Robert De Niro
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(on the lengths he will go to disappear into a part) You don't just play a part. You've got to earn the right to play them.
Short facts
Birthdate :August 17, 1943
Country :United States
Sign : Leo
Eyes color :
Hair color :
Etnhnicity:
Job :actors
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Robert De Niro Timeline
1972
He and Martin Scorsese were brought up blocks apart in the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan, but never formally met when they were young. When introduced at a party in 1972, the two came to realize that they had seen each other many times but had never spoken.1973
As of the 5th edition of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (edited by Steven Jay Schneider), De Niro is the most represented actor, by 14 films. Included are the De Niro films Mean Streets , The Godfather: Part II , Taxi Driver , 1900 , The Deer Hunter , Raging Bull , The King of Comedy , Once Upon a Time in America , Brazil , The Untouchables , Goodfellas , Casino , Heat and Meet the Parents .1973
Was cited as one of the most promising movie personalities of 1973 in John Willis' 1974 Film Annual "Screen World" book.1973
When they met shortly before making Mean Streets De Niro and Harvey Keitel became fast friends. De Niro was from Greenwich Village in Manhattan and was taught by Stella Adler and Keitel was from the Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn and was mainly mentored by Lee Strasberg. But the two guarded actors bonded and remain close to this day.1973
When they met shortly before making Mean Streets (1973) De Niro and Harvey Keitel became fast friends. De Niro was from Greenwich Village in Manhattan and was taught by Stella Adler and Keitel was from the Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn and was mainly mentored by Lee Strasberg. But the two guarded actors bonded and remain close to this day.1973
As of the 5th edition of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (edited by Steven Jay Schneider), De Niro is the most represented actor, by 14 films. Included are the De Niro films Mean Streets (1973), The Godfather: Part II (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Novecento (1976), The Deer Hunter (1978), Raging Bull (1980), The King of Comedy (1983), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Brazil (1985), The Untouchables (1987), Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995), Heat (1995) and Meet the Parents (2000).1973
Was cited as one of the most promising movie personalities of 1973 in John Willis' 1974 Film Annual "Screen World" book.1974
First performer to win an Oscar (for The Godfather: Part II ) for a performance in a sequel.1974
Spent four months learning to speak the Sicilian dialect in order to play Vito Corleone in The Godfather: Part II . Nearly all the dialogue that his character spoke in the movie was in Sicilian.1974
First performer to win an Oscar (for The Godfather: Part II (1974)) for a performance in a sequel.1974
Spent four months learning to speak the Sicilian dialect in order to play Vito Corleone in The Godfather: Part II (1974). Nearly all the dialogue that his character spoke in the movie was in Sicilian.1976
He based the movement of his character Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver on that of a crab. He thought the character was indirect and tended to shift from side to side.1976
His performance as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver is ranked #42 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time .1976
His performance as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver is ranked #22 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.1976
Is left handed. However, he wrote with his right hand in Taxi Driver .1976
Was unable to accept his first Oscar in 1975 due to filming commitments to Bernardo Bertolucci's 1900 .1976
His performance as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976) is ranked #22 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.1976
Was unable to accept his first Oscar in 1975 due to filming commitments to Bernardo Bertolucci's Novecento (1976).1976
He based the movement of his character Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976) on that of a crab. He thought the character was indirect and tended to shift from side to side.1976
His performance as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976) is ranked #42 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).1980
His performance as Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull is ranked #10 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time .1980
Accidentally broke a rib of Joe Pesci in a sparring scene in Raging Bull . This shot appears in the film: De Niro hits Pesci in the side, Pesci groans, and there is a quick cut to another angle.1980
Both of his Oscar-winning performances involved Marlon Brando. His first Oscar, for Best Supporting Actor, had him playing the younger version of Brando's character Vito Corleone. His second, for Best Actor in Raging Bull , he recited Brando's famous lines from On the Waterfront .1980
