Felicity Jones Names Leonardo DiCaprio Her Acting Benchmark
The acclaimed British actress reveals how DiCaprio's early performances shaped her approach to acting, citing his unique blend of emotion and technique as her career inspiration.
Felicity Jones deserves far more recognition than she typically receives. The British actress has delivered powerhouse performances in acclaimed films like The Theory of Everything and The Brutalist, starred in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and even appeared in a memorable Doctor Who episode featuring a giant wasp. Her resume speaks volumes about her versatility and talent.
Jones launched her acting journey as a child, making her television debut at just 13 years old. She later secured a significant role in the British children's series The Worst Witch, where her character was the 'worst' student rather than the most villainous one.
Early Inspiration from Across the Atlantic
During her formative years as an actress, Jones found inspiration in another young performer making headlines in Hollywood. When Backstage magazine asked her about performances that actors should study and learn from, her answer reflected her 1990s upbringing.
"It may sound like an obvious answer, but the person I always come back to for such a collision of emotion and technique is Leonardo DiCaprio," Jones explained. "I grew up on a very strong diet of Leonardo DiCaprio, from Romeo + Juliet to Titanic. The emotion he brings, but also the skill, is pretty much one of a kind. I use him as a bit of a benchmark. He brings such physicality."
DiCaprio's Rise to Stardom
Like Jones, DiCaprio entered the entertainment industry as a teenager, initially appearing in two episodes of The New Lassie. The late 1990s marked his breakthrough period, with Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet establishing him as a leading man and Titanic's massive box office success making him a global superstar.
His performances during this era showcased his youthful charm and vulnerability. DiCaprio often portrayed romantic characters whose innocence led to tragic consequences, endearing him to audiences worldwide.
Evolution of an Actor
Jones made these observations in 2021, long after DiCaprio had expanded his range with complex roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street, The Aviator, and The Revenant – performances that earned him multiple Oscar nominations. His recent work in movies such as Don't Look Up demonstrates his continued evolution as a performer.
While Jones's admiration for DiCaprio's early work might seem nostalgic, her appreciation highlights the lasting impact of his youthful performances. His portrayal of Jack Dawson in Titanic remains remarkably effective, even though DiCaprio himself has reportedly never watched the film that made him famous.