The Real Story of Robert De Niro | His Childhood, Iconic Roles, Hollywood Legacy, and 7 Fascinating Facts

Robert De Niro is one of the most iconic actors of our time, with a career that spans over five decades. He has played a variety of roles in films, from intense crime dramas to heartfelt comedies, earning him respect in the film industry and admiration from fans worldwide.

His dedication to his craft, his ability to fully immerse himself in his characters, and his remarkable talent have made him a household name. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into his life, his rise to fame, and his enduring impact on cinema.

Who is Robert De Niro?

Robert Anthony De Niro Jr., known as Robert De Niro, was born on August 17, 1943, in New York City. He is the son of two talented artists: Robert De Niro Sr., a painter and sculptor, and Virginia Admiral, a painter as well. Growing up in a creative and artistic environment, De Niro developed a love for the arts at an early age.

Despite his parents’ influence, De Niro didn’t immediately pursue acting. Instead, he attended several schools before enrolling in the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting and later the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. His training in method acting, which emphasizes deep emotional connection and authenticity, would go on to define his career.

How Did Robert De Niro Start His Acting Career?

De Niro’s career began in the early 1960s when he started appearing in small stage productions. His breakthrough came in 1968 with his first major film role in “Greetings”, a satirical comedy by director Brian De Palma.

This was just the beginning for the young actor, as his collaborations with prominent filmmakers would soon shape the future of American cinema. In the early stages of his career, De Niro worked with some of the best directors in the industry, including Francis Ford Coppola.

His first major success came when he starred in “The Godfather: Part II” (1974), where he portrayed the young Vito Corleone. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Why Is Robert De Niro Known as One of the Greatest Actors?

De Niro’s reputation as one of the best actors in Hollywood grew over the years. He became known for his intense dedication to his roles, often going to extreme lengths to prepare for his characters.

One of the most notable examples of his commitment was his role in “Raging Bull” (1980), where he played the boxer Jake LaMotta.

For this role, De Niro gained a significant amount of weight and spent months training as a boxer to authentically portray the character. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor and solidified his status as a master of his craft.

What Are Robert De Niro’s Most Iconic Movies?

Over the years, De Niro has built an impressive portfolio of roles. Some of his most iconic movies include:

• The Godfather: Part II (1974): As mentioned earlier, his role as the young Vito Corleone in this film earned him an Oscar. His portrayal of the character was deeply emotional and compelling, setting the tone for the rest of his career.
• Taxi Driver (1976): De Niro’s performance as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran, is one of the most famous in film history. His line, “You talkin’ to me?”, has become legendary in pop culture.
• Raging Bull (1980): Perhaps De Niro’s most celebrated performance, this film sees him as the troubled boxer Jake LaMotta. His transformation for the role, both physically and mentally, was extraordinary.
• Goodfellas (1990): Directed by Martin Scorsese, De Niro’s portrayal of James Conway in this crime epic was unforgettable. The film has become a classic, and De Niro’s performance remains one of the highlights of his career.
• Casino (1995): Another collaboration with Martin Scorsese, this film sees De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a gambler in the Las Vegas underworld. His performance is intense, and the film itself is a shining example of De Niro’s ability to work in the gangster genre.
• The Deer Hunter (1978): In this film, De Niro portrays Michael Vronsky, a man whose life is forever altered by the Vietnam War. His performance earned him numerous awards and further established him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

How Has Robert De Niro Worked with Martin Scorsese?

De Niro’s relationship with director Martin Scorsese is one of the most successful and well-known in Hollywood. The two have worked together on several films, and their collaborations have produced some of the greatest movies in cinematic history.

Scorsese’s direction, combined with De Niro’s acting, has resulted in timeless films that continue to be celebrated today.

Their collaborations include:

• Taxi Driver (1976)
• Raging Bull (1980)
• Goodfellas (1990)
• Casino (1995)
• The Irishman (2019)

In addition to their professional relationship, De Niro and Scorsese have developed a deep personal friendship, making their collaborations even more special.

What Is Robert De Niro’s Influence on Hollywood?

Robert De Niro’s influence on Hollywood cannot be overstated. He has not only shaped the gangster and drama genres but also helped redefine what it means to be a method actor.

His commitment to his craft, his attention to detail, and his willingness to take risks have inspired countless actors and filmmakers. Today, many actors aspire to have the same level of dedication that De Niro has demonstrated throughout his career.

Furthermore, De Niro has proven his versatility by taking on roles in comedies, dramas, and even animated films.

Some of his more recent work includes roles in the “Meet the Parents” series, where he played the comedic yet intimidating father-in-law, and the animated “The War with Grandpa” (2020). Despite the shift in his career, De Niro has remained a respected figure in the industry.

Has Robert De Niro Won Any Awards?

Yes, Robert De Niro has won numerous awards throughout his career, including:

• 2 Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (The Godfather: Part II) and Best Actor (Raging Bull)
• Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Raging Bull) and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Meet the Parents)
• Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award for his role in The Mission (1986)
• Screen Actors Guild Awards for his exceptional acting skills

His remarkable list of accolades reflects his exceptional career and contributions to the film industry.

What Is Robert De Niro Doing Today?

As of today, Robert De Niro continues to be active in Hollywood. He has expanded his career into the world of film production, founding the production company Tribeca Productions with producer Jane Rosenthal. This company is known for producing both independent films and large-scale productions.

De Niro also co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002, an event that showcases independent films and serves as a platform for new filmmakers. His work with the festival has helped to bring attention to a new generation of filmmakers and keep the spirit of independent cinema alive.

Additionally, De Niro has worked in television, with notable roles in series such as “The Wizard of Lies” (2017), where he portrayed financier Bernie Madoff. His continued work in various media shows that, even in his later years, De Niro remains a force in the entertainment world.

Did You Know?

Here are some interesting facts about Robert De Niro that most people don’t know:

• He was born into an artistic family. His father, Robert De Niro Sr., was a painter, and his mother, Virginia Admiral, was also an artist.
• He was a great friend of Marlon Brando. De Niro worked alongside Brando in “The Godfather: Part II” and often looked up to him as a mentor.
• He is a huge fan of cooking. De Niro has a passion for food and even co-owns several restaurants, including Nobu, a high-end Japanese restaurant.
• De Niro speaks Italian fluently. Growing up in a multicultural city like New York, he became proficient in Italian and even used it in some of his film roles.
• He’s known for his method acting. For “Raging Bull,” De Niro gained over 60 pounds to accurately portray boxer Jake LaMotta.
• De Niro’s real-life experience as a boxer helped him prepare for his role in “Raging Bull.” He even trained for months and sparred with professionals to capture the essence of the sport.
• He’s a passionate supporter of the arts. He has supported and invested in various artistic initiatives throughout his career, including the Tribeca Film Festival.

Robert De Niro’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent, his dedication to his craft, and his love for the art of storytelling. From his early roles in New York theaters to his groundbreaking performances in films like “The Godfather: Part II,” “Taxi Driver,” and “Raging Bull,” De Niro has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

His versatility, commitment to his roles, and ability to work with some of the best filmmakers in the world have earned him a place among the greatest actors in history. Even today, Robert De Niro continues to inspire and entertain audiences, ensuring that his legacy will live on for generations to come.