Robert De Niro

One of the most exceptional actors in cinematic history, Robert De Niro, entered the world on August 17, 1943, in Manhattan, New York City, to the artistic couple Virginia (Admiral) and Robert De Niro Sr. With an ancestry that encompasses Italian, Irish, English, Dutch, German, and French roots, De Niro underwent training at both the Stella Adler Conservatory and the American Workshop.

While De Niro initially gained recognition for his role in "Bang the Drum Slowly" (1973), it was in "Mean Streets" (1973), his first collaboration with director Martin Scorsese, where he established his reputation as a dynamic actor. His career soared with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in "The Godfather Part II" (1974), and he secured further nominations for Best Actor in "Taxi Driver" (1976), "The Deer Hunter" (1978), and "Cape Fear" (1991). The pinnacle of his success came with the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull" (1980).

De Niro has also been recognized with four Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, showcasing his versatility in films like "New York, New York" (1977), "Midnight Run" (1988), "Analyze This" (1999), and "Meet the Parents" (2000). His diverse filmography includes memorable performances in "Brazil" (1985), "The Untouchables" (1987), "Backdraft" (1991), "Frankenstein" (1994), "Heat" (1995), "Casino" (1995), and "Jackie Brown" (1997). Simultaneously, De Niro took on the roles of director and star in films such as "A Bronx Tale" (1993) and "The Good Shepherd" (2006).

His contributions to the industry were further acknowledged with the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2010. As of 2022, at the age of 79, De Niro remains actively engaged in the world of acting, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the craft.

Early Life and Education

Robert Anthony De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, the sole offspring of painters Virginia Admiral and Robert De Niro Sr. His father had a mix of Irish and Italian heritage, while his mother's ancestry included Dutch, English, French, and German roots. The couple, who initially met during painting classes with Hans Hofmann in Provincetown, Massachusetts, separated when De Niro was just two years old after his father disclosed his homosexuality.

Raised in the Greenwich Village and Little Italy neighborhoods of Manhattan by his mother, De Niro maintained a close bond with his father, who resided nearby. Referred to as "Bobby Milk" due to his fair complexion, De Niro formed connections with street kids in Little Italy, despite his father's disapproval, and some of these friendships endured throughout his life.

His mother, originally raised Presbyterian, embraced atheism as an adult, while his father had lapsed from Catholicism at the age of 12. Despite his parents' objections, De Niro's grandparents clandestinely baptized him into the Catholic Church during his stay with them amid his parents' divorce.

De Niro attended PS 41, a public elementary school in Manhattan, up until the sixth grade. Commencing acting classes at the Dramatic Workshop, he marked his stage debut at the age of 10, portraying the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Subsequently, he progressed to Elisabeth Irwin High School for the seventh and eighth grades. Although accepted into the High School of Music & Art for the ninth grade, he briefly attended before transferring to the public junior high school IS 71, Charles Evans Hughes Junior High School. De Niro continued his high school education at McBurney School and later, Rhodes Preparatory School.

Using performance as an outlet for his shyness, he became captivated by cinema, prompting him to leave high school at 16 to pursue acting. Reflecting on his decision, he remarked, "When I was around 18, I was looking at a TV show and I said, 'If these actors are making a living at it, and they're not that good, I can't do any worse than them.'

Studying acting at HB Studio and Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, De Niro also received instruction from Stella Adler at the Stella Adler Conservatory, exposing him to the techniques of the Stanislavski system. During his early acting years, he drew inspiration from luminaries such as Montgomery Clift, Greta Garbo, James Dean, Kim Stanley, Marlon Brando, and Geraldine Page.

Family and Personal Life

Robert De Niro's family and personal life have been marked by a blend of privacy and occasional glimpses into his relationships. Here's an overview:

1. Marriages:

• Diahnne Abbott (1976-1988): De Niro's first marriage was to actress and singer Diahnne Abbott. They were married from 1976 to 1988 and have two children together—Raphael and Drena De Niro.
• Toukie Smith (1988-1996): After his divorce from Abbott, De Niro was in a relationship with model and actress Toukie Smith. Although they never married, their relationship lasted until 1996.
• Grace Hightower (1997-2018, with a brief divorce in between): De Niro married actress and philanthropist Grace Hightower in 1997. The couple has had a complex relationship, including a brief divorce in 1999. They eventually reconciled and renewed their vows in 2004. Together, they have two children—Elliot and Helen Grace.

