Jared Leto (info)

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Jared Leto
In the vein of musicians-turned-actors, Jared Leto is a very familiar face in recent film history. Although he has always been the lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and songwriter for American band 30 Seconds to Mars, Leto will always be remembered as an accomplished actor for the numerous, challenging projects he has taken in his life.

Jared Leto was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, to Constance "Connie" (Metrejon) and Anthony L. "Tony" Bryant. "Leto" is a stepfather's surname. His ancestry includes English, Cajun (French), as well as Irish, German, Scottish. Jared and his family traveled across the United States throughout Leto's childhood, living in such states as Wyoming, Virginia and Colorado. Leto would continue this trend when he initially dropped a study of painting at Philadelphia's University of the Arts in favor of a focus on acting at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

In 1992, Leto moved to Los Angeles to pursue a musical career, intending to take acting roles on the side. Leto's first appearances on screen were guest appearances on the short-lived television shows Camp Wilder (1992), Almost Home (1993) and Rebel Highway (1994). However, his next role would change everything for Leto. While searching for film roles, he was cast in the show, Es mi vida (1994) (TV Series 1994-1995). Leto's character was "Jordan Catalano", the handsome, dyslexic slacker, but also the main love interest of "Angela" (played by Claire Danes). Leto contributed to the soundtrack of the film, and so impressed the producers initially that he was soon a regular on the show until its end.

Elsewhere, Leto began taking film roles. His first theatrically released film was the ensemble piece, Donde reside el amor (1995), based on a novel of the same name and starring renowned actresses Winona Ryder, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Jean Simmonsand Alfre Woodard. The film was a modest success and, while Leto's next film, El año que murió Elvis (1996), was a failure, Leto secured his first leading role in Prefontaine (1997), based on long-distance runner Steven Prefontaine. The film was a financial flop, but was praised by critics, notably Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. He also took a supporting role in the action thriller, Secuestro (1997), which starred Dennis Quaid, but the film was another failure.

Leto's work was slowly becoming recognized in Hollywood, and he continued to find work in film. In 1998, everything turned for the better on all fronts. This was the year that Leto founded the band, 30 Seconds to Mars, with his brother, Shannon Leto, as well as Matt Wachter (who later left the group), and after two guitarists joined and quit, Tomo Milicevicwas brought in as lead guitarist and keyboardist. As well as the formation of his now-famous band, Leto's luck in film was suddenly shooting for the better. He was cast as the lead in the horror film, Leyenda urbana (1998), which told a grisly tale of a murderer who kills his victims in the style of urban legends. The film was a massive success commercially, though critics mostly disliked the film. That same year, Leto also landed a supporting role in the film, La delgada línea roja (1998). Renowned director Terrence Malick's first film in nearly twenty years, the film had dozens of famous actors in the cast, including Sean Penn, Woody Harrelson, John Travolta, Nick Nolte and Elias Koteas, to name a few. The film went through much editing, leaving several actors out of the final version, but Leto luckily remained in the film. La delgada línea roja (1998) was nominated for seven Oscars and was a moderate success at the box office. Leto's fame had just begun. He had supporting roles in both James Mangold's Inocencia interrumpida (1999), and in David Fincher's cult classic, El club de la lucha (1999), dealing with masculinity, commercialism, fascism and insomnia. While Edward Norton and Brad Pitt were the lead roles, Leto took a supporting role and dyed his hair blond. The film remains hailed by many, but at the time, Leto was already pushing himself further into controversial films. He played a supporting role of "Paul Allen" in the infamous American Psycho (2000), starring Christian Bale, and he played the lead role in Darren Aronofsky's Réquiem por un sueño (2000), which had Leto take grueling measures to prepare for his role as a heroin addict trying to put his plans to reality and escape the hell he is in. Both films were massive successes, if controversially received. The 2000s brought up new film opportunities for Leto. He reunited with David Fincher in La habitación del pánico (2002), which was another success for Leto, as well as Oliver Stone's epic passion project, Alejandro Magno (2004). The theatrical cut was poorly received domestically (although it recouped its budget through DVD sales and international profit), and though a Final Cut was released that much improved the film in all aspects, it continues to be frowned upon by the majority of film goers. Leto rebounded with El señor de la guerra (2005), which starred Nicolas Cage as an arms dealer who ships weapons to war zones, with Leto playing his hapless but more moral-minded brother. The film was an astounding look at the arms industry, but was not a big financial success. Leto's flush of successes suddenly ran dry when he acted in the period piece, Corazones solitarios (2006), which had Leto playing "Ray Fernandez", one of the two infamous "Lonely Hearts Killers" in the 1940s. The film was a financial failure and only received mixed responses. Leto then underwent a massive weight gain to play "Mark David Chapman", infamous murderer of John Lennon, in the movie, El asesinato de John Lennon (2007). While Leto did a fantastic job embodying the behavior and speech patterns of Chapman, the film was a complete flop, and was a critical bomb to boot. It was during this period that Leto focused increasingly on his band, turning down such films as Clint Eastwood's World War 2 film, Banderas de nuestros padres (2006).

