Brad Pitt Spills the Playful Nickname He Shares with Leonardo DiCaprio: Inside the Bromance That Lit Up Hollywood’s Biggest Stage

In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where egos often clash and rivalries simmer, the friendship between Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio stands out as a rare gem. The duo, who finally shared the screen in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 masterpiece Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, captured the industry’s heart with their undeniable chemistry and mutual admiration. But it was a candid moment in January 2020, just before the Screen Actors Guild Awards, that sent fans into a frenzy. When asked about the nickname he uses for DiCaprio, Pitt revealed with a mischievous grin that Leo calls him “lover”—a playful moniker that’s as confusing as it is endearing. This revelation, paired with Pitt’s habit of referring to DiCaprio as “LDC,” peeled back the curtain on a bromance that’s as authentic as it is entertaining, cementing their status as Hollywood’s favorite duo.

The Birth of a Bromance

Brad Pitt, 61, and Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, have been Hollywood titans for decades, each carving out a legacy with films like Fight Club and Titanic. Yet, despite their parallel paths, they didn’t collaborate on a feature film until Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Their connection, however, dates back to the late 1980s, when both appeared on the sitcom Growing Pains—Pitt in guest roles in 1987 and 1989, and DiCaprio as a recurring character from 1991 to 1992. Though they never shared a scene, they ran in the same circles, crossing paths at industry events and sharing mutual friends, including Johnny Depp in the 1990s.

Their friendship deepened in 2018 when Tarantino cast them as Rick Dalton (DiCaprio), a fading actor, and Cliff Booth (Pitt), his loyal stuntman, in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film, set in 1969 Los Angeles, explored the changing film industry against the backdrop of the Manson murders. Pitt and DiCaprio’s on-screen bond mirrored their off-screen rapport, with both actors describing their collaboration as effortless. DiCaprio noted the “inherent comfort and ease” of working with Pitt, while Pitt praised DiCaprio’s commitment, saying he “throws himself out there” in every scene. Their shared experiences as young actors navigating Hollywood’s pressures forged a mutual respect that blossomed into a genuine friendship.

The Nickname That Stole the Show

The “lover” nickname emerged during a red-carpet interview with People before the 2020 SAG Awards, where Pitt was asked if DiCaprio had a nickname for him, given Pitt’s habit of calling DiCaprio “LDC.” With a chuckle, Pitt replied, “He calls me ‘lover.’ It’s a bit confusing, but I roll with it.” The comment, delivered with Pitt’s signature charm, sparked laughter and headlines, with fans on platforms like X buzzing about the duo’s playful dynamic. One user noted, “Brad Pitt calls Leo ‘LDC,’ this is truly a lot for teens of the 90s,” while others marveled at how their friendship transcended Hollywood’s competitive nature.

The “LDC” moniker, short for Leonardo DiCaprio, became a recurring motif during the Once Upon a Time press tour. Pitt used it in his Golden Globes acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor, thanking “my partner in crime, LDC,” and again at the Oscars, where he quipped, “Leo, I’ll ride on your coattails any day, man. The view’s fantastic.” The nickname, paired with DiCaprio’s “lover” retort, reflected their ease with each other, a camaraderie built on years of shared history and mutual admiration. Far from a scripted PR stunt, these moments felt like glimpses into a friendship that thrives away from the cameras.

Behind the Scenes: Art, Sandwiches, and Late Nights

Beyond the red carpet, Pitt and DiCaprio’s friendship extends to quieter, more personal moments. Reports from 2019 revealed that the duo bonded over a shared love of art, particularly sculpting. Pitt, who turned to sculpture as a form of therapy after his 2016 divorce from Angelina Jolie, has a studio at his Los Angeles home where he and DiCaprio would spend “boys’ nights” creating. DiCaprio, known for his art collection, would bring sandwiches from their favorite deli, Fat Sal’s, and the pair would work into the early hours, sometimes joined by Pitt’s artist friends. These nights, filled with creativity and conversation, underscored the depth of their bond, far removed from Hollywood’s glitz.

