* Early Exposure: He was exposed to the world of acting at a very young age, starting with commercials and educational videos. His mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, was a legal secretary and his father, George DiCaprio, was a comic book artist and distributor. It's likely this environment nurtured his interest in performing.
* Passion for the Craft: He has spoken about his love for storytelling and the ability to embody different characters. He found a way to express himself and explore different lives through acting.
* Natural Talent: From a young age, DiCaprio demonstrated a natural ability to act and a dedication to his craft. He was very focused and driven in his pursuit of acting.
* Drive and Determination: He actively pursued acting roles and took numerous acting classes. His relentless dedication helped him land small roles that eventually led to bigger opportunities.
* Early Success: His breakout role in "Growing Pains" and later "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" solidified his talent and propelled him to stardom.
While it's impossible to know definitively why DiCaprio became an actor, it's safe to say that a combination of early exposure, passion, talent, and determination led him on this path.