Leonardo DiCaprio Net Worth 2026: Age, Movies, Wife, Income & Biography

Leonardo DiCaprio Net Worth 2026: Age, Movies, Wife, Income & Biography: Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, California. His mother Irmelin Indenbirken was a legal secretary, while his father George DiCaprio was an underground comic book artist and distributor. He's named after Leonardo da Vinci because his pregnant mother was looking at a da Vinci painting in a museum when he first kicked. He's of Italian and German descent on his father's side and German and Russian on his mother's side.

His zodiac sign Scorpio reflects his intense and passionate personality. Scorpios are known for being deeply committed to their work and causes they believe in. That perfectly describes Leo's approach to both acting and environmental activism. His height of 6 feet has served him well in leading man roles throughout his career. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, which explains his lifelong passion for ocean conservation.

Leo grew up poor in a rough neighborhood in Los Angeles plagued with prostitution, crime, and violence. His parents divorced when he was just one year old. He lived with his mother but maintained a close relationship with both parents. They exposed him to art, culture, and creativity from a young age. His father took him to museums and encouraged his artistic side. This early exposure to culture shaped his future career choices.

He attended Seeds Elementary School and later enrolled at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies for four years before moving to John Marshall High School. Leo disliked public school and wanted to audition for acting jobs instead. He eventually dropped out of high school but later earned his GED. School was never his focus because he knew from a young age that he wanted to act. His stepbrother earned good money from a TV commercial, which motivated Leo to pursue acting seriously. That decision changed his life forever.

Leonardo's first screen appearance came at age 5 on the children's TV series Romper Room. However, he was kicked off the show for being disruptive. His first real break came in the early 1990s with commercials and educational films. He appeared in commercials for brands and even did a Matchbox car commercial that his stepbrother inspired him to pursue. These small gigs taught him how to work in front of cameras.

In 1990, he got a recurring role on the TV series Parenthood, playing Garry Buckman. His film debut came in 1991 with the horror comedy Critters 3. The movie wasn't great, but it got him noticed. He then landed a role on the sitcom Growing Pains from 1991 to 1992, which made him a recognizable face on television. His breakthrough movie role came in 1993 with This Boy's Life, where he starred opposite Robert De Niro. That same year, he earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, where he played a mentally disabled teenager. Critics were blown away by his performance. Hollywood realized this young actor had serious talent.

Leo's first taste of mainstream success came with Romeo + Juliet in 1996, where he played the romantic lead opposite Claire Danes. Baz Luhrmann's modern adaptation of Shakespeare made him a teen heartthrob. Young audiences connected with his emotional performance. But nothing could prepare the world for what came next.

In 1997, Titanic became a global phenomenon. Leo played Jack Dawson, a poor artist who falls in love with an upper-class woman aboard the doomed ship. He was initially reluctant to take the role, worried about becoming too famous. Director James Cameron convinced him it was the right choice. The film became the highest-grossing movie of all time at that point, earning $1.8 billion worldwide. Leo earned just $2.5 million upfront but made $40 million total thanks to backend points. Suddenly, he was the biggest movie star on the planet. His face was everywhere. The "Leo mania" that followed changed his life forever. He became a global icon overnight.

After Titanic, Leo deliberately chose challenging roles to prove he was more than a pretty face. He worked with Martin Scorsese on Gangs of New York in 2002, beginning one of cinema's greatest actor-director partnerships. Catch Me If You Can opposite Tom Hanks showcased his range in 2002. The Aviator in 2004 earned him another Oscar nomination playing Howard Hughes. The Departed in 2006 won Best Picture. Blood Diamond tackled conflict diamonds in Africa.

Inception in 2010 became a sci-fi masterpiece and earned him $59 million, his biggest payday. Django Unchained and The Great Gatsby followed. The Wolf of Wall Street in 2013 gave him one of his most memorable roles as corrupt stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Finally, The Revenant in 2015 won him his first and only Oscar after five previous nominations. He ate raw bison liver and slept in animal carcasses for that role. Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023 reunited him with Scorsese. His most recent film One Battle After Another with director Paul Thomas Anderson released in September 2025 to critical acclaim. He's worked with every major director in Hollywood and delivered consistently powerful performances.

Leonardo started his career in television with shows like Parenthood and Growing Pains in the early 1990s. Once he became a movie star, he left TV behind completely. However, his production company Appian Way Productions has produced several television series and documentaries. These include projects for streaming platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix.

Appian Way signed a first-look television deal with Apple TV+ in 2020. The company produced the thriller series Shining Girls starring Elisabeth Moss. They've also produced numerous environmental documentaries including Virunga, Cowspiracy, Before the Flood, Ice on Fire, and And We Go Green. These documentaries align with Leo's passion for environmental activism. While he doesn't star in these TV projects, he executive produces them to raise awareness about important issues. His focus remains on theatrical films, but he uses television and streaming as platforms for meaningful storytelling and advocacy.

