Jared Leto

About

Jared Leto is a multi-talented American actor, musician, and director who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born in 1971, Leto started his career as a television actor before transitioning to film, where he gained critical acclaim for his roles in movies like “”Requiem for a Dream”” and “”Dallas Buyers Club.””

In addition to his acting career, he is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, which has released several successful albums. Leto is also known for his philanthropy, activism, and unique method acting techniques. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the life, career, and achievements of Jared Leto.

Early Life and Career of Jared Leto

Childhood and Education

Jared Leto was born on December 26, 1971, in Bossier City, Louisiana. His mother was a therapist and his father a military man who worked in the Air Force. He spent his childhood moving around frequently due to his father’s job, living in different states and countries like Haiti and Brazil. Leto attended several schools before eventually graduating from Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia.

Early Acting Roles

Leto’s passion for acting started at a young age, and he moved to Los Angeles to pursue it after finishing high school. He began his career with small roles in TV shows like “”My So-Called Life”” and “”Almost Home.”” He also appeared in films like “”The Last of the High Kings”” and “”Switchback”” in the mid-’90s.

Formation of 30 Seconds to Mars

In 1998, Leto formed the band 30 Seconds to Mars with his brother Shannon Leto. The band’s initial lineup included Matt Wachter, Solon Bixler and Kevin Drake. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2002, but it wasn’t until their second album, “”A Beautiful Lie”” (2005), that the band gained mainstream success.

Acting Career and Breakthrough Roles

TV Roles and Early Films

After his early roles, Leto appeared in films like “”Prefontaine”” (1997) and “”The Thin Red Line”” (1998). He also starred in the 2000 thriller “”American Psycho”” and the 2002 drama “”Panic Room.”” Leto made his return to television in 2019, playing a recurring role in the series “”The Outsider.””

Breakthrough Role in “”Requiem for a Dream””

In 2000, Leto’s career got a significant boost with his role in Darren Aronofsky’s “”Requiem for a Dream.”” Leto’s portrayal of Harry Goldfarb, a heroin addict, earned him critical acclaim and attention from audiences.

Recognition for “”Dallas Buyers Club””

Leto received further acclaim and recognition for his role as Rayon, a transgender woman with HIV, in “”Dallas Buyers Club”” (2013). He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, as well as a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Music Career and Success with Thirty Seconds to Mars

Formation of the Band and Early Albums

Leto’s success in acting didn’t deter him from continuing his music career. He released several albums with 30 Seconds to Mars throughout the 2000s, including “”A Beautiful Lie”” and “”This is War”” (2009).

Breakthrough Album “”A Beautiful Lie””

“”A Beautiful Lie”” was a breakthrough album for the band, earning them mainstream success with hit songs like “”The Kill”” and “”From Yesterday.”” The album also raised awareness for environmental issues, with the band promoting eco-friendly merchandise and concerts.

Continued Success with “”This is War”” and “”Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams””

30 Seconds to Mars continued to gain popularity with their fourth album, “”Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams”” (2013), and their fifth album, “”America”” (2018). The band has won several MTV Video Music Awards and Kerrang! Awards for their music.

Awards and Achievements of Jared Leto

Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor

Leto won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “”Dallas Buyers Club”” (2013).

Golden Globe Awards

Leto has won two Golden Globe Awards, one for his role in “”Dallas Buyers Club”” and another for his performance in the TV series “”Mr. Robot”” (2015-2019).

MTV Video Music Awards and Kerrang! Awards

30 Seconds to Mars has won several MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Rock Video for “”The Kill”” and Best Art Direction for “”Kings and Queens.”” They have also won several Kerrang! Awards, including Best International Band and Best Live Band.

Philanthropy and Activism

Jared Leto is known for his philanthropic work and activism. He has donated millions to various causes and started his own organizations, such as The Art of Elysium and Camp Mars.

