Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan, New York City. He is the son of painters Virginia Admiral and Robert De Niro Sr. Growing up in a diverse environment, De Niro was introduced to the arts at a young age, which would eventually lead him to pursue a successful acting career. Throughout his life, he has maintained strong ties to his New York roots.

Robert De Niro achieved his breakthrough role in Martin Scorsese's film 'Mean Streets' in 1973, where he played the character of Johnny Boy. His performance was critically acclaimed, establishing him as a talented actor. The film was significant in its exploration of violence and crime in New York City and marked the beginning of a long collaboration between De Niro and Scorsese, one of the most renowned director-actor duos in cinema history.

Robert De Niro won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the young Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather Part II,' directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Released in 1974, the film is considered one of the greatest in cinematic history. De Niro's performance was particularly noted for his ability to convey a character that was both ambitious and nuanced, speaking mostly in Sicilian dialect, which added authenticity to his role.

In 1976, Robert De Niro starred as Travis Bickle in 'Taxi Driver,' a film directed by Martin Scorsese. The role of a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver in New York City is one of De Niro's most iconic performances. His portrayal of Bickle is widely praised for its depth and intensity, and the film's famous line, 'You talking to me?' is frequently quoted in popular culture, symbolizing De Niro's broad impact on acting.

Robert De Niro won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Jake LaMotta in the 1980 film 'Raging Bull,' directed by Martin Scorsese. De Niro displayed immense dedication, gaining a significant amount of weight to realistically portray the retired boxer's later life. The film is renowned for its gritty and raw depiction of LaMotta's struggles and remains a classic. De Niro's transformative performance solidified his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

In 1990, Robert De Niro starred as James 'Jimmy' Conway in Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed film 'Goodfellas.' The film delves into the life of mob associate Henry Hill and his rise and fall within the Lucchese crime family. De Niro's performance, alongside those of Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta, was pivotal to the film's success. It is often regarded as one of the greatest films about organized crime, and De Niro's role is noted for its complexity and realism.

Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with 'A Bronx Tale' in 1993, a crime drama based on Chazz Palminteri's play. The film, set in the 1960s, explores themes of loyalty and morality through the eyes of an Italian-American boy. De Niro's direction was praised for its authenticity and ability to capture the essence of the Bronx neighborhood. It marked De Niro's transition from acting to behind-the-camera work, showcasing his versatility within the film industry.

In response to the September 11 attacks, Robert De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 along with Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff. The festival was established to revitalize Lower Manhattan and celebrate New York City as a major filmmaking center. It has since grown into a prominent event that highlights a diverse range of films, provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, and fosters community and cultural engagement.

Robert De Niro co-founded Nobu Hospitality alongside chef Nobu Matsuhisa and producer Meir Teper in 2004. The company is renowned for its high-end hotels and restaurants, blending traditional Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. Nobu has expanded globally, establishing its brand as a symbol of luxury and innovation in the hospitality industry. De Niro’s involvement in this venture highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and impact beyond the film industry.

In 2011, Robert De Niro was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 68th Golden Globe Awards for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment field. Presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the award recognized De Niro's enduring legacy and influence in cinema. His acceptance speech reflected on his expansive career, contributions to the film industry, and his commitment to storytelling and the craft of acting.

In 2016, Robert De Niro received a Tony Award nomination for 'A Bronx Tale,' a musical adaptation of the film he directed in 1993. The stage production, for which De Niro served as co-director, earned praise for its engaging storytelling and authenticity in capturing the essence of the original film. The Tony Award recognition highlighted De Niro's versatility and ability to transition his cinematic vision successfully to the stage.

Robert De Niro appeared in the 2019 film 'Joker,' directed by Todd Phillips, in the role of talk show host Murray Franklin. The film explores the origins of the iconic Batman villain and features De Niro in a significant supporting role. Critics praised De Niro's performance for adding depth and gravitas to the film, drawing parallels to his earlier work in 'The King of Comedy.' 'Joker' was notable for its dark, psychological portrayal of societal issues.