5 Reasons Jared Leto is the Perfect Human Being
The Oscars never fail to produce some of the most talked about moments of awards show season, and 2014 was no exception. Ellen was hilariously adorable as always, cramming the most famous people ever into the epic selfie-heard-round-the-world; the entire population obsessed over Lupita Nyong’o’s literal Cinderella moment, simultaneously agreeing with Oprah’s earlier declaration that she is basically everything; Jennifer Lawrence fell, again, proving she really is just like us, but in Dior; and John Travolta apparently opened his mouth and let all sorts of letters fall out as he attempted to introduce Idina Menzel, who slayed her performance of ‘Let It Go’.
Epic moments abound, but there was just one man who stepped onto that famous red carpet and became everyone’s latest infatuation. With unnaturally shiny hair and one of the most well-delivered, heartfelt speeches of the night, Jared Leto rolled up to the Academy Awards and owned them, like a boss. The Oscars may be over but, that buzz you still hear is the entire world left wondering if the 30 Seconds to Mars frontman is actually the perfect human being. Here are five reasons he just might be the most legit man about Tinseltown.
Jack of All Trades
Have you ever heard the expression, “Jack of all trades, master of none?” Well, that doesn’t apply here. Leto’s list of accolades spans many disciplines, as he has spent a majority of his career as both an stand out actor and acclaimed musician. In the early ’90s, Leto received serious small screen recognition for his role as Jordan Catalano on My So Called Life before acting in a slew of films including Fight Club, American Psycho, Lonely Hearts and Prefontaine, the latter garnering him critical acclaim.
In 2012, he would check out the view from behind the camera, making his directorial debut with the documentary film Artifact. Meanwhile, when he wasn’t making notable contributions on screens both big and small, Leto joined forces with his brother to form 30 Seconds to Mars, the badass, anthem-producing rock band for which he acts as lead vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and main songwriter for 12 years. Since 2002, the band has released 5 albums, which sold over 10 million copies combined, and won three MTV Video Music Awards for videos Leto directed.
While it is clear 1995-2013 were pretty stellar years for Leto, becoming a bonafide rockstar and sought after thespian in one fell swoop, one would have to say he became an undeniable Hollywood multi-talent with his role in Dallas Buyers Club this year. His portrayal of Rayon, an HIV-positive transgender woman, won him an Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award, in addition to the eternal respect of the film industry and the admiration of America. I could also tell you about how Jared Leto is an accomplished photographer, but if I continue to highlight his various artistic talents, you will simply begin to think I’m making it up. Nylon Guys called him the “Bo Jackson of Hollywood because he is literally crushing it right now.” I would have to agree. Quite simply, Jared Leto is a master talent we are all happy to watch take over Hollywood.
Beauty Buzz
Acting chops and the ability to work a stage are enviable qualities, but even more coveted than Leto’s skill set are his locks. Some of Hollywood’s most beautiful starlets brought fierce looks to the red carpet this year but, the most talked about head of hair belonged to Leto. With an unnatural shine and the most perfect shade of ombre, every public appearance left us in simultaneous admiration and lust. Not to mention, when his long locks aren’t freely flowing, he rocks the man bun like it was meant for his head alone. Hairdressers the world over are likely preparing for the largest influx of hair copycats since the entire population’s request for “The Rachel.” To be honest, if I were faced with the choice of dating Jared Leto or uncovering his secrets for hair perfection, I would be forced to mull it over, proving the power of his prettiness. As if the most gorgeous head of hair on the planet weren’t enough, he has the most beautiful, piercing, ice-blue eyes anyone has ever stared into. Also, I absolutely refuse to believe he is 42. Ellen was right, Jared Leto is, in fact, the prettiest.
Motherly Love
So far, Leto possesses crazy levels of undeniable talent and the most envied hair game in Hollywood, but I personally think his flawless nature really began to set in the minute he gave his Oscars acceptance speech. After a brief nod to his fellow nominees and a thank you to the Academy, Leto dove heart first into a tribute to his mother, thanking her for enduring hardship and encouraging him to do something great.
In 1971, Bossier City, Louisiana, there was a teenage girl who was pregnant with her second child. She was a high school dropout and a single mom, but somehow she managed to make a better life for herself and for her children. She encouraged her kids to be creative, to work hard and to do something special. That girl is my mother and she’s here tonight. And I just want to say, I love you, Mom. Thank you for teaching me to dream.
So, not only did he bring his mom as his date to the Oscars, documenting the moment he told her she would be attending on social media with sincere excitement, he also moved America to tears while thanking her at the biggest awards show of the season. The beat goes on and the list of reasons Leto is an amazing human grows longer.
Fame and Philanthropy
Apparently, when Leto isn’t busy being crazy talented, he is a truly kind-hearted human being committed to giving back in a big way. Known to use his fame for good, he has become a human rights activist, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, fundraiser for earthquake victims and supporter of The Art of Elysium, a group dedicated to encouraging actors, artists and musicians to volunteer their time with children battling severe medical conditions. Most notably, Leto has been an active advocate for the LGBT community and an outspoken supporter of equal rights and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Naturally, he took his controversial role in Dallas Buyers Club quite seriously and when awarded for his portrayal of a transgender woman with AIDS, used part of his acceptance speech to proclaim support for those who inspired the making of the film.
And this is for the 36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS and to those of you out there who have ever felt injustice because of who you are or who you love. Tonight I stand here in front of the world with you and for you.
Leto is obviously the type of man on which fame should be bestowed as he continues to use his power for good every step of the way.
You may say that he’s a dreamer
We love people with unbridled ambition because, quite frankly, they make the world a better place. Aspiration and achievement inspire us all to do great things and Leto definitely has an undeniable fire in those baby blue eyes; the look of grand ambition and and a continuous focus on living the so-called impossible. He may have come from humble beginnings, but rather than let his roots inhibit his life, he used circumstance to fuel his fire. And if there is anything the world loves more than a big dreamer, it is a big dreamer who makes it a point to use their platform to speak out and encourage all the world’s visionaries, no matter where the come from. Of course, Leto honored the collective dreamer in his flawless Oscars speech.
To all the dreamers out there around the world watching this tonight, in places like the Ukraine and Venezuela, I want to say we are here and as you struggle to…to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible…we’re thinking of you tonight.
Dream on, Jared Leto. Dream on.
As of late, Leto has also been rumored to be in a budding romance with Lupita Nyong’o, which could be the most perfection in one relationship ever; I fear they may actually spontaneously combust. Regardless of his relationship status, I think it is fairly obvious that Jared Leto is like a modern day Mary Poppins- practically perfect in every way.
Feature image via Nylon Guys. Secondary images found here, here, here, here and here!