Wiseguy Facts About Robert De Niro, Hollywood Legend
Robert De Niro is thought of as one of the greatest actors of all time. Although he is best known for his tough-guy roles he has actually played leading roles across almost all genres.
Here are some of our most interesting facts about acting legend Robert De Niro.
Robert De Niro Facts
1. A Mosaic Indeed
Robert De Niro was born in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, to artists Virginia (Admiral) and Robert De Niro Sr. His parents met in a painting class, but divorced when De Niro's father revealed he was gay.
De Niro was two years old at the time. After, he was raised in his mother's household, though his father lived just a short walk away and they saw each other often.
2. The Dream Team
De Niro is no stranger to the Oscars. He won his first, for Best Supporting Actor, playing a young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II. His collaboration with Martin Scorsese then earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1980, for his portrayal of Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. He also earned nominations for the psychological thrillers Taxi Driver (1976) and Cape Fear (1991), both directed by Scorsese.
De Niro received additional Academy Award nominations for Michael Cimino's Vietnam war drama The Deer Hunter (1978), Penny Marshall's drama Awakenings (1990), and David O. Russell's romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook (2012).
3. Don't Ask, Don't Tell
De Niro rarely does interviews and is known as one of the most ultra-private celebrities. He was the subject of a late 90s interview (and cover photo) for Esquire magazine. Most of the article focused on how guarded he is with his personal life, what few details are known about him, and what rumors are speculated, while only a minority of the article dealt with the actual interview itself.
The writer noted that while the interview was ultimately agreed upon, he was given a substantial list of off-limit subjects NOT to ask De Niro about. They included: politics, religion, his family, his reported interest in fine wines, and so on.
