1. Early Life
Jared Leto's early life was marked by frequent moves and a childhood influenced by art and counterculture.
1.1. Childhood and Family
Jared Joseph Leto was born on December 26, 1971, in Bossier City, Louisiana, to Constance Leto (née Metrejon). His mother is of Cajun ancestry. The surname "Leto" comes from his stepfather, an ophthalmologist who provided some financial stability, though his mother and stepfather later divorced. When Leto was a child, his biological parents divorced. He and his older brother, Shannon Leto, were raised by their mother and their maternal grandparents, Ruby (Russell) and William Lee Metrejon. His biological father remarried and later died by suicide when Jared was eight years old. Leto also has two younger paternal half-brothers from his father's second marriage.
Due to his maternal grandfather's service in the Air Force, Leto's family moved frequently, living in various cities across the United States, from Louisiana to Wyoming to Virginia. This frequent relocation was described by Leto as a "normal way of life." For a period, his family was poverty-stricken, sometimes living in a truck or relying on food stamps. His mother, Constance, joined the hippie movement and actively encouraged her sons' involvement in the arts. Leto stated that he was "raised around a lot of artists, musicians, photographers, painters and people that were in theater," noting that "Just having the art communal hippie experience as a child, there wasn't a clear line that was drawn. We celebrated creative experience and creative expression." Leto began playing music with his brother at an early age, with his first musical instrument being a broken-down piano. He also lived in Haiti for nearly two years during his childhood, while his mother volunteered at a medical charity.
1.2. Education
After briefly dropping out in the 10th grade, Leto decided to recommit to his education, attending the private Emerson Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., and later graduating from Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia. He initially pursued an interest in large-scale visual art, enrolling at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His interest soon shifted to filmmaking, leading him to transfer to the School of Visual Arts in New York City. During his time as a student there, he wrote and starred in his own short film titled Crying Joy. He also attended the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, which is now part of George Washington University.
2. Acting Career
Jared Leto's acting career spans over three decades, marked by diverse roles and a reputation for intense preparation.
2.1. Early Career (1992-1999)
Leto's early career saw him transition from aspiring director to a recognized television and film actor, establishing his presence in Hollywood.
2.1.1. Television Debut and My So-Called Life
In 1992, Leto relocated to Los Angeles with the primary goal of pursuing a career in directing, while taking on acting roles to support himself. He secured minor roles in various television shows before achieving his first significant breakthrough in 1994. This came with his casting opposite Claire Danes as Jordan Catalano, the love interest of the protagonist, in the ABC teen drama My So-Called Life. The series, though short-lived and canceled after just one season, received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of adolescence and quickly developed a strong cult following, launching Leto into the public eye.
2.1.2. Film Debut and Early Roles
Following his television success, Leto made his television film debut in 1994, co-starring with Alicia Silverstone in Cool and the Crazy. His first feature film role came in the 1995 drama How to Make an American Quilt. He continued to build his filmography with various supporting roles, including co-starring with Christina Ricci in The Last of the High Kings (1996) and appearing in Switchback (1997).
2.1.3. Breakthrough with Prefontaine
In 1997, Leto took on the starring role in the biopic Prefontaine, portraying the ambitious Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine. To prepare for this demanding role, Leto fully immersed himself in the athlete's life, undergoing six weeks of intensive training and meeting with Prefontaine's family members and close friends to understand his persona. Critics noted his striking physical resemblance to the real Prefontaine, as well as his successful adoption of the athlete's distinctive voice and upright running style. His portrayal was widely praised by critics and is frequently cited as his breakthrough role. Peter Stack of the San Francisco Chronicle commended his performance, writing, "With hypnotic blue eyes and dirty blond hair, Leto captures the rock-star style Prefontaine affected, and he looks natural in fiery performances on the track, as well as off, where Pre affected a brash, confrontational style."
2.1.4. Supporting Roles in Major Films
Following his success in Prefontaine, Leto secured the lead role as a British aristocrat in the 1998 drama Basil. The same year, he starred in the horror film Urban Legend. Although the film was generally poorly received by critics, it achieved considerable financial success. In 1998, renowned director Terrence Malick cast Leto in a supporting role in the war film The Thin Red Line, where he appeared alongside acclaimed actors such as Sean Penn and Adrien Brody. The film garnered mostly positive reviews and was a moderate box office success, earning multiple awards and nominations, including seven Academy Award nominations. Leto, as part of the ensemble cast, shared a Satellite Award for his contribution.
