Robert De Niro's Full Biography
Robert De Niro, a name that resonates with excellence in the world of cinema, has left an indelible mark on the film industry through his unparalleled acting prowess and versatility. With a career spanning several decades, De Niro's filmography is a tapestry of diverse roles, iconic performances, and a deep commitment to his craft. From intense dramas to uproarious comedies, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to immerse himself in characters, breathing life into every role he undertakes.
Early Life
Robert De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. This iconic actor's birthplace in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities played an early role in shaping his remarkable journey through the world of cinema. Growing up in New York, De Niro was exposed to the diverse culture and energy of the city, which likely influenced his ability to portray a wide range of characters with authenticity and depth. His birthplace not only marks the beginning of his life but also holds a significant place in the narrative of his extraordinary career.
Career
The 1970s
De Niro's cinematic journey began to gain momentum in the 1970s when he collaborated with director Martin Scorsese, a partnership that would leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His breakthrough role came in the 1973 film Mean Streets, where he portrayed the conflicted Johnny Boy, showcasing his natural ability to embody complex characters. This was just the beginning of his collaboration with Scorsese, as they went on to create cinematic masterpieces like Taxi Driver (1976), where De Niro delivered an intense and haunting performance as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable taxi driver navigating the gritty streets of New York City.
The 1980s
The 1980s showcased De Niro's remarkable versatility as an actor. He seamlessly transitioned from intense dramas to lighthearted comedies, proving that his range knew no bounds. In Brian De Palma's The Untouchables (1987), De Niro portrayed the infamous Al Capone, delivering a charismatic yet menacing performance. He also demonstrated his comedic chops in films like Midnight Run (1988), where he starred alongside Charles Grodin in a witty and entertaining action comedy.
The 1990s
The 1990s further solidified De Niro's status as one of Hollywood's most revered actors. His portrayal of Max Cady in Scorsese's Cape Fear (1991) showcased his ability to embody chilling villains with a level of intensity that left audiences in awe. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination, a testament to his dedication to his craft. In Heat (1995), De Niro shared the screen with another iconic actor, Al Pacino, in a gripping crime drama that explored the dynamic between a master thief and a dedicated detective.
The 2000s
De Niro's dedication to his craft remained unwavering as he entered the 21st century. In Meet the Parents (2000), he embraced his comedic side once again, playing the overbearing and comically intimidating father-in-law-to-be. This film not only displayed his comedic timing but also his ability to find humor in unexpected places. In 2004, he reunited with Scorsese for The Aviator, a biographical drama in which he portrayed the enigmatic Howard Hughes, earning another Academy Award nomination for his nuanced performance.
The 2010s
As De Niro entered the 2010s, his legacy in the film industry was well established, but he continued to take on challenging and impactful roles. In David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook (2012), De Niro portrayed a father struggling to connect with his son, showcasing his ability to infuse emotional depth into his characters. He also delved into the world of comedy once again with The Intern (2015), proving that his talent for humor remained as sharp as ever.
Business Ventures
Robert De Niro's contributions to the film industry go beyond his acting roles. In 1974, he co-founded the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival with Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff. The festival was born out of a desire to revitalize the downtown Manhattan area after the 9/11 attacks and has since become a platform for showcasing a diverse range of films and fostering emerging talent.
Personal Life
De Niro has been married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Diahnne Abbott, an actress, in 1976. The couple had a son named Raphael, who was born in 1976. De Niro also adopted Abbott's daughter from a previous relationship, named Drena.
After his divorce from Abbott in 1988, De Niro entered into a relationship with Toukie Smith, an actress and model, although they were never married. During this time, he also had twin sons, Julian and Aaron, through in vitro fertilization and a surrogate mother. The twins were born in 1995.
In 1997, De Niro married his second wife, Grace Hightower, a philanthropist and former flight attendant. The couple welcomed a son named Elliot in 1998. However, their marriage faced its share of challenges, and they separated in 1999, filing for divorce. Despite the initial separation, De Niro and Hightower reconciled and renewed their vows in 2004.
Unfortunately, De Niro and Hightower's relationship faced another period of difficulty, leading to their final divorce in 2019. The divorce settlement and custody arrangements for their son Elliot were subjects of media attention, but the couple continues to co-parent their child.
In 2023, at 79 years old, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a daughter named Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with his partner, Tiffany Chen.
| Robert De Niro's Children | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| Drena De Niro | 9/3/71 |
| Raphael De Niro | 11/9/76 |
| Julian De Niro | 10/20/95 |
| Aaron Kendrick | 10/20/95 |
| Elliot De Niro | 3/18/98 |
| Helen Grace De Niro | 12/23/11 |
| Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro | 4/6/23 |
Net Worth
With his impressive career, it's no surprise Bobby D has a massive bank account to match. As of 2023, he comes in at $500 million. Robert De Niro made his film debut in 1963. He appeared in 70 films over the years, grossing $4.3 billion worldwide. In 1972, he was the highest-paid actor for a single film at the time, earning $35,000 for Taxi Driver. De Niro continued to be one of the highest-paid actors in the 1980s and 1990s, earning more than $100,000 for supporting roles. By the 2000s, his earnings had skyrocketed to millions of dollars, averaging around $14 million per film. By the 2010s, De Niro's earnings had skyrocketed, reaching more than $20 million per film.
Activism
Throughout his career, Robert De Niro has demonstrated a commitment to various charitable causes, reflecting his desire to use his platform for the betterment of society. Notably, he co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002, an initiative aimed at revitalizing Lower Manhattan after the devastating events of 9/11. The festival has since become a cultural phenomenon, celebrating diverse voices in cinema and providing a platform for independent filmmakers.
De Niro's involvement in the festival underscores his dedication to both the arts and community building, showcasing his desire to contribute positively to the city that has played a significant role in his life.
Controversy
During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, De Niro publicly expressed his strong opposition to then-candidate Donald Trump, using strong language to voice his criticisms. This incident sparked debates about the role of celebrities in political discourse and the line between personal opinions and public statements.
Furthermore, De Niro's involvement in the 2019 documentary "Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe" attracted controversy. The film propagated unsubstantiated claims linking vaccines to autism, a stance widely discredited by the scientific community. De Niro's initial decision to include the documentary in the Tribeca Film Festival lineup generated significant backlash, prompting him to later withdraw the film from the festival and acknowledge the concerns raised by medical professionals and the public.
