Robert De Niro | Biography, Movies & Facts

Birth and Childhood

Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. was born on August 17, 1943, in Manhattan, New York City. He was the only child of Virginia Admiral, a painter and poet, and Robert De Niro Sr., an abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. De Niro’s parents separated when he was young, and he was raised primarily by his mother in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan.

Growing up, De Niro was exposed to the world of art and entertainment through his parents’ connections in the New York City art scene. Despite his upbringing in a creative environment, De Niro initially showed little interest in pursuing a career in acting. However, he developed a passion for film after watching the classic movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Youth

As a teenager, Robert De Niro attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. It was during his time at LaGuardia that De Niro began to seriously consider a career in acting. He studied under renowned acting coach Stella Adler, who had a profound influence on his development as an actor.

After graduating from high school, De Niro briefly attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute to further hone his acting skills. He also began to pursue acting opportunities in off-Broadway productions and small film roles, gradually gaining recognition for his talent and dedication.

Private Life

Robert De Niro has been notoriously private about his personal life, rarely discussing it in interviews or public appearances. He has been married twice and has a total of six children.

In 1976, De Niro married actress Diahnne Abbott, with whom he had a son named Raphael. De Niro also adopted Abbott’s daughter, Drena, from a previous relationship. The couple later divorced in 1988.

In 1997, De Niro married actress Grace Hightower, with whom he has two children, a son named Elliot and a daughter named Helen Grace. However, their marriage has had its ups and downs, and the couple separated in 1999, only to reconcile and renew their vows in 2004. Despite their reconciliation, De Niro and Hightower divorced in 2019 after more than 20 years of marriage.

Aside from his marriages, De Niro has been involved in several high-profile relationships and has been romantically linked to actresses such as Uma Thurman and model Toukie Smith.

Key Points About His Acting

1. Method Acting: Robert De Niro is known for his immersive method acting approach, in which he fully inhabits the characters he portrays. He is famous for his intense preparation for roles, often undergoing physical transformations, learning new skills, and immersing himself in the lives of his characters to achieve authenticity.
2. Range of Roles: De Niro’s career is characterized by his versatility and willingness to take on diverse roles across different genres. He has portrayed a wide range of characters, from troubled loners and criminals to comedic figures and dramatic leads, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences with his performances.
3. Iconic Collaborations: Throughout his career, De Niro has formed memorable collaborations with acclaimed directors such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola. His collaborations with Scorsese, in particular, have produced some of his most iconic performances in films like “Taxi Driver” (1976), “Raging Bull” (1980), and “Goodfellas” (1990).
4. Physical Transformations: De Niro is known for his dedication to physical transformations for his roles, often undergoing rigorous training and weight gain or loss to accurately portray his characters. His physical commitment to roles, such as his transformation into boxer Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull,” has earned him widespread acclaim and accolades.
5. Acclaim and Awards: Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor (“Raging Bull” and “The Godfather Part II”) and has been nominated for numerous others, solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend.

1. Taxi Driver (1976): Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Taxi Driver” stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. De Niro’s portrayal of Bickle is intense and iconic, earning him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
2. Raging Bull (1980): Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Raging Bull” is a biographical sports drama in which Robert De Niro stars as boxer Jake LaMotta. De Niro’s performance as LaMotta, which involved a physical transformation and intense method acting, earned him his second Academy Award for Best Actor.
3. The Godfather Part II (1974): Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “The Godfather Part II” is a crime epic that follows the rise of the Corleone crime family. Robert De Niro portrays the young Vito Corleone in flashback sequences, delivering a captivating performance that earned him widespread acclaim and his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
4. Goodfellas (1990): Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Goodfellas” is a crime film based on the true story of Henry Hill and his involvement with the Lucchese crime family. Robert De Niro plays Jimmy Conway, a seasoned mobster, in a role that showcases his ability to portray menacing yet charismatic characters.
5. Heat (1995): Directed by Michael Mann, “Heat” is a crime thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a master thief (played by De Niro) and a dedicated detective (played by Al Pacino). De Niro’s performance as the meticulous criminal Neil McCauley is understated yet powerful, contributing to the film’s tense atmosphere.
6. Casino (1995): Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Casino” is a crime drama set in Las Vegas during the 1970s and ’80s. Robert De Niro stars as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a professional gambler tasked with overseeing a casino for the mob. De Niro’s portrayal of Rothstein captures both his savvy business acumen and his personal vulnerabilities.
7. The Deer Hunter (1978): Directed by Michael Cimino, “The Deer Hunter” is a war drama that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town. Robert De Niro stars as Michael, one of the friends, in a performance that showcases his emotional depth and range as an actor.
8. Once Upon a Time in America (1984): Directed by Sergio Leone, “Once Upon a Time in America” is a crime epic that spans several decades in the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters in New York City. Robert De Niro plays David “Noodles” Aaronson, the leader of the gang, in a role that highlights his ability to convey complex emotions and moral ambiguity.
9. The Untouchables (1987): Directed by Brian De Palma, “The Untouchables” is a crime drama based on the true story of Treasury agent Eliot Ness and his efforts to bring down Al Capone. Robert De Niro portrays Capone with a mix of charm and menace, creating a memorable antagonist opposite Kevin Costner’s Ness.
10. Awakenings (1990): Directed by Penny Marshall, “Awakenings” is a drama based on the true story of a doctor who discovers a treatment for catatonic patients. Robert De Niro stars as Leonard Lowe, one of the patients who experiences a temporary awakening. De Niro’s performance is poignant and moving, earning him critical acclaim.
11. Cape Fear (1991): Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Cape Fear” is a psychological thriller about a convicted rapist who seeks revenge on the lawyer who failed to defend him. Robert De Niro delivers a chilling performance as Max Cady, the vengeful antagonist who terrorizes the lawyer’s family.
12. Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Directed by David O. Russell, “Silver Linings Playbook” is a romantic comedy-drama about two individuals struggling with mental illness who form a bond. Robert De Niro plays Pat Sr., the father of one of the main characters, in a role that earned him critical praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.