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Rock First

AskMen interview

Quick Bio

Fight Club, Requiem for a Dream, American Psycho, and Lord of War. Jared Leto has been in some of the most influential manly movies of our time. He’s a talent with his own charmed story to tell, but as the main character, Leto is full of contradictions. His hippie upbringing, eccentric fashion sense and laid back, gentlemanly demeanor are a sharp contrast to his steely determination. Very steely indeed because we’re talking about someone who was willing to sleep on the streets, lose 28 pounds and, get this, refrain from getting physical with gorgeous ex-fiancée, Cameron Diaz, for two months to play a heroin addict. Almost 40 (he’s a good example of how age is just a number), the Mr. Nobody star continues to live on an express train, touring with his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, and representing the Hugo Boss fragrance, Just Different. Leto talked to us about backing a brand for the first time, playing Dominique Strauss-Kahn and living off the land.

You seem to blend right with the Hugo Boss DNA. Why did you take up their offer to represent Just Different?

Jared Leto : I thought it was the right thing at the right time. They came to me and described what they were doing, and I responded to it. I thought it would be fun. I’m on a stage most nights of my life. This is a new adventure. It’s a whole different world, and that is precisely why I wanted to go for it. I’ve had many companies approach me over the years, but it never felt right. When I sat with Hugo, I understood this was something unique, so I thought it would be great to get involved with it. I was proud to be asked in the first place.

What's so "different" about it?

JL : I’m not exactly a fragrance guru, but truth be told, I wore it on the set of the TV commercial and walked into a room full of extras, and everyone started asking, “Who smells so good?” It’s a great perfume. It’s interesting how smells can affect one’s mood.

Were you involved in the development of the fragrance?

L : They probably don’t want me doing that because they’re too good. They’re experts, and they have this guy with the biggest nose you’ve ever seen at some laboratory somewhere. He’s called “the nose.” I don’t think I’m capable of competing with that.

How would you describe your style?

JL : I don’t have a specific style that I go with every day. And, as a performer, it’s important to look the part, so I try to do what’s best for the show. I have made plenty of mistakes before -- some of which you’re probably aware of -- but it’s fun to try different things. Professionally, I don’t necessarily have to adhere to a certain dress code. However, I think that comfort is crucial. Otherwise, you won’t be able to have fun and express yourself.

What's it like in the fast lane?

JL : It’s interesting because I’m always in a different city, performing to a different audience and learning different things. Most of the time, when we’re on tour, I work really late because our schedule isn’t as flexible as you’d imagine. But it’s amazing because I get to travel the world, discover different cultures and meet so many inspiring people.

Are you currently considering any new movie roles?

JL : Honestly, I’ve been quite busy lately. I spent almost two years in a studio in the Hollywood Hills in California working on [the album] This Is War. We went on tour right after it came out, and we haven’t stopped since then. I’ve joked about this before, but I would definitely play Dominique Strauss-Kahn if David Fincher directs the story.

What are some other interests that you would like to pursue?

JL : Thankfully, I’m busy doing things that I love. There are plenty of other things I’d like to pursue, but finding time is probably my biggest obstacle. But I’ll certainly explore more in the future.

What has been the most defining moment in your life?

JL : I’m not so sure that has happened yet. But I’ve certainly had many impactful moments and small private moments that were really inspiring. I continue to have them all the time. Being able to travel and play in all these different places in the world and meeting so many different people is a blessing. It’s quite bizarre because sometimes I am in a country where I think that not many would show up for a show, only to find the concert has been sold out. I didn’t even know that that many people would know who we are in Lebanon, so it’s great to see that. There are also the really small moments that are wonderful like having a good conversation or seeing the sunrise somewhere.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

JL : Well, if I’m not dead, and I’m not coughing, I might be somewhere in the wilderness with a big long beard -- disappeared and living off the land.

What advice would you give to an ambitious up-and-coming Jared Leto?

JL : I would probably say something to take some of the stress level down because things can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re young and you haven’t made anything happen, and you don’t think it’s going to happen. I would probably just remind myself of the cliché that hard work pays off. Maybe I’d give myself a couple of tips from the stock market or something.

Jared Leto: You either kick someone’s ass, or they kick yours

ared Leto started his career as a teenage hearthrob in nineties drama ‘My So-Called Life’. Since then, he has played supporting roles in big Hollywood hits such as ‘Fight Club’, as well as the lead in art house cult classics, including ‘Requiem for a Dream’. Having gone to extremes for roles in the past, he discusses whether he’d do the same again, and talks about his most recent release ‘Mr Nobody’. There are a lot of philosophical issues dealt with in ‘Mr Nobody’, what would you consider the main message?

The message that I most consider when thinking about ‘Mr Nobody’ is how actions have universal consequences. How the seemingly small choices that we make in life can have large impactful effects.

Do you believe in fate?

I have a lyric in one of my songs that says “I don’t believe in fate, but the bottom line it’s time to pay”. There are some elements in life that are unavoidable but I believe that in many ways we create our fate, that we carve out our own path in life by way of our actions.

If performing hadn’t worked out, where do you think you’d be now?

I originally studied to be a painter so I’d probably be standing in front of a canvas. That, or chemistry.

You actually filmed ‘Mr Nobody’ in 2007 – is it difficult doing interviews when so much time has passed? And do you find your answers have changed?