In 1999, Leto took on the role of a gay high school teacher who captivates Robert Downey Jr.'s character in the drama Black and White. He also had a supporting role in the drama Girl, Interrupted, an adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same name. Later that year, he portrayed the character Angel Face in Fight Club (1999), a film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel of the same name, directed by David Fincher.
2.2. 2000s
The 2000s marked a period of intense method acting for Leto, solidifying his reputation for deep character immersion, while also seeing him balance his burgeoning music career with film roles.
2.2.1. Requiem for a Dream and Critical Acclaim
In 2000, Leto played Paul Allen, a rival of Patrick Bateman, in the psychological thriller American Psycho. While the film divided both audiences and critics, Leto's performance was generally well received. That same year, he delivered a critically acclaimed and transformative performance as Harry Goldfarb, a heroin addict, in Requiem for a Dream. The film, an adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.'s novel of the same name, was directed by Darren Aronofsky and co-starred Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
To prepare for the role of Harry Goldfarb, Leto committed to an extreme method acting approach. He lived on the streets of New York City for a period and refrained from having sex for two months prior to filming to understand the character's deprivations. He also severely restricted his diet for months, losing 28 lb (28 lb) (approximately 29 lb (13 kg)) to realistically portray a heroin addict's emaciated physique. After the film's production concluded, Leto reportedly moved to Portugal and resided in a monastery for several months to regain the weight he had lost. His performance earned widespread critical acclaim, with film critics particularly praising the emotional courage and authenticity he brought to depicting the character's physical and mental deterioration. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone lauded Leto's portrayal, commenting that he "excels by going beyond Harry's gaunt look to capture his grieving heart. His scenes with Ellen Burstyn as Sara, Harry's widowed mother, achieve a rare poignancy as son and mother drown in delusions."
2.2.2. Transition and Further Film Roles
Leto's next appearance was in the independent film Highway. Set in 1994, the film follows Jack Hayes (Leto) as he flees to Seattle with his best friend, Pilot Kelvin (Jake Gyllenhaal), after being caught with his employer's wife. Although filming concluded in early 2000, the movie was not released until March 2002, primarily on home video formats, despite initially being slated for a theatrical release.
During this period, Leto increasingly dedicated his focus to his music career. However, he returned to acting in 2002 with the thriller Panic Room, marking his second collaboration with director David Fincher. He played the supporting role of Junior, one of the burglars who terrorize Jodie Foster's character, Meg Altman. The film was well received by critics and achieved significant financial success, grossing nearly 200.00 M USD worldwide.
In 2004, Leto starred in the biographical film Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone. He portrayed Hephaestion, the closest friend and confidant of Alexander the Great. The film did not perform well in the United States; Stone attributed its poor reception partly to disapproval of the depiction of Alexander's bisexuality. However, it found international success, with a worldwide revenue of 167.00 M USD.
The following year, Leto co-starred with Nicolas Cage in the political crime thriller Lord of War. He played Vitaly, the younger brother of an illegal arms dealer. The film received official endorsement from the human rights organization Amnesty International for its powerful portrayal of arms trafficking within the international arms industry. It garnered positive reviews from film critics and achieved moderate commercial success.
In 2006, Leto appeared in the neo-noir crime drama Lonely Hearts, which was based on the true story of the notorious "lonely hearts killers" of the 1940s, Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck. Playing Fernandez, Leto co-starred with Salma Hayek as Beck. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, Leto's acting was widely praised. Heather Huntington from Reelz commented that his "layered performance as the nattily dressing dandy with no remorse is truly impressive."
In 2007, Leto starred in the biographical film Chapter 27, portraying Mark David Chapman, the fanatic fan of The Beatles who murdered John Lennon. Leto prepared for the role by studying interviews with Chapman and listening to audiotapes recorded by a librarian who had met the inmate. Demonstrating his commitment to method acting, Leto gained 67 lb (67 lb) (approximately 66 lb (30 kg)) to physically resemble the killer. The rapid weight gain led him to develop gout, and he was temporarily forced to use a wheelchair due to the strain on his body. After filming, he quickly embarked on a strict liquid diet to lose the weight. Chapter 27 premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Despite mixed critical opinions on the film as a whole, Leto's performance was widely lauded. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly described his acting as "a genuine transformation, as the actor submerges himself in Chapman's couch-potato flab and red-rimmed eyes. ... Leto disappears inside this angry, mouth-breathing psycho geek with a conviction that had me hanging on his every delusion."
