Leonardo DiCaprio's former agent attempted to alter his name, but his father had a harsh reaction

Long before Leonardo DiCaprio became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable names, his journey nearly took a very different turn—starting with a push to change his name. At age 12, when he landed his first agent, he was told his name was "too ethnic" and unlikely to appeal to casting directors. The agent suggested he go by Lenny Williams instead.

Appearing on the New Heights podcast to promote One Battle After Another, DiCaprio recalled the moment: “They said, ‘Your name is too ethnic.’ I said, ‘What do you mean? It’s Leonardo DiCaprio.’ They replied, ‘Too ethnic. You’ll never get hired.’” The name change didn’t sit well with his father, who ripped up the agent’s suggestion and declared, “Over my dead body.”

It’s hard to imagine DiCaprio as anything but Leonardo now, given his legendary career. From Titanic to The Wolf of Wall Street and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, his films have grossed over $8 billion worldwide.

During the podcast, Benicio del Toro also shared a similar story—his agent once tried to rename him “Benny Del.” Host Jason Kelce joked, “This podcast wouldn’t be the same with Lenny Williams and Benny Del.”

DiCaprio also spoke about his early struggles in the industry, describing how agents would line kids up “like cattle.” He remembered breakdancing on the street for money and telling his dad how rough it was. His dad’s advice? “Someday you’re gonna have your time, son. Just keep at it.”

One Battle After Another releases September 26.