Most actors would be lucky to win one truly iconic film role in their lifetime but at just 38, Leonardo DiCaprio has already had three.
The actor made his mainstream film breakthrough in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 smash Romeo + Juliet and followed it up with the lead in James Cameron’s epic Titanic in 1997.
Sixteen years later, his third larger-than-life role is about to grace our screen – the title character of Jay Gatsby in Luhrmann’s latest spectacular The Great Gatsby.
These pictures chart his journey from child star to film icon.
Leonardo DiCaprio over the years.
Leo (left) with his stepbrother in the 1970s.
Leo in 1989 before his big break.
Leonardo on the cusp of making it big in 1990.
Leonardo got his big break in *Parenthood* in 1990.
Leonardo got his big break in Parenthood in 1990.
Leonardo as a young star in 1990.
At the premiere of *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape* in 1993.
At the premiere of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape in 1993.
Out in New York City in 1993.
At the premiere of *This Boys Life* in 1993.
At the premiere of This Boys Life in 1993.
At the Golden Globes in 1994.
With Claire Danes at the premiere of *Romeo and Juliet* in 1996.
With Claire Danes at the premiere of Romeo and Juliet in 1996.
At still from *Titanic* in 1997.
At still from Titanic in 1997.
At the London premiere of *Titanic* in 1997.
At the London premiere of Titanic in 1997.
With *Titanic* co-star Kate Winslet in 1998.
With Titanic co-star Kate Winslet in 1998.
At the Golden Globes in 1998.
A still from 2000 film *The Beach*.
A still from 2000 film The Beach.
At the premiere of *Catch Me If You Can* in 2002.
At the premiere of Catch Me If You Can in 2002.
Leo in 2002.
Promoting *Gangs of New York* in 2002.
Promoting Gangs of New York in 2002.
Leo in 2004.
Leo at a fashion show in 2006.
At a press conference in 2006.
Leo in 2006.
At the Oscars in 2007.
At the Critics’ Choice Awards in 2007.
With Kate Winslet at the premiere of *Revolutionary Road* in 2008.
With Kate Winslet at the premiere of Revolutionary Road in 2008.
In Beverly Hills in 2008.
At the SAG awards in 2012.
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