A look into Jared Leto’s filmography will indicate many maverick choices in terms of characters along with a flair to take up various challenging roles. The Hollywood star has proved time and again that he has the versatility to immerse himself into any role to bring out the best in each character that he plays.
Leto’s powerful acting skills came into play in his Oscar-winning role in Dallas Buyers Club in which the celebrity played a transgender woman battling HIV. The Suicide Squad actor’s involved and intense portrayal became one of the most talked about performances of the year. Despite initially refusing the part, Leto was inspired by his co-star Matthew McConaughey to ultimately give it a shot.
Jared Leto Impressed Director To Bag His Award-Winning Role In Dallas Buyers Club
Jared Leto ensured that no other actor could have done justice to the part of Rayon, a transgender woman affected by HIV in 2013’s Dallas Buyers Club. His moving portrayal and chemistry with fellow Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey ensured that this performance will be remembered for a very long time. Interestingly, the Blade Runner 2049 star was initially skeptical about taking on the role owing to having a long hiatus from films.
Leto’s mind quickly changed though, after discovering that Matthew McConaughey had signed up for the film and was committed to undergoing extreme physical changes required for his character. Inspired by his colleague, the Artifact actor read the script, was extremely impressed by it, and took up the challenge to prove to director Jean-Marc Vallée that he was the perfect fit for the role of Rayon. Speaking at The Hollywood Reporter’s Actors Roundtable, Leto said,
“I did the Skype with the director, and I reached over and got some lipstick and I put it on, and I had a little pink sweater on and flirted with him a little bit. I woke up, and I got the job. I was stunned.”
Leto went on to add that this alternative audition was the best decision he had made regarding a film script. The results were there for all to see with the actor sweeping the awards in 2014.
How Jared Leto Stayed In Character For His Oscar-Winning Role
Jared Leto is no stranger to commitment. The talented actor has been known to always give his 100 percent to bring a level of relatability and authenticity to his characters. Like in Requiem for a Dream in which he physically transformed himself to play a drug addict, Leto lost 30 pounds to play a dying transgender woman who is inflicted with HIV in Dallas Buyers Club. This portrayal won the star his first well-deserved Oscar. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the Suicide Squad actor spoke of his preparation and demeanor on the set that allowed him to completely immerse himself into the character of Rayon throughout the filming.
“Every morning, when I stepped out of that van that took us to set, I always had my high-heels on. It kind of set the clock.”
Jared Leto also revealed that working on the film was a career-altering experience that gave him the reputation of being an actor who could tackle any complex role with ease.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly
