Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most famous people in the world. The 51-year-old actor has been a mainstay in Hollywood since the '90s, when he was immortalized in "Titanic" as the heartthrob that defined a generation of leading men. As the years have progressed, DiCaprio has continued to challenge himself in his performances, earning seven Academy Award nominations and one win.
In a new interview, he revealed why he's so mindful of his privacy and might have offered an explanation as to why he shields his face from the public eye so consistently.
While DiCaprio often attends prestigious events and red carpets, these are almost exclusively related to his work. When it comes to his personal outings, he steers clear of the cameras, memorably wearing hats and face masks to prevent photographers from capturing his face.
In an interview with Time, where he was selected as the Entertainer of the Year, DiCaprio opened up about how he balances exposure and privacy. "It’s been a balance I’ve been managing my whole adult life, and still I’m not an expert. I think my simple philosophy is only get out there and do something when you have something to say, or you have something to show for it. Otherwise, just disappear as much as you possibly can."
It seems like DiCaprio's desire to protect his image is connected to his wish to remain a powerful presence onscreen. "I was like, 'OK, how do I have a long career? Because I love what I do, and I feel like the best way to have a long career is to get out of people’s face.'"
DiCaprio's most memorable incognito appearances
Over the years, DiCaprio has found ingenious ways to protect his face from the cameras.
This year, at the wedding of Lauren Sanchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos, DiCaprio was photographed climbing a gondola, wearing a lowered black cap that contrasted his elegant tux and completely shielded his face from the photographers' lens.
In May, DiCaprio made his Met Gala debut, attending the party and foregoing the red carpet. One of the photos taken at the event shows his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, walking alongside DiCaprio, who's seen covering part of his face from the camera.
In past years, DiCaprio was often seen on vacation alongside his romantic partners and friends, frequently showcasing different disguises. Some of his most popular tools include caps, glasses, face masks, and hoodies.