Meet Peggy Ann Farrar: An Amritdhari Sikh and Hollywood actor Leonardo Dicaprio’s stepmother – The Times of India
If you’ve ever seen Leonardo DiCaprio on a red carpet and noticed a serene woman in a turban standing beside him, you’re not imagining things. A lot of people have paused and wondered about her. That’s Peggy Ann Farrar, Leo’s stepmother. And yes, she’s an Amritdhari Sikh. Her life quietly blends Hollywood, faith, and a kind of calm confidence you don’t see very often.Leonardo DiCaprio himself needs no backstory. Titanic, Inception, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Great Gatsby, he’s done it all. Awards, box-office records, global fame. But for someone so visible, he’s always kept his personal life pretty guarded. And Peggy has been part of that private circle for years.Leo was born to George DiCaprio, a comic artist deeply tied to California’s counterculture scene, and Irmelin Indenbirken. His parents separated when he was very young. Later, George partnered with Peggy Ann Farrar. Over time, she wasn’t just around, she became family in every sense. When you see them together at award shows or public events, there’s an ease there. No awkward posing. Just genuine warmth.
What really makes Peggy stand out, though, is her spiritual journey. She’s a practising Sikh and an Amritdhari, which isn’t something you casually sign up for. She embraced Sikhism years ago and later chose to take Amrit, a deeply meaningful step that reflects full commitment to Sikh values and way of life. That includes daily prayers, a disciplined routine, avoiding intoxicants, and living with a strong focus on seva, or selfless service.Over the years, Peggy also began wearing a turban. In Hollywood spaces filled with designer gowns and sharp tuxedos, that naturally catches attention. But she wears it with complete ease. Often dressed in Indian clothing, she doesn’t try to blend in, and she doesn’t need to stand out either. Her presence is quiet, grounded, and confident.Leonardo has spoken about this part of his life too, though he rarely talks much about family. In an interview with TIME, he casually mentioned that his stepmother is a Sikh while reflecting on his father’s roots in the 1970s art and hippie movement. It was a brief comment, but it revealed a lot about the mix of influences around him growing up – art, alternative culture, and spirituality all coexisting.Peggy Ann Farrar’s story is a reminder that identity doesn’t come in neat, predictable boxes. A Sikh woman on Hollywood red carpets might surprise some people. But for her, it’s just life. No announcements. No explanations. Just belief, purpose, and quiet strength. And without chasing the spotlight, she’s become one of the most quietly fascinating people connected to one of the world’s biggest film stars.