2. Children:

• Raphael De Niro: Born in 1976, Raphael is Robert De Niro's son with Diahnne Abbott. He has ventured into real estate and is a successful real estate broker.
• Drena De Niro: Drena, born in 1971, is De Niro and Abbott's daughter. She has pursued a career in acting and is also involved in music and fashion.
• Elliot De Niro: Elliot is De Niro's son with Grace Hightower. He keeps a relatively low profile compared to his high-profile father.
• Helen Grace De Niro: Born via surrogacy in 2011, Helen is De Niro's youngest child with Grace Hightower.
• Leandro De Niro Rodriguez: Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of renowned actor Robert De Niro, met an unfortunate end on July 2 due to a lethal combination of substances, including fentanyl, bromazepam, alprazolam, 7-amino clonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine, according to details disclosed by the New York City medical examiner on Tuesday.

The medical examiner classified the cause of death as accidental. Following this tragic incident, Drena De Niro, Rodriguez's mother, took to Instagram, asserting that "someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills. In a recent turn of events, 20-year-old Sofia Haley Marks faced federal narcotics charges in connection with Rodriguez's demise.

Rodriguez, who occasionally dabbled in acting and had a role in the 2018 film A Star Is Born, was found lifeless in an apartment situated in the Wall Street neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. Robert De Niro expressed profound distress over the loss of his cherished grandson Leo.

3. Personal Life:

• Private Persona: De Niro is known for maintaining a private and reserved personal life. He often avoids discussing his family in the media, emphasizing the importance of privacy.
• Philanthropy: Beyond his acting career, De Niro is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival as a response to the 9/11 attacks and has been active in supporting various charitable causes.

While De Niro's public persona is largely shaped by his prolific acting career, his family life reflects a mix of relationships, complexities, and a commitment to maintaining a level of privacy in the public eye.

Career

The Period of 1963-1973: Early Roles and Breakthrough

In the period spanning 1963 to 1973, De Niro took on minor roles in films like "Encounter," "Three Rooms in Manhattan" (both released in 1965), and "Les Jeunes Loups" (1968). Shortly afterward, he secured a significant role in "Greetings" (1968), a satirical film addressing the evasion of the Vietnam War draft by men. This film marked the initiation of a series of early collaborations between De Niro and director Brian De Palma. A year later, De Niro appeared in the drama "Sam's Song," portraying a filmmaker in New York City.

Additionally, in 1969, he featured in De Palma's comedy "The Wedding Party," filmed in 1963 but held unreleased for six years. Despite De Niro's relative obscurity at the time, Howard Thompson of The New York Times provided a favorable review, describing it as "great fun" and praising the film's modest production by a trio of young creators, which included some unfamiliar faces.

Following this, De Niro took on the role of Lloyd Barker in Roger Corman's low-budget crime drama "Bloody Mama" (1970), a loosely adapted portrayal of Ma Barker's life as the mother of four American criminals. Thompson commended the film, noting the cast's "fine performances." Subsequently, De Niro starred in De Palma's comedy sequel, "Hi, Mom!" (1970), a continuation of the narrative from "Greetings."

Richard Brody, writing for The New Yorker, commented on De Niro's performance, stating that he "brings unhinged spontaneity" to his character. De Niro also had minor roles in "Jennifer on My Mind" (1971) and Ivan Passer's "Born to Win" (1971). His final film appearance in 1971 was in "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight," a crime-comedy adapted from Jimmy Breslin's 1969 novel.

In 1972, De Niro took the stage in two productions at The American Place Theatre, under the direction of Charles Maryan. Following this, he made a return to the cinematic world with "Bang the Drum Slowly" (1973), where he assumed the lead role of Bruce Pearson, a Major League Baseball player grappling with Hodgkin's disease. Alongside co-stars Michael Moriarty and Vincent Gardenia, De Niro delivered a performance that garnered critical acclaim.

The film, an adaptation of Mark Harris' 1956 novel of the same name, not only earned praise but also contributed to De Niro's growing recognition. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "De Niro proves himself to be one of the best and most likable young character actors in movies with this performance." Variety magazine's Alex Belth acknowledged De Niro's "touching" portrayal, while Vincent Gardenia received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

In 1973, De Niro initiated a prolific collaboration with Martin Scorsese, marking the beginning with their work on the crime film "Mean Streets" (1973), where he shared the screen with Harvey Keitel. Given a choice of roles, Scorsese specifically wanted De Niro to portray "Johnny Boy" Civello, a small-time criminal on the ascent within a local mob. While the duo had the liberty to improvise certain scenes, assistant director Ron Satlof recalled De Niro's intense commitment, describing him as "extremely serious, extremely involved in his role and preparation," which led to his distancing from the rest of the cast and crew.

"Mean Streets" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, followed by a presentation at the New York Film Festival five months later, receiving a generally warm response. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised De Niro for delivering a "marvelous performance, filled with urgency and restless desperation."

Pauline Kael of The New York Times was equally enthralled by De Niro's acting prowess, stating that he is "a bravura actor," surprising those who might have only known him as the grinning, tobacco-chewing character from "Bang the Drum Slowly."

Kael drew a comparison to Dustin Hoffman's performance in "Midnight Cowboy," noting that De Niro's approach was even more uninhibited, expressing, "This kid doesn't just act - he takes off into the vapors." In 1997, "Mean Streets" was acknowledged for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, and recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

The Period of 1974-1980: Scorsese Collaboration and Acclaim

From 1974 to 1980, Robert De Niro entered a phase of collaboration with director Martin Scorsese, garnering significant acclaim. His pivotal role in Francis Ford Coppola's crime epic "The Godfather Part II" (1974), where he portrayed the young Vito Corleone, marked a turning point. Initially auditioning for the first installment but opting for a different project, De Niro's talent caught Coppola's attention, leading to his Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor.

The collaboration with Scorsese continued with the psychological drama "Taxi Driver" (1976). De Niro embodied Travis Bickle, a solitary taxi driver navigating post-Vietnam War New York City. Immerse in the role, he underwent extensive preparation, including spending time with U.S. Army members, weight loss, firearm training, and studying taxi driver behavior.

The film received critical acclaim, with De Niro's performance hailed as a "landmark." His memorable line, "You talkin' to me?" became one of AFI's 100 Years 100 Movie Quotes. Nominated for four Academy Awards, "Taxi Driver" was also recognized by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the 100 best films of all time.

In 1976, Robert De Niro was featured in two additional film releases. Firstly, he took on a role in "1900," a historical drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. Set in Italy's Emilia region, the film unfolds the political conflicts between fascism and communism in the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on two characters, Alfredo Berlinghieri (played by De Niro) and Olmo Dalcò (Gérard Depardieu).

During the same year, De Niro portrayed a CEO in "The Last Tycoon," an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, undergoing a significant physical transformation by losing 42 pounds for the role. Despite the film receiving mixed reviews, De Niro's meticulous and imaginative approach to his character earned praise. One critic even drew a parallel between his performance in this role and his iconic portrayal of Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II."

In 1977, Robert De Niro's sole project was Martin Scorsese's musical drama "New York, New York," where he starred alongside Liza Minnelli. De Niro, taking on the role of saxophonist Jimmy, dedicated himself to learning the saxophone for authenticity. While the film received mixed reviews, critics showed greater appreciation for De Niro's performance. It garnered four Golden Globe nominations, including a nod for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for De Niro.

In 1978, De Niro played a significant role in Michael Cimino's epic war film "The Deer Hunter." Portraying a steelworker profoundly impacted by the Vietnam War, he shared the screen with Christopher Walken, John Savage, Meryl Streep, and others.

The film earned positive reviews, securing nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies and earning De Niro a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards. Notably, in 2007, the American Film Institute ranked "The Deer Hunter" as the 53rd greatest American film of all time in their 10th Anniversary Edition of the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list.

In 1980, the fourth collaboration between Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese took shape in the biographical drama "Raging Bull." Adapted from Jake LaMotta's memoir, the film portrays the tumultuous life of the Italian-American middleweight boxer, skillfully brought to life by De Niro. Alongside Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty, De Niro faced the challenging task of gaining 60 pounds and mastering boxing techniques for the role, making it one of his most demanding preparations.

Despite some criticism for its intense violence, "Raging Bull" received critical acclaim, with De Niro earning accolades for his authentic portrayal. His performance led to a Best Actor win at the 53rd Academy Awards. Regarded as one of the greatest films of the 1980s by American critics, "Raging Bull" showcases the powerful synergy between Scorsese's direction and De Niro's intense portrayal. Intriguingly, De Niro was initially considered for the role of Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," although the part eventually went to Jack Nicholson, the director's first choice.

