Quick Wiki
- Full Name Robert Anthony De Niro
- Nickname Bobby Milk
- Birth Date Aug 17, 1943
- Age 81 Years, 5 Months
- Nationality United StatesItaly
- Birthplace New York City
- Occupation Actor and film producer
- Mother Virginia Admiral
- Father Robert De Niro Sr.
- Mother's Occupation Painter and Poet
- Father's Occupation Artist
- Wife Grace Hightower
- Height 1.77 m
- Net Worth $500 Million
- Ex-Spouse Diahnne Abbott
- Partner Tiffany Chen
- Children Drena De Niro, Raphael De Niro, Julian Henry De Niro, Aaron Kendrick De Niro, Elliot De Niro
Robert De Niro | Biography
Robert De Niro, born on August 17, 1943, is a celebrated actor known for his roles in classics such as The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull. With a career spanning over five decades, he has received multiple Academy Awards and continues to impress audiences with his performances.
Who is Robert De Niro?
Robert De Niro is a legendary American actor, director, and producer, widely recognized for his significant contributions to the film industry. With a career spanning over five decades, De Niro has become a defining figure in Hollywood, garnering acclaim for his exceptional performances in both lead and supporting roles. He has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for his role as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II" and Best Actor for his portrayal of Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull." Additionally, he has received six more Oscar nominations, highlighting his versatility and depth as an actor.
Born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, De Niro was raised by artist parents who nurtured his early interest in the arts. After abandoning formal education at the age of 16, he pursued acting under the guidance of renowned coaches like Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. His dedication to method acting and immersive research has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest performers of his generation. Notable collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, including films like "Taxi Driver," "Goodfellas," and "The Irishman," further cement his status as a cinematic icon.
Throughout his illustrious career, De Niro has showcased an extraordinary ability to embody complex and diverse characters, spanning various genres from drama to comedy. With a strong affinity for collaborating with talented filmmakers, he has cemented his legacy in cinema not only through his acting prowess but also as a co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, which includes the Tribeca Film Festival and multiple hospitality projects. Today, De Niro continues to captivate audiences, most recently with his role in "Killers of the Flower Moon," showcasing that his passion for storytelling remains unwavering even at the age of 80.
Early Life and Education
Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. was born on August 17, 1943, in New York City to parents Virginia Admiral and Robert De Niro Sr., both respected artists in their own right. His mother was a gifted painter, while his father was a painter, sculptor, and poet. Their artistic lifestyle surrounded De Niro with creativity from a young age, but the couple’s divorce when he was just two years old left him primarily under his mother’s care. Growing up, De Niro was captivated by movies, especially those starring actresses like Greta Garbo, which influenced his passion for acting.
At age 10, De Niro made his stage debut as the Cowardly Lion in a production of "The Wizard of Oz." He was later accepted into New York's prestigious High School of Music and Art but felt overwhelmed and dropped out to attend public school. His teenage years were marked by a lack of interest in traditional education and a brief stint with a local Italian street gang, which provided him with experiences that would later inform his portrayals of Italian-American characters. Eventually, De Niro devoted himself to acting, enrolling at the Stella Adler Conservatory, where he honed his craft and studied the Stanislavski method, setting the stage for his illustrious career in Hollywood.
Career Start: Breakthrough in Mean Streets
Robert De Niro's path to stardom began in the early 1970s, culminating in his breakthrough role in Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" (1973). Prior to this, De Niro honed his craft at the Stella Adler Conservatory, drawing on method acting techniques that would become a hallmark of his performances. His early career was characterized by small roles and significant collaborations, notably with fellow artists who influenced his development as an actor. The role of Johnny Boy in "Mean Streets" showcased De Niro's raw talent, earning him critical acclaim and marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Scorsese.
"Mean Streets" not only propelled De Niro's career but also solidified his reputation for portraying gritty, complex characters. In this film, he played a small-time hoodlum navigating the challenges of loyalty and crime in New York's Italian-American neighborhoods. Roger Ebert praised De Niro's "marvelous performance," highlighting his ability to convey urgency and desperation, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. This pivotal moment paved the way for De Niro's subsequent roles in cinema, establishing him as one of the most formidable actors of his generation.
Career Success: Oscar Wins and Nominations
Robert De Niro's illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, highlighting his reputation as one of the finest actors of his era. His first Oscar came in 1975 for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II." This was followed by a Best Actor win in 1981 for his riveting portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull," where he physically transformed to embody the character. De Niro’s commitment to method acting and his ability to delve deep into complex characters have repeatedly earned him recognition from his peers and critics alike.
Over the years, De Niro has amassed a total of seven Oscar nominations beyond his wins, showcasing his versatility across various genres. Notable nominations include Best Actor for "Taxi Driver," "The Deer Hunter," and more recently, "Silver Linings Playbook." His performance in "Killers of the Flower Moon," released in 2023, earned him yet another nomination, illustrating his enduring talent and relevance in contemporary cinema. De Niro’s ability to evolve as an actor while maintaining the authenticity of his performances is a testament to his artistry and dedication to the craft.
Recent Performances: Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, Robert De Niro delivered a powerful performance in the highly anticipated film "Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese. Set in the 1920s, the movie explores a chilling series of murders in the Osage Nation reservation in Oklahoma, driven by greed and the desire for oil rights on Native land. De Niro portrays William "King" Hale, a millionaire cattleman whose ruthless ambitions lead to heinous acts against the Osage people. This role showcases De Niro's ability to capture complex characters, drawing audiences into the dark and compelling narrative of a pivotal moment in American history.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" received widespread acclaim and garnered multiple nominations, including ten Academy Award nods, with De Niro earning recognition in the Best Supporting Actor category. His portrayal of Hale has been described as one of the finest performances of his illustrious career, highlighting the sociopathic nature of his character. As De Niro approaches the Oscars on March 10, 2024, the film's critical success underlines his enduring place in Hollywood and his ability to tackle challenging, real-life stories with depth and authenticity.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Robert De Niro has experienced two marriages and has seven children throughout his life. His first marriage was to actress Diahnne Abbott in 1976. De Niro adopted Abbott's daughter, Drena, from a previous relationship, and the couple later welcomed a son named Raphael. Their marriage lasted until 1988 when they ultimately divorced, marking the end of a notable period in De Niro's early family life.
Following his marriage to Abbott, De Niro had a long-term relationship with model Toukie Smith, with whom he became the father of twin sons, Aaron and Julian, born in 1995. Two years later, he married Grace Hightower, and together they had a son, Elliott, and a daughter, Helen. The couple's marriage ended in 2018, but their time together contributed to De Niro's extensive family network, which further expanded in 2023 when he welcomed a daughter with girlfriend Tiffany Chen, marking his seventh child.
Net Worth and Earning: $500 Million
As of March 2024, Robert De Niro boasts an impressive net worth estimated at $500 million, a figure that underscores his prolific career in Hollywood. His earnings stem not only from his extensive body of work as an actor—spanning critical and commercial hits—but also from his involvement in various business ventures. De Niro has enjoyed a diverse portfolio, contributing to his financial success both in front of and behind the camera.
De Niro co-founded Tribeca Enterprises in 2003, which includes a successful film production company and the acclaimed Tribeca Film Festival. This endeavor has played a significant role in his fortune, further solidifying his reputation in the entertainment industry. Additionally, he has ventured into the hospitality sector, co-owning The Greenwich Hotel in New York City and the Nobu Hotels chain, alongside several Nobu restaurants and Tribeca Grill. This diversified business approach has combined to create a robust net worth, making De Niro one of the wealthiest actors in the industry.
