US EditionWho Is 'Lenny Williams'? Leonardo DiCaprio Reveals Stage Name His Agent Wanted
- Leonardo DiCaprio appeared on the New Heights podcast on September 24, 2025, where he revealed being advised to change his name early in his career.
- This advice stemmed from an early agent telling DiCaprio his name was 'too ethnic' and suggesting he adopt the stage name Lenny Williams.
- DiCaprio recalled his father George DiCaprio strongly opposing the change, ripping up the headshot and saying, 'Over my dead body.'
- Now 50 years old and starring in the 2025 film One Battle After Another, the actor recalled his early experiences with auditions from childhood.
- Sticking to his given name helped DiCaprio become a major Hollywood star, suggesting that his original name contributed to his lasting success.
58 Articles
58 Articles
Who is 'Lenny Williams'? Leonardo DiCaprio reveals stage name his agent wanted
(KTLA) -- Leonardo DiCaprio has been one of Hollywood's most recognizable names for decades — but in another world, we might've never known Leo as Leo. Ahead of the release of his latest film, Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," the 50 year-old Academy Award winner sat down with Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce for their "New Heights" podcast. During the conversation, alongside co-star Benicio del Toro, DiCaprio talked about his caree…
Leonardo DiCaprio says his first agent thought he'd never get hired in Hollywood because his name was 'too ethnic': 'Your name is Lenny Williams'
DiCaprio's "One Battle After Another" co-star, Benicio Del Toro, said he received similar advice from his agent—to become “Benny Del.”
In a recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, Leonardo DiCaprio told him that an agent told him in his teens that his name was “too ethnic” and suggested that he use the artistic name Lenny Williams.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
