Jared Leto biography, age, wife, net worth, band, awards, height 2025

Biography of Jared Leto

Jared Joseph Leto is an American dramatic actor, music video director, and lead vocalist for the alternative band 30 Seconds to Mars. His dedication is impressive – he spares neither his psyche nor his body, striving to embody his characters fully. As a result, he won an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club and delivered remarkable performances in Chapter 27, Requiem for a Dream, Highway, and other noteworthy films.

Childhood and Family

Jared Leto was born in Louisiana on December 26, 1971. He and his older brother by nearly two years, Shannon, had a difficult childhood. Their father left their mother, Constance, when the boys were young. After a second marriage, which produced two more children, the man took his own life. Jared was eight years old.

Jared Leto and his older brother Shannon in childhood

Constance's second husband, Carl Leto, adopted the brothers and gave them his last name. He worked in the U.S. Air Force, which forced the family to move frequently. However, Constance's marriage to Carl also ended in divorce.

Jared Leto was a proactive and confident child. He got his first job at the age of 12. The future actor started as a dishwasher in a small diner and four years later worked as a doorman.

Jared thanks his mom for all his achievements

Constance instilled a love for the arts in her children. At one point, she became interested in the hippie ideology and entered a community of creative individuals. The Leto brothers were surrounded by musicians, actors, artists, and photographers, and they themselves played music from an early age. Jared's first instrument was an out-of-tune piano, and the kitchen, with its many pans and pots, served as a fantastic source of sounds.

Jared Leto has been inseparable from music since childhood

In 10th grade, Jared was expelled from school, but he reconsidered his actions and finished his education at the small private Emerson Preparatory School. After graduating, Leto enrolled in the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he majored in painting. Later, he became interested in filmmaking and transferred to the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. As a student, Jared wrote a script and starred in his own short film titled "Crying Joy."

Acting Career

In 1992, Jared Leto, with a backpack and a couple hundred dollars, moved from New York to Los Angeles, determined to become a director. Believing that the way to the director's chair lay through acting, he started knocking on studio doors. Soon he landed a small role in the sitcom "Camp Wilder."

Jared Leto in the series 'Camp Wilder'. His first role

Jared became truly famous after playing Jordan Catalano in the teen drama about the hardships of growing up called "My So-Called Life." Though the show was limited to one season, it won a Golden Globe and launched the careers of many current movie stars, including its star Claire Danes.

'My So-Called Life': Jared Leto and Claire Danes

In 1994, Jared Leto starred alongside Alicia Silverstone in the indie film "Cool and the Crazy," then in "How to Make an American Quilt" with Winona Ryder. In 1997, Jared Leto received a role originally intended for Tom Cruise in the movie "Prefontaine" – a distinctive depiction of the life of legendary runner Steve Prefontaine.

Jared Leto as Steve Prefontaine

1998 was a very successful year for the actor. He appeared in Terrence Malick's film "The Thin Red Line," which featured a strong ensemble cast including Sean Penn and George Clooney, and after that Leto played one of the central characters in the detective horror movie "Urban Legend."

Jared Leto's next big screen appearance was in 1999. The actor appeared in "Fight Club" by David Fincher, though he's hard to recognize with his platinum blond hair. He plays a character nicknamed Angel Face who gets brutally beaten by the main character played by Edward Norton.

Jared Leto in 'Fight Club'

Soon after, the actor appeared, albeit in a supporting role, in two dramas: "Girl, Interrupted" with Winona Ryder (1999) and "American Psycho" with Christian Bale (2000).

That same year saw the premiere of the drama "Requiem for a Dream" by Darren Aronofsky, solidifying Jared's status among Hollywood stars. His character is a heroin-addicted Brooklyn boy raised by his elderly mother (Ellen Burstyn). He has a girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) and a best friend (Marlon Wayans), and each character has a cherished dream: the main character and his friend want to get rich, the mother wants to be on television, and Jared's character's girlfriend dreams of opening a boutique. But drug addiction derails all their plans.

A still from the movie 'Requiem for a Dream'

In preparing for his role, Leto not only lost 28 pounds but also befriended real drug addicts from Brooklyn. "I met a girl, and a few days later her friend said she died in the hospital from an overdose," the actor recalled.

Jared Leto Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters

Jared also fit naturally into "Panic Room" by his acquaintance David Fincher, appearing before the audience as a talkative and clumsy burglar and the grandson of the former owner of the house inhabited by the characters played by Jodie Foster and young Kristen Stewart.

Jared's projects also included the historical epic "Alexander" by Oliver Stone, the thriller "Lord of War," as well as the drama about John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman "Chapter 27."

Jared talks about his role in Chapter 27

Incidentally, after being approved for the role in this film, Leto decided to come as close to his character as possible. For the sake of art, the actor gained 60 pounds. He followed a special diet, which was difficult for him as a committed vegetarian. Every evening, Jared melted ice cream in the microwave, adding olive oil to it. He drank the mixture before bed. During filming, the always fit Jared Leto was greatly hindered by the extra weight. Therefore, immediately after finishing the job, he began to lose weight. The actor fasted for several days, drinking only water with maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice.

