Leonardo DiCaprio : Modern Day Romeo

VOYA - Ann Bouricius

Leonardo DiCaprio, teen heartthrob and star of the recent film William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is the subject of Catlano's very laudatory biography. Growing up in Los Angeles, Leonardo, (never Leonard, he hates that) began his acting career in his teens doing commercials. Of DiCaprio's training, Catalano says, "He never took a formal acting lesson; his attitude about acting at that time was simple: Go to a ton of auditions and keep thinking of the cash." Commericals were followed by small bits on television, a role on the soap opera Santa Barbara, a role in the short-lived series Parenthood, and a part on Growing Pains. From there DiCaprio moved to the big screen. Many of his roles are unconventional, full of teenage angst. His role as Johnny Depp's mentally challenged brother in What's Eating Gilbert Grape earned an Oscar nomination. Writing in the fast-paced, informal style of a fan magazine, (He's not afraid to take chances with his career. And he doesn't care how much money people offer him-he will not do a movie he doesn't believe in.") Catalano, who has edited the teen magazine Dream Guys, uses a liberal sprinkling of quotes from directors, crew members, and other actors. Everyone, it seems, adores Leonardo. My teenager has been drooling over this book. Included in this quick read is a list of "Vital Statistics" (favorite food, television show, book, etc.), a list of trivia facts, and a filmography. Photos. Filmography. VOYA Codes: 3Q 4P M J S (Readable without serious defects, Broad general YA appeal, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).