Born: August 17, 1943
Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, known for his intense method acting, versatility, and enduring collaborations with notable directors like Martin Scorsese.
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Robert Anthony De Niro Jr.
Place of Birth: Greenwich Village, New York City, New York, USA
Parents: Robert De Niro Sr. (abstract expressionist painter and sculptor) and Virginia Admiral (painter)
Ethnicity: Italian, Irish, English, Dutch, German, and French descent
Education
- Attended PS 41 in Manhattan for elementary school.
- Enrolled at Elisabeth Irwin High School for the 7th and 8th grades.
- Attended the High School of Music & Art and McBurney School.
- Dropped out of high school to pursue acting.
- Studied acting at HB Studio, Stella Adler Conservatory, and Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio.
Early Career
- Stage Debut: At age 10 in a school production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
- Film Debut: “The Wedding Party” (1969), though the film was not released until 1969.
- Breakthrough Role: “Bang the Drum Slowly” (1973).
Rise to Fame
- Mean Streets (1973): First collaboration with director Martin Scorsese.
- The Godfather Part II (1974): Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of young Vito Corleone.
Notable Roles and Collaborations
- Taxi Driver (1976): Iconic role as Travis Bickle, directed by Martin Scorsese.
- Raging Bull (1980): Portrayed boxer Jake LaMotta, earning an Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Goodfellas (1990): Played mobster Jimmy Conway, another Scorsese classic.
- Cape Fear (1991): Role of Max Cady, received widespread acclaim.
- Casino (1995): Starred as Sam “Ace” Rothstein in this crime epic.
Other Significant Films
- The Deer Hunter (1978): Another Academy Award-nominated role.
- Awakenings (1990): Starred opposite Robin Williams.
- Heat (1995): Played a master thief opposite Al Pacino.
- Meet the Parents (2000): Shift to comedic roles, portraying Jack Byrnes.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Played Pat Solitano Sr., earning another Academy Award nomination.
Directorial Works
- A Bronx Tale (1993): De Niro’s directorial debut.
- The Good Shepherd (2006): Directed and starred in this espionage drama.
Awards and Recognition
- Academy Awards:
- Best Supporting Actor for “The Godfather Part II” (1974)
- Best Actor for “Raging Bull” (1980)
- Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for “Raging Bull”
- BAFTA Awards: Multiple nominations
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded in 2016 by President Barack Obama
Personal Life
- Marriages:
- Diahnne Abbott (m. 1976–1988), with whom he has two children: Drena and Raphael.
- Grace Hightower (m. 1997, separated 1999, renewed vows 2004, separated 2018), with whom he has two children: Elliot and Helen Grace.
- Other Children: Twins Julian and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, from a relationship with model Toukie Smith.
- Residences: Primarily resides in New York City.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
- Tribeca Film Festival: Co-founded in 2002 to help revitalize Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks.
- Nobu Restaurants and Hotels: Co-owner of this global chain of Japanese restaurants and luxury hotels.
- Greenwich Hotel: Owner of this luxury hotel in Tribeca, New York.
Legacy
Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, known for his intense method acting, versatility, and enduring collaborations with notable directors like Martin Scorsese. His contributions to cinema and his ability to immerse himself completely in his characters have left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Robert De Niro on Social Media
