Who is Robert De Niro?
Robert De Niro is an American actor, producer, and director. He is one of the most celebrated and respected actors of his generation, having won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
De Niro is known for his intense and transformative performances, often playing complex and troubled characters. Some of his most famous roles include Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull, and Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas.
De Niro has also been involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors, including supporting the Tribeca Film Festival and the Robert De Niro Sr. Foundation.
Personal details
Born | August 17, 1943 |
Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
Occupation | Actor, producer, director |
Years active | 1963present |
Spouse(s) | Diahnne Abbott (19761988), Grace Hightower (1997present) |
Children | 6 |
Main article topics
- Early life and career
- Breakthrough roles
- Later career
- Personal life
- Legacy
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is an American actor, producer, and director. He is one of the most celebrated and respected actors of his generation, having won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
- Method actor
- Intense performances
- Complex characters
- Two-time Academy Award winner
- Philanthropist
- Cultural icon
De Niro is known for his intense and transformative performances, often playing complex and troubled characters. Some of his most famous roles include Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull, and Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas. De Niro's commitment to his craft is evident in his willingness to undergo physical and emotional transformations for his roles. He has gained and lost weight, learned new skills, and even undergone dental work to create believable characters.
In addition to his acting career, De Niro is also a successful producer and director. He has produced and directed several films, including A Bronx Tale, The King of Comedy, and Raging Bull. De Niro is also a philanthropist, supporting a number of charitable causes, including the Tribeca Film Festival and the Robert De Niro Sr. Foundation.
1. Method acting
Method acting is a technique developed by Russian actor Konstantin Stanislavski in the early 20th century. It is based on the idea that actors should draw on their own personal experiences and emotions to create believable characters. Method actors often immerse themselves in their roles, spending time researching the character's background and motivations, and even adopting the character's physical and vocal mannerisms.
- Emotional recall
Method actors use emotional recall to tap into their own personal experiences and emotions to create believable performances. For example, Robert De Niro drew on his own experiences with anger and violence to create his iconic portrayal of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.
- Physical transformation
Method actors often undergo physical transformations to create believable characters. For example, Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds to play Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull.
- Immersion
Method actors often immerse themselves in their roles, spending time researching the character's background and motivations, and even adopting the character's physical and vocal mannerisms. For example, Robert De Niro spent time living with a real-life mobster to prepare for his role in Goodfellas.
- Collaboration
Method actors often collaborate closely with directors and other actors to create believable performances. For example, Robert De Niro worked closely with director Martin Scorsese on a number of films, including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas.
Method acting is a demanding technique, but it can also be very effective. When it is done well, it can create incredibly realistic and moving performances. Robert De Niro is one of the most famous and successful method actors of all time. His performances are often praised for their intensity, realism, and emotional depth.
2. Intense performances
Robert De Niro is known for his intense and transformative performances, often playing complex and troubled characters. His commitment to his craft is evident in his willingness to undergo physical and emotional transformations for his roles. He has gained and lost weight, learned new skills, and even undergone dental work to create believable characters.
De Niro's intense performances are often praised by critics and audiences alike. He has won two Academy Awards for his performances in Raging Bull and The Godfather Part II. He has also been nominated for seven other Academy Awards, including nominations for Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy, and Goodfellas.
De Niro's intense performances have helped to create some of the most iconic characters in film history. His portrayal of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver is a masterclass in character development. Bickle is a deeply disturbed Vietnam veteran who is slowly descending into madness. De Niro's performance is both terrifying and heartbreaking.
De Niro's intense performances are not for everyone. Some viewers find his performances to be too over-the-top or melodramatic. However, there is no doubt that De Niro is one of the most talented and respected actors of his generation. His intense performances have helped to create some of the most memorable and iconic characters in film history.
3. Complex characters
Robert De Niro is known for his intense and transformative performances, often playing complex and troubled characters. His commitment to his craft is evident in his willingness to undergo physical and emotional transformations for his roles. He has gained and lost weight, learned new skills, and even undergone dental work to create believable characters.
- Moral ambiguity
De Niro's characters are often morally ambiguous. They are not simply good or evil, but rather complex individuals with both strengths and weaknesses. This makes them more relatable and interesting to audiences.
- Psychological depth
De Niro's characters are often psychologically complex. They have rich inner lives and are often struggling with personal demons. This makes them more challenging to play, but also more rewarding.
- Physicality
De Niro's characters are often physically expressive. He uses his body to communicate his character's emotions and motivations. This makes his performances more dynamic and engaging.
