In a heartwarming revelation, Leonardo DiCaprio recently shared that it was Sharon Stone who selflessly stepped in to pay his acting salary in 1995 when the studio refused to cast him in a movie. The renowned actor expressed his gratitude towards Stone during a conversation with E! News, stating that he has thanked her numerous times for going above and beyond to make him a part of Sam Raimi’s Western drama, The Quick and the Dead.
Sharon Stone’s Act of Generosity
During the conversation with E! News, Leonardo recalled Stone’s act of kindness, saying, “She said, ‘These are the two actors I want to work with.’ It’s incredible. She’s been a huge champion of cinema and giving other actors opportunities, so I’m very thankful.” DiCaprio further added, “I’ve thanked her many times. I don’t know if I sent her an actual, physical thank-you gift, but I cannot thank her enough.”
Stone’s memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, sheds light on this remarkable incident. As reported by Insider, Stone mentions, “This kid named Leonardo DiCaprio was the only one who nailed the audition. In my opinion, he was the only one who came in and cried, begging his father to love him as he died in the scene… The studio said if I wanted him so much, I could pay him out of my own salary. So I did.”
The Quick and the Dead: A Turning Point in DiCaprio’s Career
Released a year before DiCaprio’s career skyrocketed with James Cameron’s Titanic, The Quick and the Dead holds a special place in the actor’s journey. It was a pivotal film that showcased his talent and paved the way for future successes.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Recent Work
Since The Quick and the Dead, DiCaprio has continued to leave a remarkable impact on the world of cinema. His most recent film, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, is a testament to his prowess as an actor. In the movie, DiCaprio portrays a disoriented yet morally redeemable character, shedding all vanity to deliver a powerful performance. The film also stars Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone, and it hit cinemas on October 20.
An excerpt from the Hindustan Times review of the film perfectly captures DiCaprio’s talent and range as an actor. The review states, “Leonardo sheds all his vanity, something that he brandished in The Wolf of Wall Street, to play a disoriented yet morally redeemable guy. His eyes reflect deep sorrow and pure frustration when he’s asked to pick a side by his uncle William Hale (Robert) between him and Ernest’s wife Mollie (Lily Gladstone). He hits the sweet spot between reverence and vengeance when he tells William, ‘My life is all regret.'”
