Leonardo DiCaprio Says He Was ‘Starstruck’ Meeting Luke Perry on the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Set: ‘It Was Incredible’
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In the world of Hollywood, where actors frequently cross paths with legends, it’s rare to hear one of the most successful actors of his generation admit to feeling starstruck. However, Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his incredible range of performances in films such as Titanic, The Revenant, and The Wolf of Wall Street, has admitted to feeling this way when he met the late Luke Perry on the set of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In a candid interview, DiCaprio spoke openly about the experience of meeting Perry, who was cast in a small but significant role as Scott Lancer in the film. The revelation was surprising to many, as DiCaprio is renowned for his steady confidence and has worked with some of the most iconic figures in Hollywood. Yet, when it came to meeting Perry, DiCaprio could not hide his admiration and awe for the actor, who was best known for his role as Dylan McKay on the wildly popular television series Beverly Hills, 90210.
The Encounter Between DiCaprio and Perry Leonardo DiCaprio
The two actors first met during the filming of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which was released in 2019. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the film takes place in 1969 Los Angeles and tells the story of an aging TV actor, Rick Dalton (played by DiCaprio), and his longtime stunt double, Cliff Booth (played by Brad Pitt), as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood. The film is packed with a star-studded cast, including Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, and Bruce Dern, but it also features Luke Perry in his final film role before his untimely death in March 2019, after suffering a stroke.
Luke Perry’s character, Scott Lancer, is an embodiment of the kind of Western television actor that once dominated the small screen. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Perry appears in a flashback scene as a fictionalized version of himself, sharing a moment with DiCaprio’s character, Rick Dalton. Although Perry’s role was brief, it held great significance, particularly because of his legacy in television. His appearance on the set of Tarantino’s film was not just another day at work; it marked an emotional moment for many on set, as it was known that Perry was in the midst of battling serious health issues, which would ultimately lead to his tragic passing just a few months later.
DiCaprio recalls feeling a mix of emotions upon meeting Perry for the first time. Despite his years in the industry and the numerous famous people he had met over the years, DiCaprio was profoundly aware of Perry’s cultural impact and what he meant to a generation of viewers. “It was incredible,” DiCaprio said in an interview. “I remember when Luke came on set. I was starstruck. I grew up watching Beverly Hills, 90210, and Dylan McKay was such an iconic character in pop culture. It felt surreal to be working with him.”
A Tribute to the Impact of Beverly Hills, 90210 Leonardo DiCaprio
For many people, Beverly Hills, 90210 was a defining show of the 1990s, and Luke Perry’s portrayal of Dylan McKay became a cultural touchstone. His character, the brooding, misunderstood bad boy, captured the hearts of millions of viewers during the show’s original run. Perry’s performance in the role became iconic, and his charisma on-screen was a major reason why the show resonated with audiences worldwide. DiCaprio was no exception to this — like many, he grew up watching the show and understood the cultural weight it carried.
“Beverly Hills, 90210” was a phenomenon that shaped not only teen drama television but also pop culture as a whole. The series depicted the lives of a group of teenagers living in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, and it tackled issues that were groundbreaking for its time, such as addiction, mental health, and sexuality. Luke Perry’s portrayal of Dylan McKay, a complex character with a troubled past and a tortured soul, was at the center of many of the show’s most emotional and memorable moments.
For DiCaprio, who was beginning his career as a young actor in the early ’90s, Beverly Hills, 90210 was a significant part of his adolescence. Like many in Hollywood, DiCaprio admired Perry’s ability to connect with audiences and bring depth to his role. He reflected on how watching the show made him respect Perry’s acting skills, as well as his ability to become one of the biggest stars of his generation.
“Luke was one of those actors who transcended the teen heartthrob phase and really became an actor that people respected,” DiCaprio said. “He wasn’t just a TV star; he was a real actor who had a depth to him. And that’s something I really admired.”
The Impact of Working with Luke Perry Leonardo DiCaprio
Despite their differing career trajectories — DiCaprio having worked in big-budget films and Perry predominantly being known for his work in television — the two actors shared a mutual respect for each other’s craft. DiCaprio was not only starstruck by Perry’s fame but also impressed by his professionalism on set. “He was incredibly kind and grounded. When he walked onto set, he brought such a warmth and humility,” DiCaprio explained. “It was clear that he was someone who had been in the business for a long time but never let that affect how he treated people. I think everyone on set felt that.”
In addition to his kind nature, DiCaprio highlighted Perry’s work ethic. Despite his health challenges, Perry arrived on set ready to perform and gave it his all. DiCaprio recalled that Perry’s demeanor was one of pure focus and dedication to his craft. “It was humbling,” DiCaprio said. “He didn’t act like a big star. He was just there, doing his job like everyone else, and it made him even more impressive. It’s rare to meet someone who has that kind of humility despite their level of fame.”
This experience became even more poignant after Perry’s passing. DiCaprio expressed how the time spent working with Perry, however brief, left an indelible mark on him. “When you work with someone like that, someone who had such an impact on people’s lives and was so talented, it’s hard not to be moved,” he said. “I think the whole set felt lucky to have him there, and we all knew we were witnessing something special.”
The Loss of a Hollywood Legend Leonardo DiCaprio
When Luke Perry passed away suddenly in March 2019, the world of Hollywood mourned the loss of a beloved figure. His passing came just months after filming wrapped on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and many of his co-stars, including DiCaprio, expressed their sadness at the loss of a man they had come to respect not just as a colleague but as a friend.
DiCaprio shared that hearing of Perry’s death was devastating. “When I heard the news, I was just in shock. It felt like I had lost a friend. Luke was someone who had a genuine soul, and I’m really grateful I got to know him,” DiCaprio said in a tribute to the actor. “It’s a tragedy for the world, and for anyone who knew him, but we also have to remember the joy he brought to millions of people.”
His co-stars from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, including Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Quentin Tarantino, also expressed their sorrow at Perry’s passing. The film had become a special place for many of them to honor the legacy of Perry’s career, and his role in the film became a tribute to the kind of actor he was — one who had bridged the gap between television and film, leaving behind a lasting impact on both industries.
Conclusion
For Leonardo DiCaprio, the experience of working with Luke Perry on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was more than just a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal moment that allowed him to connect with a star who had helped shape his childhood and the world of pop culture. Although DiCaprio had worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, meeting Perry and working alongside him left a lasting impression on him.
In the end, DiCaprio’s reflection on meeting Perry reveals something that many in Hollywood feel but rarely express: the awe and respect that comes with working alongside people who have had such a profound cultural impact. Perry was not only a great actor, but also a deeply beloved figure, and DiCaprio’s admission of being starstruck serves as a beautiful testament to the lasting influence of the late actor’s work. Through this collaboration, and in his heartfelt tribute to Perry, DiCaprio was able to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who continues to be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
