Robert De Niro

“If you're an actor, always be true to your character. If you are not an actor, have character and always be true to yourself.” Robert De Niro is a renowned American actor celebrated for his intense portrayals of violent characters and, later, comedic roles as grumpy old men. Born to artistic parents in Greenwich Village, he dropped out of school at 16 to study acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory. His film career began with minor roles, but he gained recognition in Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) and solidified his status in Mean Streets (1973), leading to a pivotal role as young Vito Corleone in The Godfather, Part II (1974), for which he won an Oscar. De Niro's collaboration with director Martin Scorsese resulted in iconic films like Taxi Driver (1976) and Raging Bull (1980), the latter earning him another Oscar. He is known for his immersive preparation, including driving a taxi for Taxi Driver and gaining weight for Raging Bull. In the 1980s, while facing some box office failures, he showed his versatility in comedies like Midnight Run (1988) and Awakenings (1990). His career continued to flourish in the 1990s with films like GoodFellas (1990) and Heat (1995), as well as comedic hits like Meet the Parents (2000). De Niro explored paternal themes in films like Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and The War with Grandpa (2020). In 2023, he starred in Killers of the Flower Moon, earning an Oscar nomination. In addition to acting, De Niro has directed films, including A Bronx Tale (1993) and The Good Shepherd (2006). He has received numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. De Niro remains a towering figure in cinema, known for his range and dedication to his craft.