who costarred with Leonardo is What’s eating Gilbert Grape? and The basketball Diaries, affectionately calls him “my little pal.”
Leonardo is a big fan of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. “I absolutely refuse to miss a Lakers game, he says. “They are great basketball players and fascinating to watch.”
When her has time off, Leonardo makes his own videos starring his friends.
Leonardo likes to chew “chewing tobacco” bubble gum and drink Fruitopia.
He has a large supply of five dollar sunglasses in all different shapes and sizes.
Leonardo spent the summer of 1996 in amusement parks. “I had my ultra- amusement park summer,” he says. “I went to Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Moutains, Raging Waters, and Universal Studios three times.”
When he is asked if success has spoiled him, Leoanrdo says, “No I’m handling it well. I haven’t gone crazy yet.”
Where will Leoanrdo be in ten years? “I’ll probably be acting,” he says. “But if I get tired of it, I may go into directing. I’m interested in staying in the movie business.”