- Transformation
De Niro is willing to undergo physical and emotional transformations for his roles. He has gained and lost weight, learned new skills, and even undergone dental work to create believable characters. This shows his commitment to his craft and his willingness to go the extra mile.
De Niro's complex characters have helped to create some of the most memorable and iconic performances in film history. His portrayal of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver is a masterclass in character development. Bickle is a deeply disturbed Vietnam veteran who is slowly descending into madness. De Niro's performance is both terrifying and heartbreaking.
4. Two-time Academy Award winner
Robert De Niro is a two-time Academy Award winner, having won for his performances in Raging Bull and The Godfather Part II. His Academy Awards are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. De Niro is one of the most respected and celebrated actors of his generation, and his Academy Awards are a recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
De Niro's Academy Awards have helped to solidify his status as one of the greatest actors of all time. His performances in Raging Bull and The Godfather Part II are considered to be among the greatest performances in film history. De Niro's Academy Awards have also helped to raise the profile of method acting, which is a technique that he has used to create some of his most iconic characters.
De Niro's Academy Awards are a reminder of the power of film to move and inspire audiences. His performances have touched the lives of millions of people around the world. De Niro is a true artist, and his Academy Awards are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
5. Philanthropist
Robert De Niro is a well-known philanthropist who has supported a variety of causes throughout his career. He is a co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, which has raised millions of dollars for various charities. He is also a supporter of the Robert De Niro Sr. Foundation, which provides support for underprivileged children. In addition, De Niro has donated to a number of other charities, including the Actors Fund of America, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Coalition for the Homeless.
De Niro's philanthropy is motivated by his desire to help others. He has said that he believes that everyone has a responsibility to give back to their community. De Niro's philanthropy has made a real difference in the lives of many people. The Tribeca Film Festival has helped to revitalize the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City and has raised millions of dollars for charity. The Robert De Niro Sr. Foundation has provided support for thousands of underprivileged children. And De Niro's donations to other charities have helped to support a wide range of causes.
De Niro's philanthropy is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to help others. He has set a great example for others to follow. By giving back to his community, De Niro has made a real difference in the world.
6. Cultural icon
Robert De Niro is a cultural icon. He is one of the most celebrated and respected actors of his generation, and his work has had a profound impact on American culture.
There are many reasons why De Niro is considered a cultural icon. First, he is an incredibly talented actor. He has a remarkable ability to transform himself into a wide range of characters, and his performances are always believable and emotionally resonant. Second, De Niro is a risk-taker. He is not afraid to take on challenging roles, and he is always willing to push the boundaries of his craft. Third, De Niro is a dedicated artist. He is committed to his work, and he always strives to create the best possible performances.
De Niro's work has had a significant impact on American culture. He has starred in some of the most iconic films of all time, including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas. These films have helped to shape the way we think about masculinity, violence, and crime. De Niro has also been a vocal advocate for social justice, and he has used his platform to speak out against racism, poverty, and inequality.
Robert De Niro is a cultural icon because he is a talented actor, a risk-taker, and a dedicated artist. His work has had a profound impact on American culture, and he continues to be an inspiration to actors and audiences around the world.
Robert De Niro FAQs
Robert De Niro is an American actor, producer, and director. He is one of the most celebrated and respected actors of his generation, having won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
Question 1: What is Robert De Niro's most famous role?Robert De Niro has played many iconic roles throughout his career, but he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II.
Question 2: How many Academy Awards has Robert De Niro won?
Robert De Niro has won two Academy Awards, for his performances in Raging Bull and The Godfather Part II.
Question 3: What is Robert De Niro's acting style?
Robert De Niro is known for his intense and transformative performances, often playing complex and troubled characters. He is a master of method acting, which is a technique that involves drawing on personal experiences and emotions to create believable characters.
Question 4: What are some of Robert De Niro's most famous films?
Robert De Niro has starred in a number of classic films, including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Godfather Part II.
Question 5: What is Robert De Niro's net worth?
Robert De Niro's net worth is estimated to be around $500 million.
Summary: Robert De Niro is one of the most celebrated and respected actors of his generation. He is known for his intense and transformative performances, often playing complex and troubled characters. De Niro has won two Academy Awards and has starred in a number of classic films.
Transition to the next article section: Robert De Niro's legacy is sure to continue for many years to come. He is an inspiration to actors and audiences around the world.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is one of the most celebrated and respected actors of his generation. His intense and transformative performances have left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. De Niro is a master of method acting, and his ability to create complex and believable characters is unparalleled.
De Niro's legacy is sure to continue for many years to come. He is an inspiration to actors and audiences alike, and his work will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.