As he hits the half-century mark, Leonardo DiCaprio reveals his emotional clock doesn’t match the calendar — he feels like he’s in his mid‑30s. In a wide‑ranging Esquire interview with director Paul Thomas Anderson, the actor shared that if he didn’t know his real age, he’d guess “32” — and now, emotionally, he’s “35.”
Turning 50, DiCaprio explained, brings a powerful urge to be more genuine and stop wasting time. He admires his mother’s candid nature, noting she “just says exactly what she thinks and wastes no time,” serving as inspiration.
This new outlook extends to all corners of his life — personal and professional — where he now chooses openness over superficial harmony, even if it risks conflict or separation. “It’s almost a responsibility,” he said, emphasizing that more time lies behind him than ahead.
Notably, DiCaprio also touched on his evolution as an artist. He fondly recalled starring in The Aviator (2004) as a turning point — for the first time, he felt like a true creative collaborator rather than just an actor playing a role.
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