Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on Turning Down Boogie Nights Role 30 Years Ago, Calling It His ‘Biggest Career Regret’

The Oscar winner reflects on a missed career opportunity from 30 years ago.

August 13, 2025 — Leonardo DiCaprio has revealed that one of his biggest career regrets was turning down the lead role in Boogie Nights nearly three decades ago. The 1997 film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, ultimately starred Mark Wahlberg and became a cult classic in Hollywood.

A Decision That Still Haunts Him

Speaking candidly in a recent interview, DiCaprio admitted that passing on the role was a choice he still thinks about. “My biggest regret in my career is not doing Boogie Nights,” he said. “At the time, I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me, but looking back, it’s one of those projects that became iconic.”

How the Role Slipped Away

DiCaprio explained that scheduling conflicts and uncertainty about the risqué subject matter played a role in his decision to decline. The role of Dirk Diggler went to Wahlberg, whose performance helped catapult him to stardom.

Still, No Shortage of Success

While DiCaprio missed out on Boogie Nights, his career soared with films like Titanic, The Departed, Inception, and The Revenant, which earned him an Academy Award. “You can’t do them all,” he reflected, “but some still stick with you.”