Leonardo DiCaprio ‘Thankful’ Sharon Stone Paid His 1995 Acting Salary
The article discusses how Sharon Stone paid Leonardo DiCaprio’s salary in 1995 for the film “The Quick and the Dead” when the studio refused to cast him. DiCaprio, fresh from his Oscar-nominated role in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” expressed gratitude to Stone, emphasizing her commitment to championing cinema and providing opportunities to fellow actors. Stone insisted on casting DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, covering DiCaprio’s salary herself when the studio declined.
In her memoir, Stone revealed the studio’s reluctance to cast an unknown actor and its suggestion that she fund DiCaprio’s salary from her own earnings. This experience motivated Stone to become a producer, enabling her to advocate for deserving talent. Stone rejected the notion of a ‘vanity deal,’ asserting her commitment to working within legal boundaries.
“The Quick and the Dead” opened in 1995, marking a pivotal moment in DiCaprio’s career alongside other films like “The Basketball Diaries” and “Total Eclipse.” The article highlights Stone’s determination to support talented actors and her subsequent shift into producing. It concludes by mentioning DiCaprio’s continued success, currently starring in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
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