Dramas, Comedies, and Award Triumphs from 1981 to 1991

Between 1981 and 1991, Robert De Niro delved into a diverse array of films, encompassing dramas, and comedies, and enjoying substantial success. In True Confessions (1981), a return to the crime genre, he portrayed a conflicted priest at odds with his detective brother, earning accolades for the actors' seamless collaboration. Eager to showcase his versatility, De Niro embraced comedic roles, notably starring in The King of Comedy (1982) as the struggling stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin.

Despite its underwhelming box office performance, critics praised De Niro's compelling performance. Continuing his exploration of varied characters, De Niro took on the role of Jewish gangster David "Noodles" Aaronson in Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America (1984). The film, with its original lengthy version earning acclaim, faced criticism for its significantly shortened U.S. release. Throughout this period, De Niro's diverse performances showcased his acting range and garnered critical acclaim.

In 1984, Robert De Niro's final release was "Falling in Love," a romantic comedy where he starred alongside Meryl Streep. Shifting gears in 1985, he ventured into science fiction with "Brazil," portraying a daydreaming man in a dystopian society. Despite its box office struggles, "Brazil" gained recognition and found a place in The Criterion Collection. De Niro returned to the stage in May 1986 at Longacre Theatre, taking on the lead role in "Cuba and His Teddy Bear."

His next feature film, "The Mission" (1986), co-starring Jeremy Irons, explored the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in eighteenth-century South America. While Vincent Canby criticized De Niro's casting, the film garnered accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, three BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes for Best Screenplay and Best Original Score.

In 1987, Robert De Niro took on two minor film roles. Firstly, he portrayed Louis Cyphre in Alan Parker's horror film "Angel Heart," an adaptation of William Hjortsberg's 1978 novel "Falling Angel." Secondly, he stepped into the shoes of Al Capone in Brian De Palma's crime drama "The Untouchables." While some, like Pauline Kael, criticized De Niro for what they perceived as taking on smaller roles, De Palma defended him, asserting that he was "experimenting with those characters."

In July 1987, De Niro extended his cinematic reach by serving as President of the Jury at the 15th Moscow International Film Festival. Additionally, he lent his voice to the documentary "Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam." Moving into 1988, he starred in the buddy cop film "Midnight Run," alongside Charles Grodin, playing the role of bounty hunter Jack Walsh. The film enjoyed a positive reception and proved to be a commercial success, grossing $81 million worldwide.

In 1988, Robert De Niro declined the opportunity to portray Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ," expressing his willingness to do it as a favor if needed. Ultimately, Scorsese cast Willem Dafoe for the role. Moving on to 1989, De Niro took on roles in several less widely recognized films. In the drama "Jacknife," he starred alongside Ed Harris and Kathy Baker, exploring the intricate dynamics between a Vietnam veteran, his sister, and a fellow army buddy. Additionally, he appeared in the crime comedy "We're No Angels" (1989) with Sean Penn and Demi Moore, a remake of the 1955 film.

The storyline follows two escaped convicts on the run towards Canada. A year later, he featured in the romantic drama "Stanley & Iris" opposite Jane Fonda. Unfortunately, both "We're No Angels" and "Stanley & Iris" received mixed reviews from film critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving them approval ratings of 47% and 33%, respectively.

In 1990, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese joined forces for their sixth collaboration, delivering the crime film "Goodfellas." Adapted from Nicholas Pileggi's non-fiction book "Wiseguy," the movie unfolds the life of mob associate Henry Hill and his circle from 1955 to 1980. De Niro took on the role of James Conway, an Irish truck carjacker and gangster. Despite a moderate $46 million gross, "Goodfellas" garnered acclaim for the cast's performances, particularly De Niro's portrayal of a "smooth killer with riveting restraint."

The film received six Academy Award nominations, with De Niro earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. In 2007, the American Film Institute recognized it as the 92nd-greatest American film. Concurrently in 1990, De Niro assumed the lead role in "Awakenings," directed by Penny Marshall. Based on Oliver Sacks' book, the drama secured three Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for De Niro as Dr. Malcolm Sayer. While Sacks praised De Niro's portrayal, he acknowledged some sentimentalization and simplification in other aspects of the film.

In 1991, Robert De Niro took on the role of David Merrill, a fictional film director, in the drama "Guilty by Suspicion," unfolding against the backdrop of the McCarthy era and Hollywood blacklist. The film received generally positive reviews. Subsequently, he played a minor role in the mystery drama "Backdraft" (1991), depicting a seasoned fire inspector.

