Early Life

Robert Anthony De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, USA. He was the only child of artists Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral, who divorced when he was young. Raised in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and Little Italy, he developed an early passion for acting. At the age of 10, he played the Cowardly Lion in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. He later studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory and Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio, where he honed his craft through method acting.

Career Beginnings & Breakthrough

De Niro’s early film roles in the 1960s went mostly unnoticed, but his breakthrough came in 1973 when he starred in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets. The following year, he gained widespread acclaim and won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974). His meticulous preparation for roles became evident as he learned Sicilian dialect for the part.

Hollywood Stardom

De Niro quickly became one of the most respected actors of his generation. He collaborated extensively with Scorsese, delivering iconic performances in:

• Taxi Driver (1976) – famous for the line, “You talkin’ to me?”
• Raging Bull (1980) – won Best Actor Oscar, gaining 60 pounds to portray Jake LaMotta
• Goodfellas (1990) – played mobster Jimmy Conway
• Casino (1995) – another classic gangster film

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he showcased versatility, excelling in dramas (The Deer Hunter), comedies (Meet the Parents series), and crime films (Heat, The Untouchables).

Later Career & Legacy

In the 2000s and beyond, De Niro expanded into directing (A Bronx Tale), producing, and even co-founding the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002. While still active in films, he delivered a powerful comeback with The Irishman (2019), reuniting with Scorsese, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.

Personal Life

De Niro has been married twice and has six children. He is known for his privacy but is outspoken on political and social issues. Despite his fame, he remains dedicated to his craft and has influenced generations of actors.

Interesting Facts

• He worked as a real cab driver to prepare for Taxi Driver.
• He turned down the role of Han Solo in Star Wars.
• He owns the Nobu restaurant chain, co-founded with chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

A true legend, De Niro’s impact on cinema is immeasurable, and he remains one of the most revered actors in film history.