How Leonardo DiCaprio Became Felicity Jones’ Acting North Star

Felicity Jones has quietly built a reputation as one of the most compelling performers of her generation. While she’s earned acclaim for her roles in films like The Theory of Everything and The Brutalist, and even led the charge in what many consider the standout Star Wars installment, her contributions often fly under the radar. From her emotional depth to her versatility, Jones has proven herself time and again, even making a memorable appearance in a quirky episode of Doctor Who.

Early Beginnings and Influences

Starting out in the industry as a child, Jones made her television debut at just 13. She soon landed a significant part in the British children’s series The Worst Witch, where her character’s struggles were more about clumsiness than villainy. As she navigated her early career, Jones looked to the work of another young actor who was making waves across the Atlantic.

In a 2021 interview, Jones was asked which performances she believed every actor should study. Her answer was straightforward:

“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, ”

she 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 Early Career and Lasting Impact

Much like Jones, DiCaprio entered the entertainment world at a young age, appearing on television as a teenager. His breakout came in the late 1990s, when Baz Luhrmann’s take on Shakespeare’s classic love story showcased his leading-man potential. The massive success of Titanic soon after made him a household name. During this period, his roles often highlighted his youthful innocence and romanticism, qualities that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Jones’s admiration for DiCaprio’s early work is rooted in the emotional honesty and technical skill he brought to those performances. She found inspiration in the way he balanced vulnerability with presence, setting a standard she continues to strive for in her own work.

Evolution of a Benchmark

By the time Jones shared her thoughts, DiCaprio had already expanded his range with films like The Wolf of Wall Street, The Aviator, and The Revenant, earning multiple Oscar nominations along the way. These roles demanded a different kind of complexity, pushing him into new territory as an actor. Since then, he’s taken on even more varied characters, further cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile talents in Hollywood.

For Jones, though, there’s something special about DiCaprio’s earlier performances. Whether it’s nostalgia or a genuine appreciation for the craft, she continues to use his work as a touchstone. His portrayal of Jack Dawson in Titanic remains a standout, even if, as it turns out, DiCaprio himself has never actually watched the film.