Robert De Niro is one of the most iconic and talented actors around. He has acted in a long list of cult movies and has secured his position as an established and versatile talent. Nearly all of Robert's roles have been in film classics and his presence in the film industry has paved the way for many young male actors.
The 76-year-old actor, producer, and director is one of Hollywood's most interesting talents, as his career has been going on for several decades, and he has now reached living legend status. The New Yorker, who continues to work and impress his fans, is an inspiration to many.
In this article, we take a look at some interesting facts about Robert De Niro we thought you should know.
15 His Parents Were Painters
Robert inherited his artistic talent from both his parents. Indeed, his mother, Virginia Admiral, was a painter and a poet, while his father, Robert De Niro Sr. was an abstract expressionist painter. Growing up as an only child, with two parents who were artists, allowed Robert to explore his creativity. He chose to express his artistry through acting.
14 Robert Isn't Actually 100% Italian
Although this real New Yorker grew up in Little Italy, Robert is in fact not completely Italian. He is of Italian heritage, but also has French and Irish blood. Robert does, however, have Italian citizenship, which was given to him as an honor. He's currently filming, Killers of the Flower Moon, with Leo DiCaprio.
13 His Parents Divorced After Robert's Dad Came Out
Shortly after Robert De Niro Junior was born, Robert De Niro Senior divorced his wife, who was Robert's mother, Virginia. The Irishman actor's dad then came out as gay. Robert De Niro Senior was reportedly romantically linked to Robert Duncan, a famous American poet.
12 His Stage Debut Was In The Wizard Of Oz
The Oscar-winning 76-year-old actor made his acting debut at the age of 10. Robert was cast in his school's production of The Wizard of Oz. Not only is Robert a Leo, but he also played one, as he made his stage debut playing the Cowardly Lion.
11 Robert Never Graduated From High School
The Taxi Driver actor certainly didn't rely on academia to move forward in life. Although he attended several schools, he finally dropped out of high school at the tender age of 16, to focus on the art of acting. Robert might've been young, but we can't argue that this wasn't a good decision.
10 He Studied Acting At Different Schools
Young Robert De Niro might've not been keen on studying in traditional schools, but that didn't stop him from perfecting a skill. As a result of Robert's passion for acting and the cinema, he went on to study acting at three acting schools, including the renowned Stella Adler Conservatory.
9 His First Role In A Movie Was In 1963
Robert gained popularity as an actor when he appeared in Bang the Drum Slowly in 1973. he played a dying Major League Baseball player. However, he took his first cinematic role in 1963. The New Yorker was cast in Brian De Palma's film, The Wedding Party. The movie wasn't released until 1969.
8 Robert Originally Auditioned For Other Roles In The Godfather
Knowing how Robert perfected the role of Vito Corleone in Francis Coppola's The Godfather (Part II), it is hard to imagine him playing another role. However, this could've very well been the case. Robert also auditioned for the roles of Sonny Corleone, Michael Corleone, Carlo Rizzi, and Paulie Gatto, for The Godfather.
7 Robert Was The First Actor To Win An Oscar Playing A Role Speaking In Another Language
In 1975, Robert won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, for his role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather (Part II). This Academy Awards win was a groundbreaking moment for the actor, who became the first in the industry to win an Oscar for acting mainly in a foreign language. Indeed, Robert perfected several Sicilian dialects for the movie.
6 His Most Famous Taxi Driver Line Was Improvised
Any Robert De Niro fan recognizes his famous "You talkin' to me?" line from the movie, Taxi Driver. What is really impressive about this sentence, which quickly became one of Robert's most iconic cinema moments, was that his monologue was completely improvised.
5 He Has A Very Long List Of Award Nominations To His Name
We all know that the 76-year-old actor is one of the most successful and established actors out there. Robert earned a total of eight Academy Award nominations, including two wins. He also received seven BAFTA nominations, 11 Golden Globe Award nominations (including two wins), four Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and five Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
4 Robert Learned To Box For His Role In Raging Bull
Robert's success in acting is a direct result of hard work and an undeniable, full-time dedication to his roles. An example of this was the intensive preparation he did before portraying the boxer, Jake LaMotta, in Raging Bull. Robert really learned how to box.
3 He Has Six Children And Four Grandchildren
The acting legend has built quite a big family. Although he's now divorced for the second time, Robert has a total of six children from his two former wives, Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower. Additionally, Robert has one grandchild from his daughter Drena, and three grandchildren from his son Raphael.
2 He Owns Many Places In New York
No surprises here, Robert is a true New Yorker and now owns multiple places in the Big Apple. The Godfather (Part II) actor owns residences on both the East and West sides of Manhattan, as well as a restaurant called the Tribecca Grill, and different estates. It does sound like Robert is one of the real estate kings of New York.
1 Robert Has Strong Political Views
Finally, the feisty and gifted actor isn't afraid to weigh in on politics. He lobbied Congress to try and stop Bill Clinton's impeachment in 1998 and has recently been speaking out against the current POTUS, Donald Trump. On more than one occasion, he has publicly condemned Trump for his actions.