However, De Niro's notable success that year came with "Cape Fear," his seventh collaboration with Martin Scorsese and a remake of the 1962 film. In "Cape Fear," De Niro delivered a widely praised performance as Max Cady, a convicted rapist seeking revenge, earning acclaim for his menacing portrayal of psychopathic self-righteousness. The film achieved substantial commercial success, grossing $182 million, and secured De Niro a Best Actor nomination at the 64th Academy Awards.

1992-1997: Directorial Debut and Crime Dramas

Between 1992 and 1997, Robert De Niro delved into a diverse array of film projects, showcasing his versatility. Notably in 1992, he displayed his acting range in two releases. In the comedy-drama "Mistress," De Niro portrayed the ruthless businessman Evan Wright, earning acclaim for his sophisticated and coherent performance.

The crime drama "Night and the City," a 1950 film noir remake, featured De Niro as New York lawyer Harry Fabian, receiving mixed reviews. Venturing into producing, De Niro worked on the mystery thriller "Thunderheart" in 1992. Continuing his varied roles, he played crime scene photographer Wayne Dobie in "Mad Dog and Glory" (1993), earning praise for his chemistry with Uma Thurman and Bill Murray.

"This Boy's Life" (1993), a coming-of-age film with Ellen Barkin and Leonardo DiCaprio, received positive reviews, highlighting DiCaprio's standout performance. Making his directorial debut with "A Bronx Tale" (1993), De Niro explored themes of organized crime, racism, and family values, earning positive responses for his character-focused approach and sensitivity to societal issues. In 1994, he took on the lead role in "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein," delivering a strong performance despite mixed reviews regarding the film's overall pace and reception.

In 1995, Robert De Niro reunited with Martin Scorsese for their eighth collaboration in the crime film "Casino." Alongside Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci, the movie delves into themes of greed, betrayal, and murder within the realm of a Las Vegas casino empire. "Casino" garnered positive critical acclaim, with Roger Ebert commending the lead performers for effortlessly embodying their roles.

De Niro continued his successful streak in 1995 with the crime thriller "Heat," featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Al Pacino and Val Kilmer. Widely praised, the film highlighted De Niro and Pacino's performances, showcasing their mastery of emotional depth.

During the same year, De Niro took on minor roles in the French comedy "One Hundred and One Nights" and the drama "Panther." In 1996, he headlined the sports thriller "The Fan" and the crime drama "Sleepers," displaying his versatile acting prowess.

Additionally, De Niro served as a co-producer for the crime-comedy "Faithful" in 1996. The subsequent year saw his appearance in "Cop Land," a crime drama exploring police corruption, receiving positive reviews. De Niro further co-starred and co-produced the political satire "Wag the Dog" (1997), delving into fabricated war scenarios, and gaining added relevance amid real-world political scandals. Concurrently in 1997, he played a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown."

1998-2006: Comic Roles, Thrillers, and Slump

From 1998 to 2006, Robert De Niro showcased his acting versatility through a diverse array of roles. His involvement in "Great Expectations" (1998), a contemporary take on Dickens' novel, preceded a notable performance in the action-packed "Ronin," earning acclaim for his confident portrayal.

Transitioning into a crime-comedy, De Niro starred in "Analyze This" (1999), portraying an insecure mob boss and garnering a Golden Globes nomination. His portrayal of a homophobic police officer in "Flawless" (1999) was lauded for its refreshingly low-key approach.

In 2000, De Niro ventured into live-action animation with "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle," facing critical disappointment. Demonstrating dynamism, he played Master Chief 'Billy' Sunday in the biographical drama "Men of Honor" (2000), earning praise for his compelling performance.

Further exploring comedic territory, De Niro starred in "Meet the Parents" (2000), a successful box office hit, marking a seamless transition into comic roles. Throughout this period, De Niro's ability to captivate audiences across genres remained a testament to his enduring talent.

Robert De Niro diversified his roles in the early 2000s, transitioning from comedies to crime thrillers and a heist narrative. In "15 Minutes" (2001), he played a homicide detective alongside Edward Burns, earning mixed reviews for the film's exaggeration but receiving praise for his typical edgy flair.

Shifting to the heist genre in "The Score" (2001) with Edward Norton and Marlon Brando, De Niro garnered favorable critiques, though some felt the film didn't fully explore his talents.