The Art of Elysium

The Art of Elysium is a non-profit organization that brings artists and performers to hospitals and other facilities to provide workshops, performances, and other creative experiences for children who are battling serious medical conditions. Leto has been involved with the organization since 2009, and has donated over $1 million to support its efforts.

Camp Mars

In 2015, Leto launched Camp Mars, a music and arts festival held in Malibu, California. The event features performances by Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, as well as workshops and activities focused on music, art, and nature. Leto created the festival as a way to bring people together and promote creativity and self-expression.

Environmental Activism

Leto is also passionate about environmental causes and has used his platform to raise awareness and support for initiatives focused on sustainability and conservation. He has been involved with organizations like Global Green USA and the Natural Resources Defense Council, and in 2019, he released a short film called “”A Day in the Life of America”” that highlights the beauty of the country’s national parks and the need to protect them for future generations.

Personal Life and Controversies

Leto’s personal life has been the subject of media scrutiny over the years, particularly his relationships with women and his unconventional method acting techniques. He has been known to stay in character for extended periods of time, even when not filming, which has earned him both praise and criticism.

Relationships and Family

Leto has been linked to several high-profile women over the years, including Cameron Diaz and Scarlett Johansson. He also has a close relationship with his mother, Constance, who he has brought as his date to several award shows.

Controversies and Criticisms

Leto has faced criticism for his portrayal of transgender character Rayon in the 2013 film “”Dallas Buyers Club,”” with some arguing that the role should have gone to a transgender actor. He has also been accused of promoting cult-like behavior within his band and using his power to manipulate and dominate his colleagues.

Leto’s Method Acting Techniques

Leto is known for his intense method acting techniques, which have included drastic weight loss, isolation, and immersing himself fully into his characters’ mindsets. He has spoken publicly about his approach, saying that he believes it allows him to truly embody the characters he plays.

Future Projects and Career Plans

Leto has several upcoming projects in the works, including film and television roles and new music from Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Upcoming Films and TV Shows

In 2021, Leto is set to appear in the thriller “”Morbius,”” playing the titular character, a scientist who becomes a vampire after a failed experiment. He is also set to star in the crime drama “”The Outsider”” and has been rumored to be in talks for a role in the upcoming superhero film “”The Batman.””

New Music and Tours for Thirty Seconds to Mars

Thirty Seconds to Mars has been on hiatus since 2018, but Leto has hinted at new music and tours in the near future. The band has a devoted fanbase and is known for its high-energy live shows.

Leto’s Directing and Producing Projects

Leto has also expressed interest in directing and producing, and has worked on several projects in these roles in the past. He directed the documentary “”Artifact”” about the music industry and produced the series “”The Jared Leto Show”” for MTV. He has also been involved with several films as a producer, including “”The Company You Keep”” and “”A Single Shot.””In conclusion, Jared Leto’s talent, hard work, and dedication have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry. He has been able to achieve success in both acting and music, while also making a positive impact through his philanthropic work. With his future projects in both areas, fans eagerly await what will be next for Leto’s creative pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are some of Jared Leto’s most famous acting roles?

Some of Jared Leto’s most famous acting roles include playing Jordan Catalano in “”My So-Called Life,”” Harry Goldfarb in “”Requiem for a Dream,”” and Rayon in “”Dallas Buyers Club.””

What are some of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ most popular songs?

Some of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ most popular songs include “”The Kill (Bury Me),”” “”This is War,”” “”Kings and Queens,”” and “”Closer to the Edge.””

What philanthropic work is Jared Leto involved in?

Jared Leto is involved in several philanthropic projects, including The Art of Elysium, which brings art to hospitalized children, and Camp Mars, a weekend-long music festival that raises money for environmental causes. Additionally, he is an advocate for environmentalism and has worked to raise awareness for various causes.

What is Jared Leto’s method acting technique?

Jared Leto’s method acting technique involves immersing himself in the character he is portraying, often to the point of fully embodying them both on and off-screen. He has been known to stay in character for the duration of filming and engage in various activities that help him better understand and portray the character.

Last Updated: 3rd April 2023