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Leonardo DiCaprio Tells Aspiring Actors to Play the Long Game, Warns Overexposure Can Derail Careers

He cites Titanic as the moment he gained control after years in independent films.

Overview

  • In a new Deadline interview, the 51-year-old urges actors to plan 20 to 50 years ahead to build a lasting body of work.
  • He cautions that overexposure can undermine longevity and says social media has sharply reduced privacy for performers.
  • He advises taking opportunities but “doling it out,” choosing roles with compelling supporting characters to establish credibility.
  • He describes being very lucky early on yet focused on independent projects and character-driven parts before his breakthrough.
  • He recalls passing on a higher-paying Hocus Pocus offer to do What's Eating Gilbert Grape, which earned his first Oscar nomination.