I don’t find it difficult to talk about the film. When I first read the script I was blown away. Jaco [director Jaco Van Dormael] created such an incredible world with rich characters and posed philosophical questions that really made me think and consider life and possibilities. I think the script still impacts me to this day.

You described playing Harry Goldfarb in ‘Requiem for a Dream’ as “the hardest thing I’ve done”, would you still agree?

I think ‘Requiem for a Dream’ was one of the most challenging roles i’ve ever taken on because it was gruelling both physically and emotionally. Putting on the weight for ‘Chapter 27′ was also very difficult physically. It’s a very different mental state from one to the other.

Having lost 28 pounds for one, and gained weight for another – were you concerned about the effects on your body? And would you do the same again?

I don’t think I would ever gain that much weight again for a role. Putting your body through that kind of experience has lasting effects. An interesting experience but not one I recommend.

It’s difficult for actors to cross over into music, but 30 Seconds to Mars has seen great success – why do you think that is?

I really don’t compare Thirty Seconds to Mars to other bands or projects, but a great deal of it probably comes down to whether people respond to the music or not. I think some people have probably made the mistake of thinking that just because they are successful in one area they will be in another. It doesn’t work that way. Just because someone is a good cop does mean they will make a great criminal, right?

We’ve been working at this for a very long time. We were signed in 1998 and a band well before then. We have toured relentlessly around the world for nearly a decade now and its been the journey of a lifetime. We have had some success and we are very, very grateful for that.

Were you concerned being the face of Hugo might dampen the rock image?

I don’t worry about image. To me, it made sense because they weren’t trying to do something typical. They wanted to do something new and I’m always up for trying things out and doing something different.

You played Angel Face in ‘Fight Club’ (who really takes a pummelling), what’s the worst fight you’ve been in?

You either kick someone’s ass or they kick yours. Either way it sucks. I try not to get in fights. Nothing good comes out of it.

What’s next in the pipeline?

Right now I’m really focused on the tasks at hand. I’m in Japan right now. We just played China. Off to Hawaii, then Mexico, then back to Europe for all of November. Thirty seconds to mars has shows booked until the end of the year to support our current album, this is war. I’m also working on a charity book from my trip down to Haiti to raise funds for the people of that country after the devastating earthquake that affected them, and I’m finishing up a documentary about the making of this record, the $30 million lawsuit we had against us from our label, and the death of the music business.

30 Seconds to Mars hits success with evolved sound

Shannon Leto, drummer for the L.A.-based band 30 Seconds to Mars, recalls the passion he and his brother Jared Leto shared for music as they were growing up.

Though the band, now comprised of the Leto brothers and lead guitarist Tomislav Milicevic (aka Tomo), has been signed by a record label since 1998, released three successful studio albums and won many music awards in its tenure, Shannon still recalls his humble beginnings.

"I have a picture of [my brother and me] when we were young, Jared banging on a guitar," Shannon said in a telephone interview from Osaka, Japan, where they had just finished a show. "It really started when we were young. It just made sense when we started focusing on it."

Currently on tour, the band is getting ready for its Honolulu concert at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower on Sept. 29, which Shannon promises will be "energetic, chaotic, spontaneous and fantastic."

Having traveled to Hawai‘i a few times before, Shannon is not only looking forward to the performance but also an opportunity for relaxation.

"I love the islands and the feel of the islands," he said. "I love the fact that I will have a couple of days to chill up at the North Shore."

Though 30 Seconds to Mars gained a modest fan base with the release of its self-titled first studio album in 2002, the band didn't quite hit their stride until the release of their platinum-selling sophomore album "A Beautiful Lie" in 2005, which led to multiple T.V. appearances and built the ground for successful tours in the future.

Known for their progressive rock/metal and post-grunge sound, Leto maintains that the genre of their music is up to the listener's ears.

"I think Andy Warhol said it best when he said labels are for cans," Shannon said. "It's up to each individual's interpretation."

The band's loyal fans don't seem to mind the ambiguity, and instead, embrace it. The 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards recognized 30 Seconds to Mars with a nomination for "Biggest Fans" – pitting them against the ravenous preteen (and predominantly female) following of Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga's devoted army of "little monsters."

"They're like our family," Shannon said, describing his fans. "They're committed, loyal, creative and inspiring. We are all part of the same train ride."

When asked about the feeling he gets when he performs on stage in front of thousands of fans, Shannon can't help but describe it as a "mutually shared experience."

"There's nothing quite like it," he said.

And although 30 Seconds to Mars has found their niche in the music industry, the band acknowledges that they will have to evolve their sound in order to keep up with the industry's imminent changes.

"We refuse to be stuck in one way," Shannon said. "We wouldn't be allowed to express ourselves and that's not really for us. We try to keep an open mind and think outside the box."

With three million records sold worldwide, over 100 million video views on Youtube, and nearly 500 sold-out shows around the globe since 2005, perhaps the band's success is credited to their adaptability.

But Shannon also maintains that hard work is an important component for bands hoping to make it to the "big time."

"Work hard, work hard and work hard," he said. "Stick to what you believe in and follow your heart. Just never, ever quit."

in Hawaii

Jared meeting his fans in Hawaii

ONE Magazine No.72 (France) - Oct/Nov 2011

At Kanye West fashion show in Paris