Sharon Stone Once Paid Leonardo Dicaprio's Salary For A Film When The Studio Refused To Cast Him

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It's crazy to think of Leonardo DiCaprio before he became the big star we know today. But Sharon Stone played a big part in his journey.

After DiCaprio nailed his role in "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape," Sharon Stone took notice.

When it came to casting for "The Quick and the Dead" in 1995, Stone insisted on having DiCaprio on board alongside Russell Crowe.

This move marked a turning point in DiCaprio's career, thanks to Stone's unwavering support and belief in his talent.

When the studio turned down Leonardo DiCaprio, Sharon Stone took charge, going as far as footing the bill for his salary just so he could be part of the film.

“She said, ‘These are the two actors I want to work with',” DiCaprio recalled as he spoke to E! about the story.

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“It’s incredible. She’s been a huge champion of cinema and giving other actors opportunities, so I’m very thankful.”

“I’ve thanked her many times,” he added. “I don’t know if I sent her an actual, physical thank-you gift, but I cannot thank her enough.”

Sharon Stone shared this incredible tale in her 2021 memoir, "The Beauty of Living Twice," reminiscing about the pivotal moment when she personally intervened to secure Leonardo DiCaprio's role in the film.

“This kid named Leonardo DiCaprio was the only one who nailed the audition,” Stone wrote.

She explained that she auditioned multiple teen actors for the role of The Kid and liked DiCaprio the most.

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“In my opinion he was the only one who came in and cried, begging his father to love him as he died in the scene.”

Stone recalled the studio telling her, 'Why an unknown, Sharon, why are you always shooting yourself in the foot?’

“The studio said if I wanted him so much, I could pay him out of my own salary. So I did,” Stone continued.

Stone also explained that when she produces films, she likes to have a hands on approach and won’t settle for just staying out the way.

“Getting a producer credit as an actress is often thought of in my business as a ‘vanity deal,’ meaning they pay you for the job but shut the f**k up and stay out of the way,” Stone wrote in her memoir.

“I won’t accept a vanity deal and let them know that upfront. This is illegal, I say, and I like to work within the law. That gets a lot of silence and not a lot of joy on the other end.”