Leonardo has won one Academy Award for Best Actor for The Revenant in 2016. Before that victory, he was nominated five times for Best Actor and once for Best Supporting Actor, becoming a running joke in Hollywood. His Oscar nominations include What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Aviator, Blood Diamond, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The Revenant win was an emotional moment celebrated by fans worldwide who felt he deserved recognition years earlier.

Beyond the Oscar, Leo has won four Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor. He won for The Aviator, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Revenant. He's also won a BAFTA Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2016, he received the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for his leadership in environmental issues. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people multiple times. In 2022, he received an Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his career achievements. His filmography has grossed over $7 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. His impact on cinema is undeniable.

Leonardo DiCaprio has an estimated net worth of $300 million as of 2026. Between 1995 and 2020 alone, he earned over $300 million from film salaries and backend points. His wealth comes from smart negotiating and choosing projects that perform well commercially and critically. He's mastered the art of backend deals where he takes a percentage of box office gross rather than just upfront salary.

His yearly income fluctuates based on film releases and production company earnings. In years with major films, he can earn $30 to $50 million or more. His real estate portfolio is worth over $100 million. He's also earned an estimated $100 million from endorsement deals throughout his career, though he's selective about brand partnerships. His production company adds additional revenue streams. Despite his massive wealth, Leo is known for living relatively modestly compared to other Hollywood stars. He invests heavily in environmental causes and sustainable businesses, having donated over $80 million to various charities and conservation efforts.

Movies are Leonardo's primary income source. He typically commands $20 to $30 million per film now. For Don't Look Up on Netflix, he made $30 million. The Wolf of Wall Street paid him $25 million. But his real money comes from backend deals. His 1.8% cut of Titanic's gross turned his $2.5 million salary into $40 million total. Inception's backend deal earned him $59 million, making it his biggest single payday.

His production company Appian Way Productions generates income through producing films, documentaries, and TV series. The company has a first-look deal with Apple TV+, which provides development funding. Leo earns from endorsement deals, having worked with Tag Heuer watches and Jim Beam whiskey in Japan. His extensive real estate portfolio generates income through property appreciation and occasional sales. He's invested in sustainable companies including plant-based food companies, vegan leather startups, and renewable energy firms. These investments align with his environmental values while diversifying his income. He also receives residuals from his extensive back catalog of films that continue airing on streaming platforms and television worldwide.

Inception remains Leonardo's biggest payday at approximately $59 million when combining salary and backend points. Christopher Nolan's sci-fi thriller was both a critical and commercial success. The backend deal was incredibly lucrative because the film grossed $829 million worldwide. This single film represents nearly 20% of his entire net worth.

Titanic earned him $40 million total despite a base salary of only $2.5 million. His 1.8% gross backend deal turned modest upfront pay into a fortune. Don't Look Up on Netflix paid him $30 million upfront with no backend needed since it was a streaming release. The Wolf of Wall Street paid $25 million. Blood Diamond, The Departed, and The Great Gatsby each paid around $20 million. The Revenant paid $20 million plus backend. Gangs of New York paid $10 million, while his earlier films like The Beach and Catch Me If You Can paid $20 million each. His per-film salary has consistently increased throughout his career as his box office value became undeniable. For upcoming project What Happens at Night with Martin Scorsese, he's expected to command $25 to $30 million.

Leonardo has earned an estimated $100 million from endorsement deals throughout his career. However, he's extremely selective about which brands he represents. He's been the face of Tag Heuer luxury watches for years, appearing in multiple campaigns. The Swiss watchmaker aligns with his sophisticated image. He's also done commercials for Jim Beam whiskey, though primarily for the Japanese market where such endorsements are more common for Hollywood stars.

Unlike many celebrities, Leo doesn't flood the market with his image. He values authenticity and only partners with brands that align with his values or don't compromise his artistic integrity. He's turned down countless lucrative offers from companies involved in industries he doesn't support. His selectiveness actually increases his endorsement value because brands know his image carries tremendous credibility. When Leonardo DiCaprio endorses something, people pay attention because it's so rare. He's focused more on using his fame to promote environmental causes rather than commercial products.

Appian Way Productions is Leonardo's main business venture. He founded the production company in 2004 with Jennifer Davisson. The company has produced many of his films including The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street, Shutter Island, and The Aviator. Appian Way also produces documentaries focused on environmental issues. In 2020, the company signed a first-look deal with Apple TV+ for television content. This partnership has generated multiple projects and provides steady development funding.

