I was a fan of the band and it totally slid past my radar Leto was in Fight Club or in TV during his teen years. I only knew him as one of the guys in the band. And then he was in some movie I happened to see and I was like, this guy is taking this acting thing pretty seriously for a singer. IMDB quickly educated me on his library of work.

Also, I think he has spiraled out into Hollywood stupid* with his ego these days. He needs to quit the acting thing and get back to a real job, aka the band lol

*Hollywood stupid: when the money and fame convinces you that you truly are a magic being sent to deliver art or whatever. Marlon Brando, Michael Jackson, etc.