When I was eighteen, River Phoenix was far and away my hero. Think of all those early great performances - My Own Private Idaho. Stand by Me. I always wanted to meet him. One night, I was at this Halloween party, and he passed me. He was beyond pale - he looked white. Before I got a chance to say hello, he was gone, driving off to the Viper Room, where he fell over and died. That's a lesson.
Leonardo DiCaprioIt's very, very rare in this business [moviemaking] where a script lands on your lap ready to go.
Leonardo DiCaprioI always wanted to be an actor and I'd never dreamt that not only would I be able to do this for a living, but also on top of that I'd be able to choose and steer the course of my own career.
Leonardo DiCaprioMe, I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know its not some place you can look for because its not where you go. Itโs how you feel for a moment in your life when youโre a part of something and if you find that moment, it lasts forever.
Leonardo DiCaprioI know a lot of the intense moments in 'Titanic' were made that much easier and were pushed to even further limits because of that relationship.
Leonardo DiCaprioI got everything I need right here with me. I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count.
Leonardo DiCaprio