Haute 100 Update: Clint Eastwood Encourages Leo DiCaprio to Follow in his Movie Mogul Footsteps

Legendary actor and acclaimed filmmaker Clint Eastwood is encouraging the young star of his new film, J. Edgar, to take on directing. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the new film, which is based on the life of the infamous founder of the FBI, and has expressed interest in directing. Eastwood thinks that the younger star has the makings of a great movie mogul.

Between his high profile environmentalism and topping the list of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, DiCaprio is at the top of the acting ladder, but hopes to follow in Eastwood’s footsteps by adding directing to his repertoire.

“I would imagine it’s really a game of deciding what to keep your attention on, as opposed to the 20 other things I’m sure people want you to pay attention to,” DiCaprio told GQ. “And, if I did direct, I would try to have the same no-bulls**t approach to it as he (Eastwood) and his crew have. Seriously, there are no frills on his set. It’s a small, tight-knit crew.”

Clintwood sees potential in DiCaprio as a director. He commented, “He’d be great. A lot of guys falter when they get in that chair. John Wayne – he found it overpowering. But for somebody who’s relaxed and understands other actors and likes the process, it’s kind of simple.”

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets. To see the entire Haute 100 San Francisco list, click here.