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Today, Leonardo DiCaprio is world-famous – a Hollywood heavyweight who’s as famous for blockbuster movies and Academy Awards as he is blonde model conquests.
But back in 1996 he was a little-known – if well-regarded – actor, so when Baz Luhrmann was casting for his film Romeo + Juliet, he had his doubts.
“When I saw Leonardo I thought, God, that’s how he should look. But can he act?” the director told iHeart Radio.
Fortunately, DiCaprio had more going for him than merely good looks – as well as superlative acting skills, he had a group of friends who were prepared to go to any lengths to help him land his dream role.
According to Luhrmann, DiCaprio enlisted a group of famous friends (possibly including Tobey Maguire and Kevin Connolly) and filmed a short version of the play. He then flew to Australia to deliver the audition.
“He came down to Australia and he brought all these friends and we made a whole video of the show with other actors,” Luhrmann said.
“I won’t say who, it will never be seen; I realized that I couldn’t make it without him.”
We couldn’t agree more, Baz.
