Before ‘Gatsby’: Leonardo DiCaprio and his philanthropy

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There are tons of reasons why everybody should be excited about the filmization of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby despite it having been made into a film for four times. First off, it's the newest film version since David Merrick's 1974 failed attempt to give life to Jay Gatsby; secondly, it was directed by the conscientious filmmaker behind The Red Curtain Trilogy, Baz Luhrmann; and lastly—or more importantly—inasmuch as it is the much-awaited quick comeback of Leonardo DiCaprio from the just recently premiered Django Unchained.

Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

But before Gatsby, along with reading the Lost Generation's foremost member's novel, knowing the guy who characterized from book to celluloid the self-made American teenager Jay Gatsby a little bit deeper is a good start in understanding and scrutinizing his anticipated performance.

Image source: leonardodicaprio.com

Off-screen, DiCaprio’s life is opposite to that of Gatsby. He's not linked to any form of prohibition, and he uses his money for matters productive and charitable—he is a philanthropist. His humanitarian endeavors are like a vast expanse of good works, for he is involved with many causes such as anti-AIDS campaign, environmental activism, and human rights and anti-poverty crusade, et al.
And having knowledge of his philanthropy is important, for he is known for accepting roles that are close to his heart, characters who have the capacity to deliver a positive message.

Sheryl Pouls is a philanthropist residing in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. This Facebook page offers updates on charity and philanthropy.