Leto's final film role of the decade was in the 2009 science fiction drama Mr. Nobody, directed by Jaco Van Dormael. He played the title role of Nemo Nobody, who is presented as the last mortal on Earth after the human race achieves a form of quasi-immortality. His role required him to portray various versions of his character, spanning ages from 34 to 118 years old. This involved up to six hours of daily make-up application and adopting the voice of an elderly man. Mr. Nobody premiered at the 2009 Venice Film Festival. Critics praised the film's artistic qualities and Leto's performance. Boyd van Hoeij from Variety noted that "his acting talent really comes into full view in his scenes as the last dying man on Earth. Despite too much old-age makeup, Leto nevertheless infuses the character with some real raw emotional power." Bruce Kirkland of Toronto Sun stated that Leto delivered "a marvelously full-blooded, brain-spinning, tour-de-force performance."
2.3. 2010s
The 2010s saw Leto achieve an Academy Award for his acting and take on one of his most talked-about, and controversial, roles.
2.3.1. Dallas Buyers Club and Academy Award
After a five-year hiatus from film acting, Leto made a notable return in the 2013 drama Dallas Buyers Club, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and co-starring Matthew McConaughey. Leto portrayed Rayon, a drug-addicted trans woman with AIDS who forms an unlikely friendship with McConaughey's character, Ron Woodroof.
Leto's preparation for the role was extensive. He lost 30 lb (30 lb) (approximately 30 lb (13.6 kg)), shaved his eyebrows, and waxed his entire body to embody Rayon's physical appearance. He stated that his portrayal was deeply informed by his interactions with transgender individuals during his research for the role. Throughout the filming process, Leto reportedly refused to break character, maintaining Rayon's persona even off-camera.
Dallas Buyers Club received widespread critical acclaim and was a financial success. Leto's performance, in particular, earned him numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture, the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, and various film critics' circle awards. He also won the MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Transformation.
2.3.2. Portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad
In December 2014, Warner Bros. confirmed that Leto would portray the Joker in the 2016 supervillain film Suicide Squad, based on the comic book series. His method acting approach during the film's production garnered significant media attention and stirred controversy.
Fellow Suicide Squad cast member Will Smith, who played Deadshot, stated that he "never actually met Jared Leto," explaining, "We worked together for six months and we've never exchanged a word outside of 'action!' and 'cut!' We've never said 'hello,' we've never said 'good day.' I've only ever spoken to him as Deadshot and him as the Joker. I literally have not met him yet... Not a single word exchanged off-camera. He was all in on the Joker."
Leto's on-set behavior reportedly included sending unorthodox and unsettling gifts to his co-stars. These gifts were said to include live rats and bullets. Margot Robbie, who played Harley Quinn, stated that Leto gifted her a live rat, which she kept as a pet until her landlord discovered it. Viola Davis, who portrayed Amanda Waller, recounted that Leto had a "henchman" who brought a dead pig into the rehearsal room and "plopped it on the table," serving as their introduction to Leto in character. In an interview with E! News at the film's 2016 premiere, Leto claimed he also sent anal beads and used condoms to his co-stars, explaining, "I did a lot of things to create a dynamic, to create an element of surprise, of spontaneity, and to really break down any kind of walls that may be there. The Joker is somebody who doesn't really respect things like personal space or boundaries."
In a 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Leto clarified his earlier comments, stating they were made "in jest" and that "there were no used condoms." He elaborated, "Any of the very few gifts that were ever given were given with a spirit of fun and adventure and received with laughter, fun, and adventure. It's all filmed! They filmed it all! People were dying. We were just having a goof." Regarding the rat reportedly given to Robbie, he claimed, "The only gifts I ever gave Margot were cupcakes. I think I gave her a mouse, and some of the other guys got gifts that you'd get as a joke at a party." He added, "I'm an artist at the end of the day. If I do something risky and you don't like it, basically, you can kiss my ass."
Suicide Squad opened to generally negative reviews from critics. Despite his character's limited screen time, Leto's performance as the Joker received some praise from critics. Following the film's release, Leto expressed interest in reprising his role as the Joker in future DC Extended Universe installments. In October 2020, it was confirmed that Leto would return as the Joker in Zack Snyder's Justice League.
2.3.3. Other Major Film Appearances
In April 2016, it was announced that Leto would appear in the film The Outsider (2018), directed by Martin Zandvliet. For this film, he notably co-starred with several Japanese actors, including Tadanobu Asano, Kippei Shiina, Nao Omori, Shiori Kutsuna, and HIRO. The film was released globally on Netflix in March 2018.
In August 2016, Leto was cast as the enigmatic villain Niander Wallace in the 2017 film Blade Runner 2049, the sequel to the cult classic Blade Runner. Leto also appeared in 2036: Nexus Dawn, a promotional short film set before Blade Runner 2049, directed by Luke Scott and co-starring Benedict Wong.
2.4. 2020s and Beyond
Leto continues to take on diverse roles across film and television in the 2020s, including superhero and biographical portrayals.
2.4.1. Recent Film Appearances
In 2021, Leto played the suspected serial killer Albert Sparma in John Lee Hancock's film The Little Things. His performance earned him nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor. Later that year, he portrayed the eccentric fashion designer and business magnate Paolo Gucci in Ridley Scott's biographical crime drama House of Gucci, for which he received nominations for a Satellite Award, a Critics' Choice Movie Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. However, his portrayal also garnered a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor.
In 2022, Leto starred as Adam Neumann alongside Anne Hathaway in Apple TV+'s series WeCrashed, which chronicled the rise and fall of WeWork. For this role, he was nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film. That same year, Leto took on the lead role of Dr. Michael Morbius in Morbius, a film adaptation of Marvel's Living Vampire character, which is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe. The film was released on April 1, 2022. Leto's performance as Morbius also earned him a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor. Despite its critical reception, the film gained significant attention due to the "It's Morbin' time" internet meme, leading to a brief theatrical re-release. On July 30, 2022, it was announced that Leto would star in a film directed by Justin Simien titled Haunted Mansion for Disney. The film, released on July 28, 2023, featured Leto as the voice and motion-capture actor for the Hatbox Ghost.
2.4.2. Upcoming Projects
Leto is slated to star as the character Ares in Tron: Ares, a new installment in the Tron franchise. Production on the film has proceeded after facing several delays. Additionally, on December 20, 2024, it was confirmed that Leto was cast as Skeletor in the Masters of the Universe reboot, which is currently in production. He is also attached to star in Lunik Heist.
3. Directing and Production Work
Beyond his acting and music careers, Jared Leto has ventured into directing and producing, creating critically acclaimed documentaries and innovative music videos.
3.1. Documentary Film Artifact
In 2012, Leto made his directorial debut with the documentary film Artifact. The film chronicles the modern music business through the lens of the legal dispute between Thirty Seconds to Mars and EMI, which arose when the band attempted to exit its contract over a royalties disagreement. Artifact was produced on a limited budget, funded by Leto himself and personal assistant Emma Ludbrook through their production company, Sisyphus Corporation.
The documentary premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was honored with the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary. Critics largely praised the film for its insightful examination of the state of the modern music industry and its focused exploration of the complex relationship between recording artists and record companies. Artifact received a limited theatrical release starting November 23, 2013, before becoming available digitally on December 3, 2013.
3.2. Music Video Direction
Leto has also extensively directed music videos for Thirty Seconds to Mars, often employing creative concepts and pseudonyms. He began directing music videos under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, a recurring character in the Dr. Seuss universe and one of Leto's favorite characters. He explained his use of a pseudonym as a way to allow audiences to experience the video without preconceived notions or distractions related to his acting career.
His directed music videos include:
- "The Kill" (2006): Inspired by themes of isolation and insanity from Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror film The Shining. The short film received widespread positive response and numerous accolades, including an MTV Video Music Award.
- "From Yesterday" (2006): This short film was notably filmed entirely in the Forbidden City in China, making it the first American music video to be shot in the People's Republic of China. Hundreds of costumed extras were utilized, with inspiration drawn from the empires of ancient Chinese dynasties, as well as Bernardo Bertolucci's historical drama The Last Emperor (1987) and the works of Akira Kurosawa.
- "A Beautiful Lie" (2008): Directed under the pseudonym Angakok Panipaq, this music video was filmed 200 mile north of the Arctic Circle in Greenland. Leto actively worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to develop strategies that would minimize the environmental impact of the shoot. The video received widespread critical acclaim and various accolades, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video. Proceeds from the video's sales benefited the NRDC.
- "Kings and Queens" (2009): This short film featured scores of extras and surrealist street performers, depicting a critical mass movement through Los Angeles at night, embodying forward-thinking and eco-conscious intentions. It premiered in November 2009 to positive reception and received four nominations at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year and Best Direction, ultimately winning Best Rock Video.
