From Star-crossed Lovers to Hollywood Icons: Unveiling the Fate of the 'Romeo + Juliet' Cast
Discover the whereabouts of the talented cast from the iconic 1996 film 'Romeo + Juliet'! Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes lead the star-studded ensemble in this modern adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy Delve into the lives of these beloved actors today
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes captivated audiences with their modern retelling of William Shakespeare's iconic play in Romeo + Juliet.
In the 1996 film, DiCaprio, known for his role in Titanic, and Danes, a talented actress from Homeland, portrayed the doomed lovers at the center of the story. They were joined by a stellar cast, including John Leguizamo as Tybalt, Harold Perrineau as Mercutio, Dash Mihok as Benvolio, and Paul Rudd as Dave Paris. The film was expertly directed by Baz Luhrmann, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Craig Pearce.
Romeo + Juliet solidified DiCaprio's status as a heartthrob, but he didn't secure the role without first proving himself. "When I saw Leonardo, I thought, 'That's exactly how he should look. But can he actually act?'" Luhrmann recalled in his interview with iHeartRadio in August 2016. "Then I discovered he was the foremost young actor."
The filmmaker disclosed that the Academy Award winner flew to Australia to audition for the part, and his commitment paid off. "He traveled to Australia, bringing along all his friends, and we filmed the entire show with the other actors," Luhrmann explained. "I won't disclose their names; the footage will never be released. I realized that I couldn't make the movie without him."
Danes almost lost her role to Natalie Portman in a close call. At the time, Portman was 14 and DiCaprio was 21, so Danes was seen as a more suitable love interest in terms of age. According to DiCaprio, Danes displayed a remarkable level of maturity for her age during the audition. While other girls tried to portray a more affected and artificial persona, Danes delivered a genuine and sincere performance, looking straight into DiCaprio's eyes as she delivered her lines.
Scroll through the gallery below to see where the stars of Romeo + Juliet ended up:
Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock
‘Romeo + Juliet’ Cast: Where Are They Now?
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes captivated audiences with their contemporary retelling of William Shakespeare's iconic play, Romeo and Juliet.
In the 1996 film, DiCaprio, known for his role in Titanic, and Danes, famous for her work in Homeland, portrayed the ill-fated titular couple. The star-studded cast also included John Leguizamo as Tybalt, Harold Perrineau as Mercutio, Dash Mihok as Benvolio, and Paul Rudd as Dave Paris. Baz Luhrmann skillfully directed the film, collaborating with Craig Pearce on the screenplay.
Romeo + Juliet solidified DiCaprio's heartthrob status, but he had to prove his acting abilities first. Luhrmann recalled thinking, "When I saw Leonardo, I thought, 'God, that's how he should look. But can he act?'" It turned out that he was indeed the leading young actor. In order to audition for the role, the Oscar winner flew to Australia and showed immense dedication. Luhrmann shared, "He came to Australia with his friends, and we made a complete video of the show with the other actors." The filmmaker realized that he couldn't make the film without DiCaprio's involvement, although the video will never be seen publicly.
Danes, on the other hand, almost missed out on her role to Natalie Portman. Despite being 14 years old at the time, Portman was considered a potential love interest for DiCaprio due to her youthfulness. However, DiCaprio praised Danes for her maturity beyond her years during the audition process. Unlike other girls who resorted to affected gestures and tried to be flirtatious, Danes delivered her lines with honesty and looked directly into DiCaprio's eyes.
Scroll through the gallery below to see where the stars of Romeo + Juliet ended up:
Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock; Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock
Leonardo DiCaprio (Romeo)
DiCaprio went on to establish himself as one of Hollywood's most coveted actors, appearing in blockbuster films such as Titanic, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, Inception, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Revenant, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In 2017, he began a relationship with Camila Morrone, but the couple ended their romance in August 2022. Subsequently, in September 2022, the actor entered a new relationship with Gigi Hadid. However, their romance came to an end in February 2023, as confirmed by Us.
Credit: Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock; Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
Claire Danes (Juliet)
Danes has maintained a steady career with a role on Homeland from 2011 to 2020 and in films Les Misérables, The Hours, The Family Stone and Temple Grandin.
