Leo Told James Cameron, “I Don’t Read” When Auditioning for Titanic

Pretty crazy story right? Leonardo DiCaprio told Avatar and Terminator writer/director James Cameron he doesn’t read. Now the question is, does he just not read or does he not know how to read? We’re not haters here, reading is hard, I don’t really read either Leo, I listen to audiobooks, happy to recommend a few if needed. This isn’t new with actors, Lea Michele faced these same rumors recently. Maybe you’re a better actor if you’re illiterate? Should I try my hand at acting?

I’m not sure why this isn’t getting more coverage? If you don’t believe us watch the clip yourself, it’s a direct quote! (around 3:07 mark):

He says, “you mean I’m reading? oh I don’t read.”

Perhaps we took it a bit out of context, but nonetheless, how about the balls on Leo? This isn’t the Leo we know today, this isn’t the Departed, Blood Diamond, and Inception, Leo. This is and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and ecstasy popping Romeo in Romeo + Juliet, Leo. To walk into a meeting for a movie they’re about to spend $200 million on and drop your nuts on the table and say, ‘nah, I’m not trying out’, as a 21-year old actor no less, certainty takes some confidence. That type of cockiness either makes you a leading man for the rest of your life or labeled an arrogant asshole who is blackballed from Hollywood, no inbetween.

I’m glad it worked out and he eventually did ‘read’.  I did the same thing in 8th grade and finally passed remedial English class after the 3rd attempt, and look at both of us now!

Sorry this blog was rough, it’s Monday, “I don’t read” on Monday’s! Check out our other blogs or reach out to us.