- "Closer to the Edge" (2010): This short film incorporated tour footage, fan commentary, and archival pictures of Thirty Seconds to Mars from their youth, all captured during the band's Into the Wild Tour. Critics praised the video's simplicity, with James Montgomery from MTV noting, "there's no denying the power of seeing tens of thousands of fans finding a simultaneous salvation, of a crowd of individuals becoming one. It's what rock and roll is supposed to be about, really: inclusion."
- "Hurricane" (2010): An experimental short film that delves into personal demons and the unlocking of secret fantasies within a dream-like state. Filmed in New York City, Leto described its concept as a "surrealistic nightmare dream-fantasy." Upon its release, "Hurricane" generated controversy and was initially censored due to its elements of violence. At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, it received three nominations, including Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
- "Up in the Air" (2013): Filmed at a now-defunct aerospace manufacturing building in Los Angeles, California, Leto described it as a "bizarre and hallucinogenic journey through an incredibly surreal landscape." The short film featured various artists and personalities, including burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, gymnasts McKayla Maroney and Jordyn Wieber, and writer Neil Strauss, alongside a number of animals. It earned several awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video, and competed at the 2013 Camerimage festival.
- "Do or Die" (2013): Leto conceptualized this as a companion piece to "Closer to the Edge" (2010). It was filmed during the Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams Tour and features live footage of Thirty Seconds to Mars performing onstage, interspersed with fan commentary.
- "City of Angels" (2013): This critically praised short film premiered on October 12, 2013, at the Hollywood Bowl. The music video features a diverse group of celebrities who join the three members of Thirty Seconds to Mars in sharing their personal visions and perspectives about Los Angeles. The video also includes appearances by multiple monoliths, murals, impersonators of iconic figures like Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe, and even homeless individuals whom Leto hired to participate in the video.
4. Music Career (Thirty Seconds to Mars)
Jared Leto's music career is primarily centered around his rock band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, which he co-founded and has led to global success.
4.1. Formation and Early Years
Jared Leto formed the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, alongside his older brother, Shannon Leto. In the band's initial stages, Jared Leto consciously avoided leveraging his status as a Hollywood actor for the band's promotion. Their debut album was in development for several years, with Leto composing the majority of the songs. Their work generated interest from various record labels, ultimately leading to Thirty Seconds to Mars signing with Immortal Records.
4.2. Album Releases and Commercial Success
Thirty Seconds to Mars has released six studio albums, achieving both critical recognition and commercial success.
4.2.1. Debut Album and Initial Reception
The band's self-titled debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars, was released on August 27, 2002, in the United States through Immortal and Virgin. The album reached number 107 on the US Billboard 200 and climbed to number one on the US Top Heatseekers chart. Upon its release, 30 Seconds to Mars was met with generally positive reviews from critics, with music critic Megan O'Toole noting that the band successfully "carve[d] out a unique niche for themselves in the rock realm." The album's success was gradual but steady, eventually selling 2 M copies worldwide.
4.2.2. Breakthrough with A Beautiful Lie
The recording of Thirty Seconds to Mars' second studio album, A Beautiful Lie, spanned two years, a duration necessitated by the band's need to travel to four different continents to accommodate Jared Leto's acting commitments. A Beautiful Lie was released on August 30, 2005, in the United States. This album marked a significant turning point, propelling the band into broader public recognition and international fame. It has since been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has achieved platinum and gold status in multiple other countries, reaching a total sales figure of over 4 M copies globally.
4.2.3. Subsequent Albums
Following their breakthrough, Thirty Seconds to Mars continued to release studio albums that achieved further critical and commercial success. In August 2008, during the recording of their third studio album, the band sought to sign with a new label, which led EMI (Virgin's parent label) to file a 30.00 M USD breach of contract lawsuit. After nearly a year of legal disputes, the band announced on April 28, 2009, that the suit had been settled, with their defense notably based on the De Havilland Law. Thirty Seconds to Mars subsequently signed a new contract with EMI and released their third album, This Is War, in December 2009. The album received critical acclaim, reached the top ten in several national album charts, and earned numerous music awards.
Their fourth album, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams, was released in May 2013 through Interscope Records. The album was produced by Leto in collaboration with previous producer Steve Lillywhite. It garnered generally positive reviews and achieved top ten positions in more than fifteen countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
In February 2018, the band officially announced America as the title of their fifth album, which was released on April 6, 2018. This album received polarized reviews from critics but debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest entry on the chart. Its release was promoted with an accompanying documentary film, A Day in the Life of America, directed by Leto and released in January 2021 to general praise. The band's sixth studio album, It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day, was released in 2023, also receiving polarized critical reception. Overall, Thirty Seconds to Mars has sold more than 15 M albums worldwide.
