Leonardo DiCaprio praises parents

November 6, 2015

Thespec.com | By Staff

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SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Leonardo DiCaprio praised his parents for helping him become an actor while accepting a SAG Foundation Award.

The 40-year-old star was presented with the Actors Inspiration Award at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles on Thursday (11.05.15) where he admitted they had to put up with his “harassment” as a youngster.

He said: “I was blessed with two incredibly supportive parents who listened to the harassment of their overly assertive son and drove him to auditions after school even though they had very little time for it.”

The ‘Titanic’ actor – who heads up the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation which raises awareness of environmental issues – even took the time to “embarrass” them during the televised ceremony because he insisted he “wouldn’t be the person [he is]” without them.

He added: “And I’m going to take one moment here because this isn’t nationally televised to embarrass both of them, but they’re sitting here tonight.

“Mom, Irmelin, George – I would not be receiving this award and I would not be the actor that I am or be able to do any of the philanthropy that this job has given me the opportunity to have, and I wouldn’t be the person I am without the both of you, so thank you.”