In 2009, however, Leto returned to acting with his most ambitious film yet; Las vidas posibles de Mr. Nobody (2009). Leto's role as "Nemo Nobody" required him to play the character as far aged as 118, even as he undergoes a soul-searching as to whether his life turned out the way he wanted it to. The film was mostly funded through Belgian and French financiers, and was given limited release in only certain countries. Critical response, however, has praised the film's artistry and Leto's acting.

Jared Leto's story is a very charmed one, as he rose from television roles to film roles, to giving head-turning performances in famous projects alongside A-list casts. And all this on the side of his band, 30 Seconds to Mars. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Bob Stage









Trade Mark
Often plays unsympathetic characters

Bright blue eyes











Trivia
Bartholomew Cubbins is his pseudonym with which he signs the videos/films he directs (including most of his band 30 Seconds to Mars's video clips starting with "The Kill").

Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.

Chosen as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.

Younger brother of Shannon Leto.

His hobbies include snowboarding, skateboarding, hiking, writing songs, reading, and painting.

Had a dog named Judas who died in May 2007.

Is in a band called 30 Seconds to Mars with his brother Shannon Leto and Tomo Milicevic. The band has four albums out; their self-titled debut album, their second album "A Beautiful Lie", their third "This is War" and their most recent "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams".

While preparing for his role as a heroin addict in the movie Réquiem por un sueño (2000), Jared lost 28 pounds, starved himself and denied himself the pleasure of then-fiancée Cameron Diaz's bed for two months. Leto admits that playing the part of Harry Goldfarb was "sadomasochistic... the hardest thing I've done".

Attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

In many of his movies, he is disfigured in some way. In Réquiem por un sueño (2000), his arm becomes infected and is amputated. In El club de la lucha (1999), his face is beaten beyond recognition. In La habitación del pánico (2002), he is badly burned. In American Psycho (2000), he is brutally murdered with an ax and, in El señor de la guerra (2005), he is shot several times in the chest.

Transfered from UARTS in Philly to School of Visual Arts in Manhattan to study Film and Video.

(2000-2002) Was engaged to Cameron Diaz.

Jared is a vegan.

He gained 62 lb for his latest role, playing Mark David Chapman, in El asesinato de John Lennon (2007). Then lost the weight by going on an all-liquid diet consisting of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. He lost 20 lb in 10 days.

Has been diagnosed with gout after undergoing dramatic weight loss. He packed on 62 pounds for his role in El asesinato de John Lennon (2007) [August 2006]

He turned down a key role in Banderas de nuestros padres (2006) in order to commit his time to his band, 30 Seconds to Mars.

Had a part in Última llamada (2002) which was deleted from the theatrical cut.

He has two younger half-brothers from his father's second marriage.

Was writer/director Joby Harold's first choice to play "Clayton Beresford", the male lead in 2007's Despierto (2007). He later backed out due to scheduling conflicts with his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, and was replaced by Hayden Christensen.

Although he lives in Los Angeles, his favorite city is New York City.

Grew up in a hippie community with his mother Constance Leto, step-father and brother Shannon Leto.

He has English, Cajun (French), as well as Irish, German, Scottish, and distant Spanish, ancestry. "Leto" was the surname of Jared's stepfather/adoptive father.

His band 30 Seconds to Mars will start their first headlining tour, Forever Night Never Day, on March 4, 2006 in Salt Lake City. The tour will be running through April 30th ending in San Francisco. [March 2006]

Shooting the video for "A Beautiful Lie" in Greenland. [August 2007]

Preparing for the Into The Wild world tour [January 2010]

Is in an "undisclosed location" overseas. [Said to been have seen in South Africa.] [September 2004]

"A Beautiful Lie" has been certified gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000. [September 2006]

He and his brother, Shannon Leto, along with bandmates in 30 Seconds to Mars have since gone overseas to finish up tracking on their new album. [October 2004]

August 30th release of his band's second album, A Beautiful Lie. [August 2005]

In Florianópolis, Brazil. To pass the new year with his friend from Incubus, Brandon Boyd. [December 2007]

His band is on tour with Audioslave. [October 2005]

He and his band 30 Seconds to Mars is touring Europe together with Linkin Park. [May 2007]

Touring Italy with 30 Seconds to Mars, performing in Milan and Pisa. [June 2007]

In NYC with his band 30 Seconds To Mars for their Into The Wild tour. [April 2010]

"A Beautiful Lie" has been certified platinum by the RIAA for sales over 1 million [January 2007]

On the RockStar Taste of Chaos tour with The Used, Senses Fail, Saosin, Aiden, Evaline,and Chidos [February 2007]

He is the third actor to have won an Oscar and play the Joker in live-action. The first two are Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger.

The first actor to play The Joker in a film that wasn't centered around Batman.











Personal Quotes 
"I don't think Réquiem por un sueño (2000) is for children, but I think if you went home and looked at the video games that your kids are playing, you'd be much more shocked." - Mr. Showbiz, November 2000.

