The Titanic Co-Stars Continue to Be Close Friends Despite Leonardo DiCaprio’s Grim Birthday Wish for Winslet.

The tragic love story in James Cameron’s Titanic sits heavy on people’s hearts even after three decades. After all, Rose and Jack’s romance was one of the greatest in cinematic history. But Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio were far from beloved sweethearts on set.

Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater and Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson in Titanic | 20th Century Studios
While the two have been close friends ever since their first project together, DiCaprio wasn’t always the paragon of friendship during the shooting.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Grim Reaction on Kate Winslet’s 21st Birthday

An October-born Kate Winslet was 20 years old when the filming for Titanic first began back in 1996 and the English actress turned 21 on the set of James Cameron’s blockbuster epic romantic disaster. But she certainly didn’t envisage Leonardo DiCaprio‘s harsh reaction as a part of her birthday celebration.

During her appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the ‘Secrets of Titanic’ Special, the Academy Award-winning actress disclosed the cold, clipped conversation she had on her 21st birthday with her Titanic co-star (via YouTube).
Kate Winslet in Titanic | 20th Century Fox

It was my twenty-first birthday, and I told Leo during one of the takes. I said, ‘Leo, it’s my birthday today.’ And he said, ‘Sweetie, I really don’t care.’

Ouch. That was uncalled for. Just imagine his reaction had Winslet turned 25 on the set.

Jokes apart, however, Winslet, 48, once mentioned how she “clicked immediately, right away” with DiCaprio, 49 when they joined forces on Titanic, and ever since then, the two have maintained a solid friendship to this very date (via Entertainment Tonight | The Hollywood Reporter).

Kate Winslet Sang High Praise Of Her Titanic Co-Star 

The Divergent actress took DiCaprio’s rude birthday wish in stride and never once complained about it. On the contrary, she had nothing but the highest compliments for the acclaimed actor who she dubbed as a “ferociously intelligent man.” Winslet also added how her co-star’s “effervescent energy” was nothing short of “magnetic” (via THR).

That’s not all though. You can tell how deep their friendship runs from the way Winsley broke into tears upon being reunited with DiCaprio after three devastating years of the pandemic. “I couldn’t stop crying,” she told The Guardian. “I’ve known him for half my life!”
Titanic (1997) | Paramount Pictures

Like so many friendships globally, we’ve missed each other because of Covid. He’s my friend, my really close friend. We’re bonded for life.

The Inception star has also always held Winslet in high regard. “Kate Winslet is one of my dearest friends,” he remarked in an Esquire cover story. “We have the ultimate trust in each other” (via Us Weekly).