Formerly held the World Record for Most Weight Gained for a Movie, in gaining over 60 pounds for his role in Raging Bull . But seven years later, Vincent D'Onofrio eclipsed him in gaining 70 pounds for his role in Full Metal Jacket .1980
In his 1980 Oscar acceptance speech he thanked Joey LaMotta (brother of Jake LaMotta), who was at the time suing United Artists for the portrayal of him in Raging Bull .1980
Formerly held the World Record for Most Weight Gained for a Movie, in gaining over 60 pounds for his role in Raging Bull (1980). But seven years later, Vincent D'Onofrio eclipsed him in gaining 70 pounds for his role in Full Metal Jacket (1987).1980
Both of his Oscar-winning performances involved Marlon Brando. His first Oscar, for Best Supporting Actor, had him playing the younger version of Brando's character Vito Corleone. His second, for Best Actor in Raging Bull (1980), he recited Brando's famous lines from On the Waterfront (1954).1980
His performance as Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980) is ranked #10 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).1980
Accidentally broke a rib of Joe Pesci in a sparring scene in Raging Bull (1980). This shot appears in the film: De Niro hits Pesci in the side, Pesci groans, and there is a quick cut to another angle.1980
In his 1980 Oscar acceptance speech he thanked Joey LaMotta (brother of Jake LaMotta), who was at the time suing United Artists for the portrayal of him in Raging Bull (1980).1980
He won an Oscar for playing Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980), making him one of 13 actors to win the Award for playing a real person who was still alive at the evening of the Award ceremony (as of 2007).1981
He started the whole "awards show ribbon" tradition by wearing a green ribbon on his lapel at the 1981 Academy Awards. The ribbon was in rememberance of several African-American children who were victims of a serial killer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980-1981. The ribbon was given to him by a fan in the bleachers as he arrived; the victims' families had been wearing them for months.1981
He started the whole "awards show ribbon" tradition by wearing a green ribbon on his lapel at the 1981 Academy Awards. The ribbon was in rememberance of several African-American children who were victims of a serial killer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980-1981. The ribbon was given to him by a fan in the bleachers as he arrived; the victims' families had been wearing them for months.1982
Was good friends with comedian John Belushi, who died of a drug overdose on March 5, 1982. In fact, De Niro and Robin Williams were the last stars to see Belushi alive, albeit on separate visits to Bungalow #3 of L.A.'s Chateau Marmont hotel that fateful day. De Niro visited Belushi at 3:00 am on the morning of his death, but, according to eyewitnesses, left minutes later after seeing that Belushi was ill. Less than an hour earlier, Belushi had been visited by Robin Williams, who also left straight away.1982
Was good friends with comedian John Belushi, who died of a drug overdose on March 5, 1982. In fact, De Niro and Robin Williams were the last stars to see Belushi alive, albeit on separate visits to Bungalow #3 of L.A.'s Chateau Marmont hotel that fateful day. De Niro visited Belushi at 3:00 am on the morning of his death, but, according to eyewitnesses, left minutes later after seeing that Belushi was ill. Less than an hour earlier, Belushi had been visited by Robin Williams, who also left straight away.1984
After Once Upon a Time in America , director Sergio Leone planning to cast De Niro in a film he was working on about the siege of Leningrad in World War II, but that project never came about due to Leone's death in 1989.1984
After Once Upon a Time in America (1984), director Sergio Leone planning to cast De Niro in a film he was working on about the siege of Leningrad in World War II, but that project never came about due to Leone's death in 1989.1988
He visited Michael Jackson on the set of filming the 'Smooth Criminal' segment for Moonwalker . Also visiting the set was 'Gregory Peck' and Bruce Willis.1988
Turned down the role of Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ . Was considered for the role of Josh Bakin in Big . Was offered but turned down the role of Sal the pizza shop owner in Do the Right Thing .1988
Turned down the role of Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988). Was considered for the role of Josh Bakin in Big (1988). Was offered but turned down the role of Sal the pizza shop owner in Do the Right Thing (1989).1988
He visited Michael Jackson on the set of filming the 'Smooth Criminal' segment for Moonwalker (1988). Also visiting the set was 'Gregory Peck' and Bruce Willis.1989
He formed his production company, TriBeCa Productions, in 1989.1990
Was offered the part of Dick Tracy in Dick Tracy .1990