All those reports that I sleep in my closet. I don't know how people get that. People are so obsessed with what you do at home.

I could care less about anybody knowing who I am, but I realize this is part of the game. Maybe if I really hated this whole public thing, I would go do plays in Hoboken.

I was never interested in 'Teen Beat' like roles. I just wanted to work.

I was raised around a lot of artists, musicians, photographers, painters and people that were in theater. Just having the art-communal hippie experience as a child, there wasn't a clear line that was drawn. We celebrated creative experience and creative expression. We didn't try and curtail it and stunt any of that kind of growth.

Teens are always shown as one dimensional. They're stereotyped. When I was in high school, I cared about more than getting a date or making the team.

I never look at myself as a closet actor wanting to make music or a closet musician wanting to act -- I'm very proud to do both and I don't put one above the other, I'm very grateful and excited by both opportunities -- it's really a unique opportunity to do both.

(On living in Haiti) I was 12. It's the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. It was horrible to see people living in the street, in shacks, and bathing in sewer water and drinking bad water and begging and starving. It was unforgettable.

(2002, on his wild youth) I stole a lot when I was a kid, but I wouldn't steal one candy; I'd take the whole carton. I also used to like to break into other people's houses and sit in their rooms. I found it very comforting to be in someone's empty house.

(2002, on making Prefontaine (1997)) "Pre" was my first major part and I was pretty much operating under the assumption that I was going after the Olympics. [Laughs] I was so gung-ho and trying to do everything I could to be this guy. Plus, Prefontaine's family was around often, so it was a moving experience.

(2002, on what would surprise people the most about himself) Messing with computer hardware. I take computers practically apart and put them back together. I have a supercomputer I built over the years out of different computers.

(2002, on auditioning as a newbie actor in Hollywood) It was challenging and nerve-racking. I remember hiding behind an overturned desk, shooting imaginary guns at people. One time, I stopped and said, "I can't do this. I feel like I'm in a bad high school play. I'm sorry I'm wasting your time, but I've got to go."

(On getting back to normal after the weight loss needed for Réquiem por un sueño(2000)) It was difficult. I walked around New York City for a while. Ultimately, I went to Portugal and stayed in this old monastery for weeks and ate fish and potatoes.

(On losing the weight for Réquiem por un sueño (2000)) I didn't eat. I'd have broccoli, cucumber, but just a few bites of little things, never more. It was the hardest thing I've ever done to myself, willingly. It was really painful starting to eat again after that. I was filled with a lot of guilt. It can be an addiction to not eat when you make such a strong commitment to that. I heard this story about an English woman who was in a sailboat race for months around the world. At the end of the trip, she said it was so hard to step off the boat. She wanted to go back and do it again, and that's how I felt with "Requiem". I was just bawling uncontrollably the last few days of shooting. I'd look at Darren Aronofsky and start crying. But there were moments of such reward.

This band and its fans have always been the odd ones out. A lot of people in this family... have always felt that way. In my life I was never the popular kid or in the in crowd. [Interview, August 2011]

(2013, on looking 31 at 41) I still have plenty of vices, but alcohol isn't one of them. It's probably just down to sleep and diet. If you travel long haul a lot or don't sleep much, it's not going to last very long, that's for sure. I'm pretty healthy so I think that helps a lot. I've been that way for a long time - 20 solid years of eating vegetarian/vegan and taking care of myself. That probably helps the preservation process.

I've talked myself out of auditions a hundred times. I remember auditioning for Terrence Malick and the casting director upended a couch, and we were supposed to hide behind it and shoot imaginary guns! I literally stood up, took a few imaginary bullets and shoved [the casting director]. I said, 'I can't do this. This is like a bad high school play', and I walked out. And then Terrence called me and he's like 'Uh, Jared? I'd love you to be in my film'.

[on preparing to lose 39 pounds for his role in Dallas Buyers Club (2013)] When you lose weight it's almost like you lose part of yourself. It's an incredible commitment and, for me, was essential. It changes the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you act, the way you breathe, the way people treat you. [And] when you put on a pair of high heels, lipstick and a wig, it's incredible what you can find. It's pretty amazing.

[re transforming to play Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club (2013)] There were a lot of physical things going on, which is also dangerous, a trap, because it can get in the way. You could become this billboard for 'Look at me, look at me, look at me, and see all these things that I've done.' It can become a giant indication...Those things are great, because they do change the way people treat you, which is awesome for the role,. When you lose weight, it changes the way you walk and talk and think and feel. As soon as you put on a pair of heels, it changes your body center. Every morning, no matter what, I stepped out of that passenger van when I got dropped off on set, and I was wearing my heels. It didn't matter if it was 4 in the morning or whatever. I had my heels on, and that was a great way to set things for the day. You wear a little purse, it makes you move a slightly different; if you put on bracelets or have nails, your hands can move differently.

[to protesters in Ukraine, March 2014]. You guys are in the midst of something really beautiful . And it may be difficult, but there's no price too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
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