For the role of Mark Chapman, Jared Leto gained weight

In 2009, Leto appeared on the big screens in the film by French director Jaco Van Dormael "Mr. Nobody." The film won the Golden Osellas for Best Technical Contribution and the award for Best Feature Biographical Film at the Venice Film Festival in 2009. In the film, the actor appears as a character named Nemo, portraying an age spectrum from teenager to a 120-year-old man, with the audience seeing nine versions of his character. "It was an unforgettable experience. The film touches on many issues, but does not provide a single answer, only reminding us of how amazing our life is. I could have played thousands of Nemos, as the choice of life paths is endless," he recalled later.

After that, Leto took a break from acting that lasted until 2013. During this time, he focused on his music band. It took four years before Jared Leto returned to the big screen. In 2013, the drama "Dallas Buyers Club" by Jean-Marc Vallée was released, based on the true story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician with AIDS, played by Matthew McConaughey.

Jared played his friend, a drug-addicted transsexual named Rayon, with whom Woodroof founded an illegal business selling drugs to other HIV-infected people. Both actors were awarded Oscars: McConaughey for Best Actor and Leto for Best Supporting Actor.

Jared Leto Oscar speech

Preparing for the role, Jared lost weight again, shedding 28 pounds. However, his co-star lost even more, a staggering 47 pounds. McConaughey claimed that he never met Leto on the set of "Buyers Club." The person acting with him was always Rayon, such was Jared's full immersion in the character. "He would constantly steal my stuff. Literally, lighters, a pocketknife, etc.," McConaughey recalled. "I didn't know how to address him... or her. I was facing a Lady, and quite a sexy one at that," admitted the director.

During filming, Jared Leto firmly embraced the role of Rayon

The next couple of years Jared again devoted to his music career, only to reappear to DC comics fans in 2016 in the iconic role of The Joker, Batman's archenemy. Like Leto himself, his character turned out to be interesting, provocative, and controversial. The actor dyed his hair bright neon green, and to fully get into the role, he pulled off a series of crazy stunts, such as giving his co-star Margot Robbie a box with a live rat. "Playing The Joker is a huge honor for me," he stated before the film's premiere.

'Suicide Squad': Jared Leto as The Joker

Unfortunately, he couldn't avoid comparisons with Heath Ledger, who played The Joker in Christopher Nolan's films, and the comparisons were not in his favor. The film as a whole was not warmly received by audiences, despite the participation of the sexy Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Will Smith, who played Deadshot.

Jared Leto transformation into The Joker

In 2017, Leto appeared as an anti-hero in the cyberpunk thriller "Blade Runner 2049" with Ryan Gosling. His character – the mad scientist Neander Wallace – advocates for the revival of replicants (androids indistinguishable from humans) and the destruction of humanity.

A still from the movie 'Blade Runner 2049'

In 2018, Leto played the lead role in the crime film about the Japanese mafia "The Outsider," which received mixed reviews. Here you can see him as an American officer who becomes a member of the yakuza.

Despite negative reviews from viewers and critics for "Suicide Squad," Leto planned to return to this role in a standalone Joker film. Todd Phillips's film encountered many obstacles on the way to triumph, and one of them, according to sources, was Jared himself. He was so disappointed that he was not invited to "Joker" (especially since Warner Bros. initially promised him a standalone Joker film) or to "Birds of Prey," the second part of "Suicide Squad," that he tried through his agents to pressure Warner and seek the cancellation of the project. Leto himself denied this story. However, he could be seen as The Joker in the director's cut of "Justice League" by Zack Snyder.

Batman meets Joker Snyder Cut 2021

That same year, Ridley Scott's biographical drama "House of Gucci" was released, in which Leto transformed into Paolo Gucci, head of the legendary fashion house. However, the role was "awarded" a Golden Raspberry for Worst Supporting Actor.

Jared Leto on the set of 'House of Gucci'

Together with Anne Hathaway, Leto played a leading role in the satirical miniseries "WeCrashed," telling the story of the WeWork coworking network startup. Jared appeared as Adam Neumann, head of the company, which was valued at $47 billion at its peak but abruptly went bankrupt in 2019.

The film "Morbius" starring Jared Leto as the lead was called an "absolute disaster" by the press. The standalone film about one of Spider-Man's enemies, directed by Daniel Espinosa, was released in March 2022, flopped at the box office, and spawned a plethora of memes featuring Jared Leto. There were so many jokes that in June, Sony decided to re-release "Morbius" in theaters – and it flopped again. In the US, the film grossed $2 million less than it cost to make, and in 2023, "Morbius" received five Golden Raspberry Award nominations and "won" in two categories. One of them went to Jared Leto – for Worst Actor.

