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Enjoy our fun facts about the star of Gangs of New York and Catch Me If You Can… What's in a name? Leo allegedly earned his name after his German mother, Irmalin, experienced a sudden kick from her unborn boy while enjoying a DaVinci painting at an exhibition. He earned his first Academy Award nomination at the age of 19 in 1994 for his role in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. According to rumour, Leo's agent advised him to change his name to the more American Lenny Williams when Leo was just 10. Leo obviously refused. Leo's role as Frank Abagnale in Catch Me If You Can was based on a true story. Abagnale was the youngest man ever on the FBI's Most Wanted List. Aside from acting, Leo's other big passion is the environment. So much so that he founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Charitable Foundation. The organisation gives grants to charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational organisations which make a difference to the future of the Earth. The screen heartthrob almost didn't star in Titanic, arguably one of his most popular films to date. The story about the world's most famous cruise liner wasn't the sort of film he had told himself he wanted to make. In the end James Cameron won him over with his enthusiasm. Leonardo first started auditioning for acting roles at the age of 14, appearing in a series of commercials and educational films. He has starred in everything from bit parts on soap operas to bubble gum commericals.
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