Very good friends with fellow actor and frequent co-star Joe Pesci. In fact, De Niro was considered for the role of Harry in Home Alone that went Pesci.1990
Very good friends with fellow actor and frequent co-star, Joe Pesci. In fact, De Niro was considered for the role of "Harry" in Home Alone (1990), that went to Pesci.1990
Was offered the part of Dick Tracy in Dick Tracy (1990).1990
Was considered for the role of "Harry" in Home Alone (1990). The role went to his good friend, Joe Pesci.1991
For the role of Max Cady in Cape Fear , he paid a dentist $5,000 to make his teeth look suitably bad. After filming, he paid $20,000 to have them fixed. For this film, he was tattooed with vegetable dyes, which faded after a few months.1991
For the role of Max Cady in Cape Fear (1991), he paid a dentist $5,000 to make his teeth look suitably bad. After filming, he paid $20,000 to have them fixed. For this film, he was tattooed with vegetable dyes, which faded after a few months.1991
Is mentioned in Billy Bragg's 1991 song "Sexuality".1993
Made his directorial debut in A Bronx Tale .1993
In 1993 he was tapped to star as Enzo Ferrari in the film "Ferrari", which was budgeted at $65 million (U.S.) and had Michael Mann attached as director. The project fell through.1993
In 1993 he was tapped to star as Enzo Ferrari in the film "Ferrari", which was budgeted at $65 million (U.S.) and had Michael Mann attached as director. The project fell through.1994
It was tricky to make him look huge as Frankenstein's monster in Frankenstein , considering that Kenneth Branagh, who played Dr. Frankenstein, is of similar height. Many of the tricks used to make humans, wizards and elves dwarf the hobbits later on for "Lord of the Rings" trilogy were also employed to make De Niro appear much bigger than his co-stars, including using very large men as body doubles for shots where only the hands and feet are seen.1994
It was tricky to make him look huge as Frankenstein's monster in Frankenstein (1994) , considering that Kenneth Branagh, who played Dr. Frankenstein, is of similar height. Many of the tricks used to make humans, wizards and elves dwarf the hobbits later on for "Lord of the Rings" trilogy were also employed to make De Niro appear much bigger than his co-stars, including using very large men as body doubles for shots where only the hands and feet are seen.1995
Had a long term relationship with African-American fashion model Toukie Smith. Smith is the sister of late fashion designer Willi Smith. They have twins sons together, twins Aaron Kendrick De Niro and Julian Henry De Niro (b. October 20, 1995). Their twins were conceived by in vitro fertilization.1996
Three movies (at least) that De Niro has appeared in have the song "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones noticeably featured in the soundtrack - - The Fan , Casino and Goodfellas .1996
Three movies (at least) that De Niro has appeared in have the song "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones noticeably featured in the soundtrack - - The Fan (1996), Casino (1995) and Goodfellas (1990).1997
In October 1997 he ranked #5 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. In 2005 Premiere Magazine ranked him as #38 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature.1997
He married his second wife Grace Hightower in 1997 and she gave birth to their son, Elliot De Niro on March 18, 1998. In 1999 he renewed his marriage vows to Grace at their Ulster County farm near New York's Catskill Mountains, but later in the year he filed for divorce. Their fallout continued into 2001 as a potential custody battle over their son Elliott heated up. However, the divorce was never finalized and they managed to smooth over their troubles.1997
He married his second wife Grace Hightower in 1997 and she gave birth to their son, Elliot De Niro on March 18, 1998. In 1999 he renewed his marriage vows to Grace at their Ulster County farm near New York's Catskill Mountains, but later in the year he filed for divorce. Their fallout continued into 2001 as a potential custody battle over their son Elliott heated up. However, the divorce was never finalized and they managed to smooth over their troubles. Their second child was born in December 2011 via surrogate.1997
In October 1997 he ranked #5 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. In 2005 Premiere Magazine ranked him as #38 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature.1998
He is a staunch supporter of the US Democratic Party. He lobbied Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton in 1998. He supported Al Gore in the 2000 Presidential election and supported John Kerry in the 2004 Presidential election. Supported Democratic senator Barack Obama for the 2008 presidential election.1998
After being caught up in a Paris prostitution ring investigation, he, denying any involvement, vowed never to return to France again .1998
After being caught up in a Paris prostitution ring investigation, he, denying any involvement, vowed never to return to France again (1998).1999
