He’s widely recognized not just as an actor but also as a talented singer-songwriter, best known for his role in the band Thirty Seconds to Mars. Over the years, he has built an impressive career in both music and film. One of the major highlights came when he took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful performance in Dallas Buyers Club—a role that truly showcased his range. Before that, he had already made a name for himself with intense performances in films like Requiem for a Dream and American Psycho, where his dedication to the craft was evident. He later stepped into one of the most iconic comic book roles, portraying The Joker in the 2016 movie Suicide Squad, bringing his own unique energy to the character.
Before all the fame and red carpet moments, he was honing his skills at New York City’s School of Visual Arts. It was during this time that he wrote and performed in his first short film, Crying Joy, which marked the beginning of his creative journey in front of and behind the camera. On a more personal note, he was in a high-profile relationship with actress Cameron Diaz, dating from 1999 to 2003, which kept him in the public eye even before his Oscar win. And speaking of family, his brother Shannon Leto is also deeply involved in the entertainment world, serving as the drummer for Thirty Seconds to Mars and occasionally stepping into acting roles. Through it all, he’s remained a central figure in modern pop culture—a true multi-hyphenate talent.
He portrayed Mark David Chapman, the man who assassinated John Lennon, in the movie Chapter 27.