Jared Leto Turns 41: See the Birthday Boy’s Career Evolution

My, my, how the time flies.

It’s hard to believe that actor-turned-rocker Jared Leto is turning the big 4-1 on Wednesday.

The former teen idol first broke onto the scene with 1994′s My So-Called Life as the object of Claire Danes‘ affections, Jordan Catalano. Since then, he’s found success in both big blockbuster movies and indie art house films, stepping into a variety of roles including 1970s Olympic hopeful Steve Prefontaine and a WWII soldier.

But Leto isn’t just wowing spectators on the silver screen.

Alongside his brother Shannon, the Louisiana-native is also the frontman for alternative rock group, 30 Seconds to Mars.

Over the years, the band has released three successful full-length albums, including the platinum-certified A Beautiful Lie.

Now, Leto is tackling his toughest role yet, playing a cross-dressing, transsexual woman with HIV during the height of the AIDS epidemic for The Dallas Buyers’ Club. The film co-stars Matthew McConaughey.

JARED LETO IS ALMOST-UNRECOGNIZABLE ON SET

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“Your body goes through weird stages,” he previously told  Vulture about fasting for his role.

“Sometimes it’s hard to hold onto water, for me it’s not about the most weight I can lose — it’s more to represent the character.”

This isn’t the first time the actor has taken extreme measures to transform his weight for his on-screen persona. In 2007, the self-professed vegan gained 62 pounds to play the infamous murderer of John Lennon in the flick Chapter 27 — and it came with dramatic consequences. Leto lost the weight so abruptly he was diagnosed with gout.

To celebrate Leto’s birthday, and his booming Hollywood career, we’re taking a look back at the actor’s career evolution.

Launch the gallery above to see how he’s transformed through the years.

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Jared Pics of Memories ♥

2006

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♥ JARED BDAY 2012 CELEBRATION ♥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MR. JARED JOSEPH LETO

Today my hearth and of others Echelon in the world speak for themselves.. so I've collected some proofs of love inspired by this man then never ceases to surprise us and reciprocate our affection and devotion.

To the most inspiring, incredible, beautiful, talented, amazing man in the whole fucking universe, Jared Leto. He changed my life for good, made me become the person I am today and I can thank him enough for that. Honestly, he literally saved my life and give me a reason to stay alive. He never fails to surprise, amaze or inspire me. Ultimate love and respect. Happy Birthday, Jay! Please never change.

My biggest inspiration, my muse and my idol. To the man who saved me when I was at my lowest and who lifted me when I was at my highest. To the man who made me cry, who made me laugh, the man who made me believe dreams could come true and to push myself harder. The man who led to me meeting some of the best people I have ever known. The man who helped me find myself. The man who’ll never know how much I love him and how much he’s done for me.

"I’m Jared. I’m a director, I’m a musician, I’m an actor, I’m a part time manager, I’m a graphic artist, I doodle, I have been known the dance, and I like to go on long hikes."

~JL

A friend, a brother, a dad, a boyfriend, a light in the dark.. what are you? Well, you’re everything. And today is your birthday, today you’re turning 41. 

41 years of madness, dreams and hope.

41 years fighting for what you believe in.

41 years of a wonderful life.

And we all are so proud of you and of what you do. You’re an example for everybody, you can push us over our own limits and let us know how beautiful it is to live our lives and dreams. You saved us with your music, and if it wasn’t for that right now nobody would be here, living a better life with strenght and an unbelievable hope you gave us everyday; everytime you went on stage pushing us to get over our comfort zones and be free.

We all want to thank you for the umpteenth time, because it feels like it’s never enough.

You’re an angel. The person we care about more, and for me it’s weird sometimes. When I’m sad, I think about what you said and what you taught me, when I feel alone I KNOW I have you and the Echelon. And I always try my best, but if it wasn’t for you? Where would I be now? I don’t even think I’d be alive, to be honest. You inspired me so much and made me a better person. Now I’m not like the others, and I’m happy about that. Because like you say “weird is cool”, but more than cool, it means freedom sometimes. 

But you didn’t just gave us hope, you gave us a family. A beautiful and huge family. The one I love the most in my life, that gave me shelter when I didn’t feel good and when I was about to give up definitely, no matter the distance. Because yeah, we’re distant from each other, we’re all over the world but we feel so close it’s un believable.

Right now the words can’t come out of my mouth, but the only thing I was meant to say is:

HAPPY 41st BIRTHDAY JARED, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY HERO!

“I never look at myself as a closet actor wanting to make music or a closet musician wanting to act — I’m very proud to do both and I don’t put one above the other, I’m very grateful and excited by both opportunities — it’s really a unique opportunity to do both.”

~JL

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