Bossier City Native Jared Leto Is Our Man Crush Monday
Whether it's acting, singing or making ladies swoon, Oscar-winning Jared Leto is a man of many talents. He's the perfect warm-up to this chilly Monday and we are crushing hard.
Jared Leto, born December 26, 1971 in Bossier City, Louisiana, has a laundry list of a resume. He is an actor, singer-songwriter, musician, director, producer, activist, philanthropist, photographer and businessman. His parents divorced when he was young and he was then raised by his mother, Constance, and her parents. The Letos moved frequently as Constance's father was in the Air Force. It was his mother's "hippie" lifestyle that encouraged Leto to get involved in the arts.
Acting
Leto moved to Los Angeles in 1992 with a musical career on his mind. Instead, he landed a role on My So-Called Life with Claire Danes. Despite the cult-like following, the show was canceled after one series. He then starred alongside Alicia Silverstone in the show, Cool and the Crazy.
His first film role was in How to Make an American Quit in 1995. His presence on the big screen continued frequently with starring roles in films like Prefontaine, Basil, and Urban Legend. He was also cast in The Thing Red Line and the blockbuster hit, Fight Club. Leto played the rival of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho and starred as a heroine addict in Requiem for a Dream. He has also snagged many supporting roles over the years. Other films of note for Leto include: Panic Room, Lord of War, and Lonely Hearts.
Leto took a break from acting for five years. When he returned he starred in Dallas Buyers Club alongside Matther McConaughey, in which he played a drug addicted transgender woman. To fully embody this character, Leto lost 30 pounds, shaved his eyebrows and waxed his entire body. His performance gave him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Music
As if his success in acting wasn't enough, Leto also pursued music. He founded the band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, in 1998 with his brother, Shannon. Leto admits that the name has nothing to do with space. The band signed with Immortal and Virgin Records in the same year as its conception. Leto wrote the majority of their songs, but never let his name be the reason behind their success.
The band released their self-titled album in 2002, featuring songs like "Capricorn (A Brand New Name) and "Edge of the Earth." A Beautiful Lie, their second album, was released in 2005 with "Attack", "The Kill", "From Yesterday", and "A Beautiful Lie" on the track list. The record is certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Thirty Seconds to Mars released their third album, This is War, in 2009 with singles like "Kings and Queens", "This is War", and "Closer to the Edge."
Personal Life
Leto dated Cameron Diaz in 1999. The two became engaged in 2000, but ended their relationship three years later. Leto joked that he and 84-year-old June Squibb are carrying on a relationship. He has been linked to Scarlett Johansson, Alexa Chung, Lupita Nyong'o, Taylor Swift, and most recently, Miley Cyrus. However, until that rumor is confirmed, he's fair game, ladies!
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