Leonardo DiCaprio explains why he always covers his face - people aren’t buying it

Many celebrities choose to try and pass under the radar when out and about, but Leonardo DiCaprio has a very unique reason for hiding his face while in public.

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has quite a lengthy career. From Titanic to The Wolf of Wall Street, we are used to seeing his face on the big screen.

But when in public, the 51-year-old is often seen wearing a mask or a tilted cap that disguises his face.

For instance, when he was among the many A-list guests to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice this summer, he was exclusively photographed with a baseball cap pulled all the way down over his face.

Last year, when a photographer was looking to snap him on the streets of New York, he was barely recognisable - again sporting a pulled down baseball cap, this time paired with a face mask.

Leonardo DiCaprio at Jeff Bezos' wedding (Luigi Iorio/GC Images)

Leo photographed in New York last year (Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)

While many celebrities understandably try and stay incognito to avoid being bombarded constantly with flashing lights, DiCaprio seems to have a slightly different motive for it.

In a recent interview with TIME magazine, The Great Gatsby actor admitted that juggling the balance between public and private life has been a struggle for the duration of his adult life.

He said: "I think my simple philosophy is only get out there and do something when you have something to say, or you have something to show for it. Otherwise, just disappear as much as you possibly can."

It's not just Leo's need for privacy - avoiding his face constantly popping up in paparazzi shots is part of his long-term strategy to succeed as a movie star.

Leonardo DiCaprio at TIME magazine interview (Getty Images: Craig Barritt)

It's something he's been thinking about since his breakout role in 1997's Titanic aged 21

He said: “I was like, OK, how do I have a long career? Because I love what I do, and I feel like the best way to have a long career is to get out of people’s face."

Reacting to Leo's comments on social media, some film fans agree with what he's saying.

One wrote: "I’d say he’s taking the right steps lol, so many are overexposed and it’s nauseating."

A second said: "When he’s working he’s working and when he’s not then he is not working."

Many, however, think there's a much simpler reason why he covers his face - so paparazzi can't profit from photographing him.

One wrote: "I call BS on that one... most of them [celebrities] have said they're tired of all of the useless public pictures by paparazzi."

Another said: "He does this so paparazzi cannot sell his pics. It‘s always the same and that‘s actually smart."