Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on Robert De Niro’s Tough Love

Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his remarkable talent and success in Hollywood, rose to fame in the early 1990s.

His captivating performances in various films eventually led him to his iconic role in James Cameron's Titanic in 1997.

In 1993, DiCaprio made his debut in the film This Boy's Life, where he shared the screen with his on-screen stepfather, Robert De Niro.

That same year, he also received his first Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his outstanding performance alongside Juliette Lewis and Johnny Depp in What's Eating Gilbert Grape.

Many actors credit their success to the influences they have encountered throughout their careers.

In DiCaprio's case, he had the privilege of working with legends like De Niro and Depp after just one year in the industry.

Despite their intense on-screen relationship, De Niro and DiCaprio formed a bond akin to that of a father and son during the filming of This Boy's Life.

However, De Niro's guidance as an actor came with strictness and tough love, initially disheartening DiCaprio but ultimately aiding in his growth as a performer.

During an interview with Time Out, DiCaprio reminisced about his first film role, stating, “I was 15 years old, and I remember every single detail… Everything was so new to me.

Watching Robert De Niro on set, witnessing his dedication, was one of the most influential experiences of my life.”

In another interview with Deadline, DiCaprio described the “culture shock” he experienced on set as he was thrust into the “big leagues” of cinema, surrounded by some of the industry's most celebrated figures.

DiCaprio revealed that director Michael Caton-Jones later apologized to him, acknowledging De Niro's initial harshness towards the young actor.

However, DiCaprio responded with admiration, saying, “Are you crazy?

[De Niro was] the greatest big brother I could ever have during my first significant cinematic experience.

He guided me through everything and taught me all the essential fundamentals.”

Prior to This Boy's Life, DiCaprio had only appeared in a few commercials and smaller television roles, notably in the sitcom Parenthood.

Recalling De Niro's profound impact on his development as an actor, DiCaprio recounted a tense audition with the revered star of Taxi Driver.

The audition involved a heated argument over a mustard jar, as depicted in the scene below.

“[De Niro] said, ‘Is it empty, is it empty?'

and I just stood up, threw my chair down or something, and yelled at him, ‘No, it's not empty,'” shared DiCaprio.

He added, “Then Bob had this smirk on his face and slowly started laughing in my face.

And then he looked at everyone else, and the whole room burst into laughter.”

Despite thinking he had ruined his chance in the film industry, DiCaprio learned from De Niro how to control his emotions and deliver exceptional performances.

Speaking fondly of his mentor, DiCaprio continued, “I remember how seriously he took everything, how focused he was.

Sometimes, he would improvise and you'd just find yourself watching him, forgetting you were in the scene.

You'd have to remind yourself to stay present.”

Witness the intense mustard jar fight scene between De Niro and DiCaprio from This Boy's Life below.