When Leo was lower

With all due respect to Robert De Niro, I would like to set the record straight: Bonnie Liedtke of Gold/Marshak/Liedtke Associates discovered Leonardo DiCaprio and convinced Rachel Abroms and Owens Hill, the casting directors for “This Boy’s Life,” to fight for him, when nobody thought he was right for the role (“The High Fliers,” Dec. 12). “This Boy’s Life” did poorly at the box office and Leo was not on any lists, let alone an A list.

As his agent at that time, I wrangled an offer for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” only to learn that Leo wasn’t interested in the role. So I bet him $100 that he would get some kind of notice if he did the role (he was nominated for an Academy Award). The rest is Hollywood history.

Darryl Marshak

Beverly Hills