Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio is well known for his philanthropy for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
During one of his flights to St. Petersburg, Russia, DiCaprio was held up not once, but twice.
Leonardo DiCaprio was born in Hollywood, California as an only child, to which he called himself, “an impossible child.” He absolutely hated to study and would eventually drop out of High School but eventually earning his general equivalency diploma (GED). He would move to Germany with his maternal grandparents. He speaks fluent German.
His career started in several commercial roles and educational films. He would debut in his first film “Critters 3,” which he would play the stepson of an evil landlord (DiCaprio described the role as “your average, no-depth, standard kid with blond hair”). Soon after, he became a re-occurring cast member on “Growing Pains”, playing Luke Brower, a homeless boy who is taken in by Seaver family. What sky-rocketed him into the stratosphere came from Robert De Niro, when he picked DiCaprio out of 400 young actors to play the lead role in This Boy’s Life.
Now 41, Leonardo DiCaprio has created the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to support organizations and initiatives dedicated to securing a sustainable future for our planet. Additionally, he has donated countless millions to the world wildlife foundation (WWF) and multiple other organizations to protect our environment. He also served on the world wildlife foundation board and also produced and co-wrote the documentary, “The 11th Hour.” The 11th Hour is a documentary that informs the viewers about the current state of the natural environment.
“The destruction of our planet continues at a pace we can no longer afford to ignore. I am proud to support these organizations who are working to solve humankind’s greatest challenge.”
He is a part of the international fund for animal welfare. To combat the ever-growing problems facing these foundations, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has now allocated a total $30 Million in grants.
We have a responsibility to innovate a future where the habitability of our planet does not come at the expense of those who inhabit it.
In 2010, he had two instances back-to-back while flying to St. Petersburg, Russia as a guest at the International Tiger Conservation Forum on behalf of the World Wildlife Fund. The first, Delta Flight 30, which departed JFK was forced to make an emergency landing due to engine problems (engine flame out and malfunction).. Did Leonardo DiCaprio almost die? He had some angels working for him that day. He would later take a replacement flight to Helsinki, Finland to refuel due to strong winds over the Atlantic Ocean. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated and acknowledged that a lesser man “could have read it as a sign – that it was not worth going.” He gained much respect!
If you would like to help make an impact in any way, please go to leonardodicaprio.com
