It's certainly worth looking at the careers of some of the biggest names in the movie business to seek inspiration and pick up a few tips for your next acting classes in London. To help, we thought we'd start a series of some of the most inspiring actors of our time, starting with the one and only Leonardo DiCaprio.

If you're looking for someone who's enjoyed an incredibly diverse career, you need look no further than DiCaprio, who started off his time in the movie biz as a cast member of sitcom Growing Pains and taking roles in low budget movies like Critters 3.

No doubt many were surprised when he seamlessly transitioned to become one of the most desirable commodities in Hollywood and then into one of the major heartthrobs for teenage girls everywhere during the 1990s. But that's exactly what's happened and he's gone on to enjoy what can only be described as a glittering career, with roles in films like Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, Inception, The Departed, Gangs of New York and most recently The Revenant.

He's just been nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Revenant, in fact, although having been nominated many times in the past and never actually winning has led many to suggest that there's something of a DiCaprio curse where Academy Awards are concerned.

Not only is DiCaprio known for his movie-making, he's also a renowned philanthropist. He's donated $1 million to earthquake relief efforts and a further $1 million to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Homework: To see some of DiCaprio's finest work, watch What's Eating Gilbert Grape this weekend.