In the realm of youthful exuberance and Hollywood's golden era, both Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber have had their fair share of spotlight-stealing moments.
However, delving into the archives of the '90s reveals that DiCaprio, in his youth, may have outdone even the notorious Bieber. The decade was a playground for Leo and his raucous group of friends known as "The Pussy Posse," a collective that partied hard and embraced a lifestyle of excess.
Long before he charmed audiences as Jack Dawson in "Titanic" and claimed his coveted Oscar, DiCaprio reveled in the carefree days of youth. The Pussy Posse, a group formed during their teenage years in Los Angeles, comprised not only DiCaprio but also Kevin Connelly, Lukas Haas, David Blaine, Harmony Korine, and Tobey Maguire, among others. This close-knit clan, as depicted in a famous 1998 New York Magazine article titled "Leo, Prince of the City" by Nancy Jo Sales, reveled in a world of parties, women, and unrestrained living.
"They were always betting on who would be the first to become famous. They loved watching the girls," revealed a source in Sales' article, capturing the essence of the group's energetic camaraderie. The Pussy Posse became synonymous with a lifestyle where the streets of New York transformed into their personal playground.
Reflecting on those wild times in a Rolling Stone interview, DiCaprio recalled, "You can't even imagine how much fun. This was all before TMZ existed." He emphasized the freedom to be wild without the scrutiny of today's media landscape, expressing that the world was a playground for him during that era.
Anecdotes immortalized in the New York Magazine article highlighted the mischief of The Pussy Posse. From stink bombs in the Sky Bar to tossing grapes at paparazzi and even throwing trash from the Brooklyn Bridge, their exploits were as bold as they were unpredictable. The Big Apple was Leo's Disneyland, and he reveled in the freedom to be mischievous without consequences.
However, as the article uncovered, not everything about DiCaprio's youth was glamorous. Reports of stinginess, such as opting for street parking over valet and reluctance to tip at bars, added a touch of imperfection to the charismatic actor.
The article also shed light on Leo's early philanthropic endeavors, sneaking a New York magazine photographer and friends into a Victoria's Secret fashion show before he achieved global stardom. Today, DiCaprio's dating choices may include models, but his journey from clandestine fashion shows to red carpet appearances is a testament to his enduring charm and transformation.
As the years passed, The Pussy Posse matured, and DiCaprio emerged as not only a Hollywood A-lister but also a passionate advocate for climate change. Yet, the bond forged in the exuberance of youth remains unbroken. DiCaprio's influence extends beyond the silver screen, as evidenced by his support for friends like Tobey Maguire in "The Great Gatsby" and Lukas Haas in "Inception."
While adulthood may have brought responsibility and a commitment to global issues, the legacy of The Pussy Posse lives on. Once part of this charismatic clan, forever a part of its history, and Leo, still the leader, continues to support and uplift his friends in their respective journeys through life. The wild days may have faded, but the memories endure, painting a vivid picture of the charismatic actor's formative years.
