Leonardo DiCaprio, the iconic actor and Oscar winner, recently shared his thoughts on aging and personal growth in a candid interview with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson for Esquire. While reflecting on his 50th birthday, DiCaprio humorously described himself as ’emotionally 32,’ highlighting his belief that age is merely a number. He emphasized his desire for greater honesty and authenticity in his personal and professional life, stating that he now places a higher value on being straightforward and avoiding the waste of time.
DiCaprio discussed the shift in his mindset as he approached the half-century mark. He noted that his mother’s approach to life—being direct and not wasting time—has influenced his own perspective. In response to a question about whether his 50th birthday prompted reflection, DiCaprio quipped, ‘You turned emotionally thirty-five last year.’ Anderson added, ‘Your age is fifty, but your emotional maturity is thirty-two.’ The actor’s comments on his ’emotional maturity’ follow a long history of public scrutiny over his relationships with younger women, a topic he has openly addressed.
DiCaprio’s remarks also touched on the generational divide, particularly in the context of communication methods. He shared how growing up without smartphones or even basic texting now feels like ancient history to younger people in his life. He recounted a humorous anecdote about his past, explaining that he once relied on answering machines and pay phones to communicate, a method that now seems archaic to his younger counterparts. DiCaprio noted that younger generations have adapted quickly to modern technology, while he and his peers have had to navigate a more analog world.
While preparing for his role in ‘One Battle After Another,’ DiCaprio also reflected on the challenges of bridging the gap between generations. He described the film’s exploration of the father-daughter dynamic, noting the disconnection that exists between his world and that of the younger generation. DiCaprio emphasized that while they may think they understand the younger generation, the reality is quite different. This generational communication barrier has been a recurring theme in his recent interviews.
DiCaprio’s past relationships with younger women have drawn significant attention, including his recent dating life with model Vittoria Ceretti. In an interview with Vogue France, Ceretti spoke about the challenges of being in a relationship with a celebrity, particularly the pressure of being labeled as ‘DiCaprio’s girlfriend.’ She acknowledged the potential risk of such a label but also expressed her appreciation for the connection.
DiCaprio’s history of dating younger women has been a topic of speculation for years. In April 2023, he was seen at Coachella with model Irina Shayk, who had previously dated his friend, Oscar winner Bradley Cooper. In the summer of 2022, DiCaprio ended his four-year relationship with Camila Morrone, 25 at the time. He had also been rumored to be dating Gigi Hadid, who was 27 at the time, after being spotted together at New York Fashion Week in September 2022.
DiCaprio’s dating history also includes a long-term relationship with Gisele Bündchen, the famous supermodel, which lasted for five years before their breakup in 2005. Bündchen, who was 18 when they started dating, eventually married NFL quarterback Tom Brady after a year with DiCaprio. Their marriage ended in 2022, adding another layer to DiCaprio’s complex personal life.
His candid comments on aging, authenticity, and the generational divide offer a glimpse into his evolving mindset. DiCaprio’s reflections underscore his commitment to living a more honest and purposeful life, even as he navigates the challenges of fame and public scrutiny.