4.3. Tours and Achievements
Thirty Seconds to Mars has maintained an extensive touring schedule throughout their career, engaging a global fanbase and earning notable recognition.
4.3.1. Major Tours
The band heavily toured in support of A Beautiful Lie, performing at several major festivals including Roskilde, Pinkpop, Rock am Ring, and Download. In February 2010, Thirty Seconds to Mars embarked on their Into the Wild Tour, which saw them become one of the hardest-working touring artists of that year. From May to September 2017, the band undertook a North American tour with Muse and PVRIS. In February 2018, they officially announced the Monolith Tour, featuring support from acts like Walk the Moon, Misterwives, K. Flay, Joywave, and Welshly Arms.
4.3.2. Guinness World Records
In December 2011, Thirty Seconds to Mars entered the Guinness World Records for the most live shows performed during a single album cycle, completing an impressive 300 concerts. In 2014, Leto premiered a documentary series titled Into the Wild, which chronicled the concert tour of the same name. This tour was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest-running tour in the history of rock music. The series was produced by Leto and Emma Ludbrook and was released through the online platform VyRT.
5. Method Acting and Public Persona
Jared Leto is renowned for his intense approach to acting, often described as method acting, which frequently involves extreme physical transformations and deep immersion into his characters. This dedication, combined with an enigmatic public persona, has contributed to his unique image.
5.1. Approach to Roles
Leto's commitment to his roles often extends to significant physical changes and immersive experiences. For his critically acclaimed performance as Harry Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream, he lost 28 lb (28 lb) and reportedly lived on the streets of New York City, abstaining from sex for two months, to embody the character's struggles. Conversely, for his portrayal of Mark David Chapman in Chapter 27, he gained 67 lb (67 lb), which led to a diagnosis of gout and temporarily required him to use a wheelchair due to the stress on his body.
In Dallas Buyers Club, where he played the transgender woman Rayon, Leto lost 30 lb (30 lb), shaved his eyebrows, and waxed his entire body. He grounded his portrayal in extensive research, including meeting with transgender individuals. During the filming of Dallas Buyers Club, Leto reportedly remained in character throughout the production, refusing to break character even when off-camera. For his role as Nemo Nobody in Mr. Nobody, he had to portray his character across various ages from 34 to 118 years old, which involved up to six hours of daily make-up application and adopting the voice of an old man.
Leto has developed a reputation for his selective approach to roles, choosing projects that allow him to deeply explore and transform into his characters. He is considered a character actor known for his meticulous attention and seriousness towards his performances, often making personal sacrifices to fully inhabit a role.
5.2. Controversies and Public Perception
Leto's dedication to method acting has, at times, led to controversial on-set behaviors and contributed to his eccentric public perception. His portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad particularly highlighted this aspect, sparking widespread discussion about his immersive techniques and the unconventional gifts he reportedly sent to his co-stars.
Reports from fellow cast members included instances of him sending unsettling items such as live rats, bullets, and a dead pig. While some co-stars like Margot Robbie (who kept the rat as a pet) seemed to take the gestures in stride, others, such as Viola Davis, described the gifts as "horrific." Leto himself, in an initial interview, claimed to have sent more extreme items like anal beads and used condoms, stating his intention was to "create a dynamic, to create an element of surprise, of spontaneity, and to really break down any kind of walls that may be there."
However, Leto later clarified these claims in a 2021 interview, asserting that his comments about used condoms were "in jest" and that any gifts given were "with a spirit of fun and adventure and received with laughter, fun, and adventure. It's all filmed! ... We were just having a goof." He specifically mentioned giving Robbie cupcakes and a mouse, suggesting other gifts were "as a joke at a party." Despite the clarifications, the initial reports contributed to a public image of eccentricity and intense, sometimes bizarre, dedication to his craft. Leto has defended his artistic choices, stating, "I'm an artist at the end of the day. If I do something risky and you don't like it, basically, you can kiss my ass." This unapologetic stance further solidifies his unique and often polarizing public persona.
6. Business Ventures
Beyond entertainment, Jared Leto has actively engaged in several business ventures, focusing on digital marketing, community building, and strategic investments.