The actress tied the knot with Hugh Dancy in September 2009. In December 2012 and August 2018, they joyfully welcomed their two sons, Cyrus and Rowan. Exciting news emerged in July 2023, revealing the arrival of the couple's third child, a beautiful baby girl.
Credit: Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock; John Salangsang/Shutterstock
John Leguizamo (Tybalt)
The actor has expanded his career by taking on film roles in popular movies like Moulin Rouge!, The Lincoln Lawyer, Ride Along, and John Wick. He has also showcased his talent in television shows such as ER, The Kill Point, Bloodline, Waco, and When They See Us. Additionally, he is recognized for his exceptional voice work in projects like Ice Age.
Leguizamo entered marital bliss with Justine Maurer in June 2003, after the birth of their daughter Allegra in 1999 and son Lucas in 2000.
Credit: Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock; Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock
Harold Perrineau (Mercutio)
Perrineau has appeared in the Matrix franchise, Lost, Oz, Constantine, The Best Man, 28 Weeks Later, Zero Dark Thirty, Claws, The Rookie and Sons of Anarchy.
The actor married Brittany Perrineau (née Robinson) in August 2002. They welcomed daughters Aurora in September 1994, Wynter in May 2008 and Holiday in March 2013.
Credit: YouTube; Eric Charbonneau/SHOWTIME/Shutterstock
Dash Mihok (Benvolio)
Mihok has also appeared in various television shows such as Ray Donovan, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Felicity, and Gotham. Additionally, he has played notable roles in films like The Perfect Storm, The Day After Tomorrow, and Silver Linings Playbook. In 2009, the actor tied the knot with Valeria Mason, and together they are proud parents of daughters Olivia and Cata.
Credit: Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock; Scott Roth/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Paul Rudd (Dave Paris)
Rudd embarked on his acting journey with Romeo + Juliet, marking the beginning of his career. Subsequently, he secured a role on the iconic TV series Friends and went on to shine in films such as Ant-Man, Clueless, Wet Hot American Summer, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Role Models, and I Love You, Man.
The actor tied the knot with Julie Yaeger in February 2003. Their son, Jack, arrived in 2006, while their daughter, Darby, was born in 2010.
Credit: YouTube; Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Brian Dennehy (Ted Montague)
Dennehy went on to star in various productions such as Death of a Salesman, The Big Year, and The Seagull. His television appearances include Just Shoot Me!, The Good Wife, Hap and Leonard, and The Blacklist. Additionally, he returned to the theater scene.
Sadly, the Tony winner passed away in April 2020 at the age of 81 due to cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Arnott, and his five children.
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Christina Pickles (Caroline Montague)
The actress made her first appearance on Friends as a guest star before starring in Romeo + Juliet. She continued to make recurring appearances on the sitcom throughout its entire run. Additionally, she showcased her talent in various other TV shows such as Guiding Light, How I Met Your Mother, Great News, Break a Hip, Doubt, and The Wedding Singer.
Pickles married Ian Masters in 2005. She shares two children, Oliver and Rebecca, with ex-husband Victor Lobl.
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Paul Sorvino (Fulgencio Capulet)
Sorvino continued his career with projects such as Money Talks, That’s Life, Mr. 3000, Still Standing, Rules Don’t Apply, and Godfather of Harlem. In December 2014, he married Dee Dee Benkie. In July 2022, Benkie announced that Sorvino passed away at the age of 83. He is survived by his three children, Mira, Michael, and Amanda, whom he had with his first wife, Lorraine Davis.
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Diane Venora (Gloria Capulet)
The actress’ post-Romeo + Juliet credits include Hamlet, Threshold, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Private Practice and Cherish the Day.
Venora’s daughter, Madzia, was born in 1981.
Credit: YouTube; Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Miriam Margolyes (The Nurse)
Margolyes has appeared in the Harry Potter franchise, Chasing Liberty, and The Guilt Trip, as well as on Call the Midwife and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. She has been in a relationship with Heather Sutherland since 1968.