Turned down the role of Tony D'Amato in Any Given Sunday .1999
Was in Ossining, New York (home of the infamous Sing Sing penitentiary) to shoot three different movies: Analyze This , Analyze That and Hide and Seek .1999
In the Egyptian film El Medina , the main actor Ali has a duck that he named De Niro after his favorite actor.1999
Was in Ossining, New York (home of the infamous Sing Sing penitentiary) to shoot three different movies: Analyze This (1999), Analyze That (2002) and Hide and Seek (2005).1999
In the Egyptian film El Medina (1999), the main actor Ali has a duck that he named De Niro after his favorite actor.1999
Turned down the role of Tony D'Amato in Any Given Sunday (1999).2000
Mentioned in "Wierd Al" Yankovic's song 'Frank's 2000" TV'.2000
According to a profile in Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood issue, is the first actor to do a method interpretation of a cartoon character as Fearless Leader in The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle .2000
According to a profile in Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood issue, is the first actor to do a method interpretation of a cartoon character as Fearless Leader in The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000).2000
Mentioned in 'Weird Al' Yankovic's song, "Frank's 2000 TV".2002
He was voted as the best actor of all time at FilmFour.com .2002
Ranked #78 in Premiere's 2002 annual Power 100 List.2002
He organised the first Tribeca Film Festival in May 2002. He intended to revitalise the Lower Manhattan area after September 11th attacks.2002
Although he is commonly referred to as an Italian-American actor, De Niro is actually one-quarter Italian in ancestry. His father was half-Irish and half- Italian. His mother was of French, Dutch and German ancestry. He was, however, quite close to his Italian paternal grandfather, whom Robert visited frequently in Syracuse, NY when he was young. De Niro has stated that he identifies "more with Italian side". Inducted into the Italian-American Hall of Fame in 2002.2002
Ranked #78 in Premiere's 2002 annual Power 100 List.2002
Although he is commonly referred to as an Italian-American actor, De Niro is actually one-quarter Italian in ancestry. His father was half-Irish and half- Italian. His mother was of French, Dutch and German ancestry. He was, however, quite close to his Italian paternal grandfather, whom Robert visited frequently in Syracuse, NY when he was young. De Niro has stated that he identifies "more with [his] Italian side". Inducted into the Italian-American Hall of Fame in 2002.2002
He was voted as the best actor of all time at FilmFour.com (2002).2002
He was originally cast in the part of "Bill the Butcher" in Gangs of New York (2002), but pulled out when he discovered it would mean spending 6 months in Europe and was replaced by Daniel Day-Lewis.2003
Underwent surgery for prostate cancer at New York's Sloan-Kettering Hospital in December 2003. The cancer has now gone into remission.2003
Diagnosed with prostate cancer, and expected to make a full recovery (October 2003).2003
Underwent surgery for prostate cancer at New York's Sloan-Kettering Hospital in December 2003. The cancer has now gone into remission.2004
Ranked #1 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Greatest Living Actor (Gods Among Us)" list (October 2004).2004
Ranked #1 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Greatest Living Actor (Gods Among Us)" list (October 2004).2005
Early on, before Tim Burton was commissioned as director, was considered for the role of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory .2005
Early on, before Tim Burton was commissioned as director, was considered for the role of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).2006
Played a real life CIA director in "The Good Shepherd" and another real life CIA agent in "Ronin" , as well as fictional CIA agent in "Meet the Parents" .2006
Passed up the opportunity to play Frank Costello in The Departed to work on his second directorial feature The Good Shepherd .2006
Passed up the opportunity to play Frank Costello in The Departed (2006) to work on his second directorial feature The Good Shepherd (2006).2006
Played a real-life CIA director in The Good Shepherd (2006) and another real-life CIA agent in Ronin (1998), as well as a fictional CIA agent in Meet the Parents (2000).2008
Attended the star-studded opening of Dubai's lavish Atlantis Palms resort. Guests were welcomed in style with a display of one million fireworks, said to be visible from space. 2009
One of the five winners of the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors. Other 2009 winners were Bruce Springsteen, Dave Brubeck, Mel Brooks, and Grace Bumbry.2009
First guest to appear on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (2009) (2 March 2009).2011
Will receive the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes in January, 2011 [November 9, 2010].2011
President of the jury at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