6.1. The Hive and Digital Marketing
Leveraging the strong relationship between Thirty Seconds to Mars and its dedicated fanbase, Leto founded The Hive, a social media management and digital marketing company. Based in Studio City, Los Angeles, The Hive's core focus is on fostering creative community building. In recent years, the company has expanded its client base to include other artists, such as Jessie J and Semi Precious Weapons. In 2010, Leto launched The One and Only Golden Tickets, a full-service company operating worldwide, specializing in managing exclusive services for concerts, festivals, and other events. This company was later rebranded as Adventures In Wonderland in 2013.
6.2. Investments and Online Platforms
In 2011, Leto launched VyRT, an online platform that began as a live video streaming service and later incorporated social networking features and official merchandise sales. The concept for VyRT emerged from Leto's own frustrating experiences with streaming live events for Thirty Seconds to Mars. In June 2012, VyRT received the Best Online Concert Experience award at the O Music Awards. In addition to his own ventures, Leto has become an investor in various other companies. In 2012, he invested in Surf Air, a California-based air travel service. He is also noted as a funder for prominent online platforms such as Reddit and Robinhood Markets.
7. Philanthropy and Activism
Jared Leto is actively involved in various philanthropic efforts and has advocated for several social and political causes, reflecting his commitment to humanitarian and environmental issues, as well as broader human rights.
7.1. Charitable Work
Leto has consistently engaged in charitable pursuits throughout his career. He has volunteered with the charity Art of Elysium, which provides support to children facing serious medical conditions. He has also extended his support to the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, a program dedicated to research and care for type 1 diabetes. In 2006, Leto contributed his artistic talent by creating the cover art for the album 97X Green Room: Volume 2, with all proceeds from its sales benefiting The Nature Conservancy.
In June 2008, he partnered with Habitat for Humanity to work alongside Thirty Seconds to Mars on a home being repaired and renovated through the Greater Los Angeles Area's "A Brush With Kindness" program. He also supported Habitat for Humanity's efforts in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Leto has been a supporter of Aid Still Required, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing humanitarian aid to regions affected by natural disasters or human crises.
Following the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Leto released a book of photographs taken during his 2011 trip to the Caribbean nation. The initiative aimed to raise funds for the earthquake-ravaged country. Having spent a year in Haiti during his childhood, he returned in January 2011 to "reconnect" with his former home and collaborate with various organizations, including the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. On September 30, 2014, Leto hosted an event in New York City titled Haiti: The Journey Is the Destination, specifically benefiting those impacted by the 2010 earthquake. In February 2015, Leto was appointed a global ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), actively supporting online fundraisers and leading a notable one for his 47th birthday in 2018.
7.2. Social and Political Advocacy
Leto has publicly expressed his views and lent his support to various social and political causes. In 2008, he supported California Proposition 2, which concerned the treatment of farm animals. During the 2008 United States presidential election, Leto openly supported Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. In 2012, he chaired a Gen44 event, an initiative established by the Obama campaign to energize and engage voters under the age of 40.
Leto is a vocal gay rights activist. In October 2009, he actively raised money for the campaign against California Proposition 8, a ballot initiative created by opponents of same-sex marriage to overturn the California Supreme Court's decision that had legalized same-sex marriage. He also spoke out in support of the LGBT rights group Freedom Action Inclusion Rights (FAIR). In May 2012, he expressed strong support after learning that Barack Obama had publicly endorsed same-sex marriage.
8. Personal Life
Jared Leto maintains a relatively private personal life, though some aspects of his relationships and lifestyle choices are publicly known.
8.1. Relationships
Leto began a relationship with actress Cameron Diaz in 1999, and the couple became engaged in 2000. However, their four-year relationship concluded in 2003. He was also romantically linked to Ashley Olsen and Scarlett Johansson. From 2015 to 2022, Leto was in a relationship with Russian model Valery Kaufman.
8.2. Lifestyle
Leto is teetotal, meaning he abstains from alcohol. He is also a vegetarian.
9. Awards and Nominations
Jared Leto has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in film and music throughout his career.
For his acting, he notably won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club (2013). This performance also earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, and awards from various critics' associations including the Boston Society of Film Critics Award, Chicago Film Critics Association Award, Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award, Detroit Film Critics Society Award, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, New York Film Critics Circle Award, and Toronto Film Critics Association Award. He also received an MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Transformation for this role.
Other notable acting nominations include Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for The Little Things (2021) and House of Gucci (2021). For his role in the miniseries WeCrashed (2022), he was nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Actor. While recognized for critically acclaimed performances, Leto also received a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor for House of Gucci (2021) and Worst Actor for Morbius (2022).
