10 Fascinating Tidbits About Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro is a legendary actor and filmmaker, known for his iconic performances and contributions to the world of cinema. From his early beginnings to memorable roles and personal quirks, here are ten captivating facts about this esteemed artist. SSP prepared.

1. A Lion-Sized Debut: At the age of 10, Robert De Niro's first taste of the spotlight came from portraying the Cowardly Lion in a rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Perhaps this childhood experience foreshadowed his future success in the acting world.

2. From High School to Hollywood: Determined to pursue his passion for acting, De Niro dropped out of high school. Despite hailing from a family of artistic talent, the allure of the stage captured his heart and led him to embark on a remarkable acting journey. He took classes at prestigious institutions such as HB Studio, Stella Adler, and The Actors Studio.

3. A Citizen of Two Worlds: De Niro holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Italy. In 2004, the Italian government granted him honorary citizenship as recognition of his illustrious career. Interestingly, this decision sparked controversy among some Italian-Americans who felt that his previous portrayals perpetuated negative stereotypes.

4. The Physical Transformation: Known for his dedication to roles, De Niro underwent a staggering physical transformation for the movie Raging Bull. In preparation to play the resilient boxer Jake LaMotta, he gained an astounding 60 pounds. This commitment demonstrated De Niro's unwavering approach to embodying his characters authentically.

5. Oscar Prestige: De Niro shares a unique accolade with Marlon Brando. Both actors have won Academy Awards for portraying the same character. De Niro clinched his first Oscar for his portrayal of a young Vito Corleone in The Godfather: Part II, a role for which Brando had also previously garnered recognition.

6. Behind the Wheel: To fully immerse himself in the character of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, De Niro obtained a taxicab driver's license and spent several weekends driving a cab around New York City. This hands-on approach allowed him to absorb the essence of the city firsthand, contributing to the authenticity of his performance.

7. A Delayed Victory: The 53rd Academy Awards, where De Niro triumphed with his exceptional performance in Raging Bull, faced an unexpected delay. Due to an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, the ceremony was postponed by a day. The shadow of this tragic event lingered even as De Niro received his well-deserved accolade.

8. Revitalizing Lower Manhattan: In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, De Niro, along with Jane Rosenthal and Craig M. Hatkoff, launched the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001. This esteemed event aimed to contribute to the economic and cultural revitalization of downtown Manhattan. With Martin Scorsese's assistance, the festival kicked off, attracting a staggering 150,000 attendees in its inaugural year.

9. An Unpleasant Encounter: In 1998, De Niro found himself entangled in a bizarre incident involving a Parisian prostitution ring. He underwent rigorous interrogation, filed a complaint, and faced countless paparazzi upon leaving the prosecutor's office. While his initial reaction expressed deep dissatisfaction and a vow to stay away from France, he eventually returned to the Cannes Film Festival as its jury president in a less heated state.

10. Feline Affection: During the filming of Meet the Parents, De Niro developed a fondness for the movie's cats, played by two Himalayans named Bailey and Misha. He showered them with attention between scenes, even carrying kibble in his pocket, and requested their presence in as many scenes as possible. His admiration for these feline co-stars showcased his love for animals.

These intriguing facts offer a glimpse into the life of Robert De Niro, an extraordinary actor whose talent and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of film. His contributions continue to captivate audiences, making him a true titan of the silver screen.