Pitt’s passion for sculpting, which he described as a way to avoid “scenarios of fiery demise” in his mind, resonated with DiCaprio, who has long championed environmental and artistic causes. Their shared interest in creativity—whether on screen or in a studio—helped them navigate the pressures of fame. DiCaprio, who has spoken about the isolation of Hollywood, found in Pitt a kindred spirit who understood the industry’s highs and lows. Their ability to “pop at the same time,” as Pitt put it, meant they could relate to each other’s journeys in a way few others could.

A Friendship Tested by Rumors

Despite their close bond, Pitt and DiCaprio’s relationship hasn’t been immune to Hollywood’s rumor mill. In 2025, a report surfaced claiming Pitt had once filed a restraining order against DiCaprio in the 1990s over an unspecified incident, possibly linked to their mutual interest in Gwyneth Paltrow, whom Pitt dated from 1994 to 1997. The claim, which suggested a feud fueled by betrayal, was met with skepticism, as no legal records or credible sources corroborated it. By the time they worked together on Once Upon a Time, any past tensions—if they existed—had clearly dissolved, replaced by a camaraderie that shone through in their performances and public appearances.

Another rumor, from 2019, alleged a feud over Margot Robbie’s attention during the Once Upon a Time press tour, with DiCaprio supposedly feeling overshadowed by Pitt. These claims were debunked, as DiCaprio was dating model Camila Morrone at the time, and Pitt’s interactions with Robbie were professional. The strength of Pitt and DiCaprio’s friendship, evident in their mutual praise and shared laughter, disproved these narratives. Their ability to rise above gossip reflects a maturity forged through decades in the spotlight.

The Impact of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a triumph for both actors, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Pitt won the Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actor, while DiCaprio was nominated for Best Actor. The film’s success, grossing over $374 million worldwide, was due in part to their electric chemistry, which Tarantino modeled after the real-life friendship of Burt Reynolds and stuntman Hal Needham. Pitt’s Cliff Booth, a laid-back stuntman, and DiCaprio’s neurotic Rick Dalton mirrored their off-screen dynamic—Pitt’s cool confidence complementing DiCaprio’s intense dedication.

The film also marked a milestone for both actors, who had never shared a feature film despite their long careers. Pitt, who co-founded Plan B Entertainment, and DiCaprio, with his Appian Way Productions, are both powerhouse producers, but their collaboration under Tarantino’s direction was a first. The experience deepened their friendship, with Pitt noting that working with DiCaprio was “really great fun” and DiCaprio calling it “one of the best experiences” of his career. Their ability to elevate each other’s performances underscored why they’re considered Hollywood’s elite.

A Lasting Legacy

The “lover” and “LDC” nicknames, while lighthearted, symbolize a friendship that transcends Hollywood’s fleeting alliances. Pitt and DiCaprio’s bond, built on shared roots, mutual respect, and a love for their craft, has endured through personal and professional challenges. Pitt’s post-divorce struggles and DiCaprio’s high-profile relationships have kept them in the headlines, but their friendship remains a constant, a reminder that even in an industry driven by competition, genuine connections can thrive.

As they move forward, fans hope for another collaboration. Tarantino has teased a Bounty Law series based on the fictional show from Once Upon a Time, with DiCaprio potentially playing Jake Cahill, and there’s talk of DiCaprio making a cameo in a sequel centered on Pitt’s Cliff Booth, directed by David Fincher. Whether on screen or off, their bromance continues to captivate, offering a glimpse into a Hollywood where talent and camaraderie reign supreme.

For fans, the Pitt-DiCaprio duo is a nostalgic nod to the 1990s, when both were heartthrobs defining a generation. For the industry, they’re proof that two A-listers can share the spotlight without rivalry. And for each other, they’re partners in crime, trading nicknames and sculptures while navigating the chaos of fame. As Pitt’s “lover” quip lingers in the zeitgeist, it’s clear this bromance is one for the ages, a Hollywood story as timeless as the films they create.