Jared Leto Interview Morbius

Music

In 1998, Jared and his brother Shannon formed the band "30 Seconds to Mars". Their music style can be classified as alternative or post-grunge. According to Leto, the band's name is a metaphor for the future and a reminder that people are close to intangible things.

Jared is the main lyricist and composer, the lead vocalist and guitarist, while Shannon plays the drums. The band also includes bassist Tim Kelleher, keyboardist Braxton Olita. Croatian violinist and guitarist Tomo Miličević was also a member until 2015.

The band's debut album "30 Seconds to Mars" was released in 2002. Their second album "A Beautiful Lie" came out in 2005. The third album was a challenge for the band. "This Is War" was released in 2009 after legal disputes with their record label over the delay of the album. However, the issue was resolved favorably for the band.

30stm – The Kill (Bury Me)

In 2013, the band released their fourth studio album "Love Lust Faith + Dreams" without Kelleher and Miličević. The single "Up in the Air" was played from the International Space Station.

30stm – Up in the Air

The fifth album was released only in 2018. Titled "America", it deviates from the band's usual alternative sound, leaning more towards art pop. The musicians collaborated with pop artists A$AP Rocky on "One Track Mind" and Halsey on "Love is Madness".

In 2018, 30 Seconds to Mars released their fifth album

Jared directed most of the 30stm music videos himself under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, borrowed from Dr. Seuss's children's book "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins".

Jared Leto's Personal Life

Jared Leto has always been famous for his romantic escapades, having had more than his fair share. To this day, he is considered one of Hollywood's most attractive bachelors.

In 1991, he dated "Punky Brewster" star Soleil Moon Frye. Their relationship lasted about a year.

From 1999 to 2003, Leto was in a relationship with Cameron Diaz. Rumors circulated that the couple was headed for marriage, but they eventually split up. Fans speculated about the reason: was it the girl's skyrocketing career, surpassing her beloved, Jared's jealousy of Cameron's co-stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise, or simply their busy schedules that caused them to drift apart?

Jared Leto and Cameron Diaz almost got married

In 2004, Jared Leto's girlfriend was the young Scarlett Johansson. They dated for about a year, but in 2012 they were spotted together at the Democratic Convention, holding hands affectionately.

This photo of Jared Leto and Scarlett Johansson has generated many jokes

Another celebrity who was in a close relationship with Leto was Ashley Olsen. The media often referred to them as "friends with benefits"; they looked like a couple from the outside, but Ashley hinted in an interview that they were just friends.

In 2008, the actor was rumored to be dating Paris Hilton. Sources close to the socialite claimed that there was nothing serious between them, but Hilton considered Leto "very sexy and fun."

Jared Leto - All Girlfriends (1991-Present)

Later, the blue-eyed and seemingly ageless heartthrob had relationships with Serbian film star Nina Senicar, Danish beauty Katharina Damm, stylist Chloe Bartoli, and in 2014, he was suspected of having flings with Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.

During the filming of "Suicide Squad," Jared developed a relationship with Russian model Valery Kaufman. There has been no official confirmation of their romance to date.

Jared Leto has tattoos. On his right wrist is a graphic representation of his band, and on his left is the symbol of their second album – a cross with a circle. The latter was done by the famous Los Angeles tattoo artist Kat Von D. His calves feature two arrows, and both elbows bear tattoos with the symbol of his band 30 Seconds to Mars' third album – the triad. On his collarbone, written in Latin, is Provehito in Altum.

Jared Leto Now

In September 2023, Jared Leto's band released their first album in five years, "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day," and their first since the departure of guitarist Tomo Miličević. The title track "Stuck" was a hit with listeners – the music video gathered 18 million views in less than a year.

Thirty Seconds To Mars – Stuck

In November, Jared climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York. He climbed the wall of the 102-story skyscraper to the very top to celebrate the start of 30 Seconds To Mars's new world tour in support of their sixth album. The tour will last from March to September 2024.

Jared Leto makes historic climb to top of Empire State Building

It is noted that Leto covered the distance from the 86th to the last floor on the east side of the building in about 20 minutes. At the top of the 381-meter-tall building, he sang a song from the new album.

Jared Leto: latest news and articles

Jared Leto Injured His Hand But Became The First Person Who Climb The Empire State Building

10 Nov 2023

Sandra Foster

Jared Leto is a super talented as an actor and as a musician, his role of Joker I adore!

2021-05-17 12:37:02
Todd Gibson

Recently I rewatched Fight Club and I was in shock to see Leto with a blond hair! I remember him only with that long hair he has now.

2021-05-08 15:02:47
Stella Stewart

Is that case when the person is getting younger with age :) I was following him before he made his music band.

2021-04-02 21:54:35
Michael Hampton

He is good but in my opinion he is more successful in music then cinema

2021-04-02 14:20:01
Samuel Allen

I remember Leto because of his role in Requiem for a Dream, it is a genius and cult movie and after that I found out that he is a musician.

2021-03-15 14:12:04
Clairey Echelon

Tomo has been around from 2003 to early 2018 NOT 2015

2018-09-13 11:15:19