Leo is a prolific investor in sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses. He's invested in Beyond Meat, a plant-based meat company that went public successfully. He's backed Allbirds, a sustainable shoe company. He invested in Runa, an organic energy drink company. He's put money into Rubicon Global, a waste management and recycling technology company. He invested in Diamond Foundry, which creates lab-grown diamonds as an ethical alternative. He backed Hippeau Ventures, focusing on sustainable consumer brands. His investment strategy consistently favors companies working on climate solutions and sustainable alternatives to traditional products. He uses his wealth and influence to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy while generating financial returns.

🏠 Property Portfolio

Leonardo owns an impressive real estate portfolio worth over $100 million. His primary residence is a stunning compound in the Bird Streets neighborhood of Los Angeles. He's been assembling properties there for years, creating a massive estate spanning multiple lots. In late 2022, he purchased a neighboring mansion for $10.5 million, expanding his compound to four properties across five lots. The compound offers complete privacy and breathtaking views of Los Angeles.

In Malibu, he owns a stunning beach house purchased for $13.75 million in 2021. He listed it for sale in 2025 at $23 million while also offering it as a rental for $65,000 per month. The property sits on a private cove called El Sol with direct beach access. He purchased the historic Dinah Shore Estate in Palm Springs. He owns a luxury apartment in New York City's Riverside South complex. He bought an entire island in Belize called Blackadore Caye for $1.75 million, where he plans to develop an eco-resort. His real estate strategy focuses on high-value properties in exclusive locations that appreciate significantly over time.

Leonardo has been dating Italian model Vittoria Ceretti since 2023. They were first spotted together at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. Since then, they've been seen together around the world from Ibiza to New York. Vittoria is 26 years old and has walked for major fashion houses like Versace and Balenciaga. The relationship appears serious, as Leo has introduced her to his mother Irmelin, which is reportedly a significant step for him.

Despite engagement rumors when Vittoria wore a ring on her left hand, sources say Leo doesn't see himself ever getting married. He's famously dated numerous models over the years, and tabloids have noticed a pattern of his relationships ending when his partners reach age 25. Before Vittoria, he dated Camila Morrone for four years until 2022. Previous relationships included Bar Refaeli, Toni Garrn, and others. Leo has no children and maintains an extremely private personal life. He's close with his mother and credits her for his success. He's best friends with actor Tobey Maguire since childhood. Leo values his privacy fiercely and rarely discusses relationships in interviews.

Leonardo's latest film One Battle After Another directed by Paul Thomas Anderson was released on September 26, 2025. The film also stars Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor. Early reviews are calling it some of the best work of Leo's career. Critics are already predicting Oscar nominations for the film. It's performing strongly at the box office and could be a major awards contender heading into 2026.

His next project is reuniting with Martin Scorsese for their seventh collaboration called What Happens at Night. The film will also star Jennifer Lawrence. Production is expected to begin in 2026 after Leo finishes promoting One Battle After Another. There's also major news that Leo has been confirmed to star in Heat II, the sequel to the 1995 classic Heat. Production is planned to start in 2026. The project has been in development for years and fans are excited to see it finally happening. Additionally, he remains active with his environmental foundation, recently donating millions to wildfire relief and ocean conservation initiatives. At 50 years old, Leo shows no signs of slowing down his prolific career.

Leonardo has official accounts on Instagram and other platforms, but he uses them primarily for environmental activism rather than personal content. His Instagram account focuses almost entirely on climate change, wildlife conservation, and environmental issues. He posts about endangered species, deforestation, and climate policy. You won't find selfies or personal updates. Every post serves a purpose related to saving the planet.

His social media presence reflects his values. He uses his massive platform to raise awareness about environmental crises and promote organizations doing important conservation work. He shares petitions, fundraising campaigns, and educational content. His approach to social media is refreshingly different from typical celebrity accounts. He doesn't engage with tabloid gossip or promote his films extensively. The focus remains on using his influence to drive positive change. This authentic approach resonates with followers who appreciate that he practices what he preaches about environmental responsibility.

Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

In 1998, at just 24 years old, Leonardo established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF). The foundation has distributed over $100 million in grants to environmental causes between 1998 and 2019. It operated in 46 countries and funded more than 200 projects working with 65 partner organizations. The foundation focused on wildlands conservation, ocean conservation, climate change, indigenous rights, and innovative solutions.

In 2019, the foundation rebranded as Earth Alliance to expand its mission and partnerships. Leo continues to be deeply involved in environmental advocacy. He's addressed the United Nations on climate change multiple times. He produced and narrated numerous environmental documentaries including Before the Flood, The 11th Hour, and Ice on Fire. He sits on the boards of several major environmental organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Pristine Seas. In 2016, he received the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum for his environmental leadership. His activism is genuine and lifelong, not just celebrity virtue signaling.