In the realm of directing, his documentary film Artifact (2012) won the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival. For his music videos with Thirty Seconds to Mars, he has received multiple accolades, including the MTV Video Music Award for "The Kill" (2006) and "Up in the Air" (2013), and the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Video for "A Beautiful Lie" (2008). The video for "Kings and Queens" (2009) won Best Rock Video at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. His band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, holds a Guinness World Records title for the longest-running tour during a single album cycle.
10. Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Cool and the Crazy | Michael | Television film |
| 1994-1995 | My So-Called Life | Jordan Catalano | Television series, 19 episodes |
| 1995 | How to Make an American Quilt | Beck | |
| 1996 | The Last of the High Kings | Frankie Griffin | |
| 1997 | Prefontaine | Steve Prefontaine | |
| 1997 | Switchback | Lane Dixon | |
| 1998 | Basil | Basil | |
| 1998 | Urban Legend | Paul Gardener | |
| 1998 | The Thin Red Line | 2nd Lt. William Whyte | |
| 1999 | Black and White | Casey | |
| 1999 | Fight Club | Angel Face | |
| 1999 | Girl, Interrupted | Tobias "Toby" Jacobs | |
| 2000 | American Psycho | Paul Allen | |
| 2000 | Requiem for a Dream | Harry Goldfarb | |
| 2000 | Sunset Strip | Glen Walker | |
| 2001 | Sol Goode | Sage | Cameo; Co-producer |
| 2002 | Highway | Jack Hayes | |
| 2002 | Panic Room | Junior | |
| 2003 | Phone Booth | Bobby | Cameo |
| 2004 | Alexander | Hephaestion | |
| 2005 | Hubert Selby Jr: It/ll Be Better Tomorrow | Himself | Documentary film |
| 2005 | Lord of War | Vitaly Orlov | |
| 2006 | Lonely Hearts | Raymond Fernandez | |
| 2006 | The Armenian Genocide | Narrator (voice) | Television documentary |
| 2007 | Chapter 27 | Mark David Chapman | Also Executive Producer |
| 2009 | Mr. Nobody | Nemo Nobody | |
| 2011 | TT3D: Closer to the Edge | Narrator (voice) | Documentary film |
| 2012 | Artifact | Himself | Documentary film; Also Director, Producer |
| 2013 | Dallas Buyers Club | Rayon | |
| 2014-2015 | Into the Wild | Himself | Television series, 16 episodes; Also Director, Producer |
| 2016 | Suicide Squad | Joker | |
| 2017 | Blade Runner 2049 | Niander Wallace | |
| 2018 | The Outsider | Nick Lowell | Also Executive Producer |
| 2019 | A Day in the Life of America | - | Director, Producer |
| 2021 | The Little Things | Albert Sparma | |
| 2021 | Zack Snyder's Justice League | Joker | |
| 2021 | House of Gucci | Paolo Gucci | |
| 2022 | WeCrashed | Adam Neumann | Miniseries, 8 episodes; Also Executive Producer |
| 2022 | Morbius | Michael Morbius | Also Executive Producer |
| 2023 | Haunted Mansion | Hatbox Ghost | Voice and motion-capture performance |
| 2025 | Tron: Ares | Ares | Post-production; Also Producer |
| 2026 | Masters of the Universe | Skeletor | Filming |
| TBA | Lunik Heist | TBA |
11. Discography
Thirty Seconds to Mars studio albums:
- 30 Seconds to Mars (2002)
- A Beautiful Lie (2005)
- This Is War (2009)
- Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams (2013)
- America (2018)
- It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day (2023)
12. See Also
- List of actors with Academy Award nominations
- List of awards and nominations received by Jared Leto
13. External Links
- [https://jaredleto.com Official website]
- [https://thirtysecondstomars.com Official website of Thirty Seconds to Mars]
- [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001467/ Jared Leto at IMDb]
- [https://twitter.com/jaredleto Jared Leto on X (Twitter)]
- [https://www.instagram.com/jaredleto/ Jared Leto on Instagram]
- [https://www.facebook.com/jaredleto Jared Leto on Facebook]
- [https://www.allmovie.com/artist/p200349 Jared Leto at AllMovie]
- [https://www.nndb.com/people/438/000026360/ Jared Leto at NNDB]
- [https://www.theguardian.com/film/jared-leto Jared Leto at The Guardian]
- [https://www.afi.com/person/172218-jared-leto/ Jared Leto at the American Film Institute]
- [https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/112629%7C0/Jared-Leto/ Jared Leto at TCM]