Robert De Niro: A Detailed Biography

The Life and Career of Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro, born Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. on August 17, 1943, is an American actor, producer, and director. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema.

Early Life and Family Background

De Niro was born in Manhattan, New York City. His parents, Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral, were both artists. His father was of Italian and Irish descent, while his mother was of English, German, French, and Dutch ancestry. His parents divorced when he was three years old, and he was raised by his mother in the Greenwich Village and Little Italy neighborhoods of Manhattan.

Education

De Niro attended PS 41, a public elementary school in Manhattan, for the fourth and fifth grades. He then went to Elisabeth Irwin High School, the private upper school of the Little Red School House, for the sixth and seventh grades. De Niro then enrolled at the High School of Music and Art for the ninth grade, but only attended for a short time before transferring to a public junior high school. He ultimately dropped out of high school to pursue his acting career.

Early Career

De Niro’s early acting career began with stage performances. He studied acting at HB Studio, the Stella Adler Conservatory, as well as Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio. His first major film roles were in the sports drama “Bang the Drum Slowly” (1973) and Martin Scorsese’s crime film “Mean Streets” (1973).

Success

De Niro gained prominence with his role as the young Vito Corleone in “The Godfather Part II” (1974), which won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of taxi driver Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver” (1976) earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He won his second Oscar, this time for Best Actor, for his portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull” (1980). De Niro’s other notable films include “Goodfellas” (1990), “Cape Fear” (1991), and “Heat” (1995).

In recent years, De Niro has continued to work steadily in film. His recent projects include “The War with Grandpa” (2020) in which he played the role of Ed, “About My Father” (2021, post-production), “Armageddon Time” (2022, post-production), and “Killer’s Game” (TBA, pre-production).

Personal Life

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, De Niro has been married twice. His first wife was Diahnne Abbott, with whom he has a son, Raphael, a former actor who works in New York real estate. De Niro also adopted Abbott’s daughter from a previous relationship. His second wife, Grace Hightower, is a philanthropist and socialite. The couple married in 1997 and have two children together. They announced their decision to separate in 2018. De Niro also has twin sons conceived by in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother from his long relationship with former model Toukie Smith.

Controversies

De Niro has been involved in several controversies, often related to his outspoken political views. He has been a vocal critic of certain political figures and has used his platform to express these opinions.

Height, Weight, Age

As of 2023, Robert De Niro is 79 years old. He stands approximately 5'10" tall. His weight is not publicly disclosed.

Philanthropy

De Niro is known for his philanthropic activities. He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks to revitalize the Lower Manhattan community. He also supports various charitable organizations, including the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City.

Awards

De Niro’s exceptional acting skills have earned him numerous awards throughout his career. He has won two Academy Awards — Best Supporting Actor for “The Godfather Part II” and Best Actor for “Raging Bull.” He has received six additional Oscar nominations for his roles in “Taxi Driver,” “The Deer Hunter,” “Awakenings,” “Cape Fear,” and “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Conclusion

Robert De Niro’s remarkable career, spanning over half a century, has left an indelible impact on the world of cinema. His nuanced performances have been celebrated by audiences and critics alike. His commitment to his craft, his dedication to philanthropy, and his influence on the film industry make him a true icon.

Quotes

- “Time goes on. So whatever you’re going to do, do it. Do it now. Don’t wait.”

- “There’s a certain logic to avoiding the haters, but as a strategy, it’s utterly flawed.”

FAQs

Who is Robert De Niro?Robert De Niro is an American actor, producer, and director, renowned for his powerful performances in a number of iconic films. He has won two Academy Awards and has had a career in film that spans over five decades. Some of his most notable films include “The Godfather Part II,” “Raging Bull,” “Taxi Driver,” and “Goodfellas.”When was Robert De Niro born?Robert De Niro was born on August 17, 1943.What is Robert De Niro’s height?Robert De Niro stands approximately 5'10" tall.What awards has Robert De Niro won?Robert De Niro has won two Academy Awards — Best Supporting Actor for “The Godfather Part II” and Best Actor for “Raging Bull.” He has also received six additional Oscar nominations.Is Robert De Niro married?Robert De Niro has been married twice. His first wife was Diahnne Abbott and his second wife was Grace Hightower.Does Robert De Niro have children?Yes, Robert De Niro has six children.What was Robert De Niro’s first film?Robert De Niro’s first major film roles were in “Bang the Drum Slowly” (1973) and “Mean Streets” (1973).What is Robert De Niro’s most recent film?Robert De Niro’s most recent film projects include “The War with Grandpa” (2020), “About My Father” (2021, post-production), “Armageddon Time” (2022, post-production), and “Killer’s Game”

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