Continuing his varied cinematic journey, De Niro starred in the action-comedy "Showtime" (2002) alongside Eddie Murphy, sparking mixed opinions as some critics thought he was riffing on his own legend without fully embodying a character. His collaboration with Michael Caton-Jones in "City by the Sea" (2002), where he portrayed a police detective, received mixed reviews and modest box office success. "Analyze That" (2002), the sequel to "Analyze This," faced criticism for its weak storyline, with some reviewers noting a lack of cohesion.

Despite these challenges, De Niro took on a producing role for the well-received romantic-comedy "About a Boy" (2002) and appeared in "9/11" (2002), a CBS documentary recounting the September 11 attacks from the perspective of the New York City fire department.

De Niro faced scrutiny for perceived career decline in the early 2000s, characterized by roles considered less dramatic than his previous decade. His 2004 fantasy drama "Godsend," where he portrayed a doctor, garnered negative reviews and stands as his least successful work.

De Niro also lent his voice to a character in DreamWorks' animated feature "Shark Tale" (2004), which, despite lukewarm critical reception, achieved box office success. He took on a producing role for "Stage Beauty" (2004) and returned as Jack Byrnes in "Meet the Fockers" (2004), drawing criticism for what some perceived as self-parody.

In 2005, De Niro starred in the horror film "Hide and Seek" opposite Dakota Fanning, achieving financial success but facing criticism for his casting. In 2006, opting out of a role in "The Departed," he directed his second film, the spy thriller "The Good Shepherd."

The movie, despite an ensemble cast, received mixed reviews, with praise for De Niro's connection to the project and critique of its slow pace. Additionally, he provided the voice for Emperor Sifrat XVI in the animated film "Arthur and the Invisibles" (2006).

2007-2016: Further Film Roles

Between 2007 and 2016, De Niro ventured into a variety of film roles. In 2007, he played Captain Shakespeare in "Stardust," earning mixed reviews for his portrayal. The following year, alongside Al Pacino, he featured in the police procedural thriller "Righteous Kill," which faced disappointment due to its unoriginal plot.

De Niro took on a producer role in the satirical comedy "What Just Happened" (2008) and portrayed Frank Goode in "Everybody's Fine" (2009), receiving mixed reviews but some acclaim for his performance.

In 2010, De Niro had a minor role in "Machete" and starred in "Stone," a crime drama that garnered divided opinions. He reprised his character in "Little Fockers," the third installment of the "Meet the Parents" series, achieving box office success despite negative reviews.

De Niro exited "Edge of Darkness" in 2010 due to creative differences. In 2011, he appeared in the Italian comedy "Manuale d'amore 3" and featured in "Killer Elite," "Limitless," and "New Year's Eve," with mixed-to-negative critical responses. De Niro served as President of the Jury at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

In 2012, De Niro starred in the drama "Being Flynn," receiving a mixed response, with praise for his portrayal of an estranged father. He also appeared in the thrillers "Red Lights" and "Freelancers" during the same year.

In 2012, Robert De Niro joined David O. Russell's romantic comedy "Silver Linings Playbook," playing the father of Bradley Cooper's character. The film garnered critical acclaim, securing multiple Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Supporting Actor for De Niro.

In 2013, he took on an executive producer role for the TV series "NYC 22" and appeared in films like "The Big Wedding," "Killing Season," and "The Family," all of which received predominantly negative reviews. Another 2013 release, "Last Vegas," received mixed reviews, with The A.V. Club criticizing De Niro's performance as arguably the low point of his career. Additionally, he starred in "Grudge Match" alongside Sylvester Stallone and in the crime thriller "The Bag Man" in the same year.

The year 2014 saw De Niro featured in the HBO documentary "Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr.," a tribute to his father. Moving to 2015, he showcased his comedic skills in Nancy Meyers' "The Intern," receiving positive reviews and earning a Critics Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy. De Niro also appeared in two short films, "The Audition" and "Ellis," in 2015 and returned to the heist genre with "Heist."

Additionally, he starred in "Joy" (2015), a biographical drama that received mixed reviews. In 2016, De Niro was part of the controversial film "Dirty Grandpa" and featured in "Hands of Stone," a biographical sports drama about boxer Roberto Durán. His final release in 2016 was "The Comedian," premiering at the AFI Fest.

2017-Present: Resurgence and Scorsese Reunion

From 2017 onward, Robert De Niro experienced a noteworthy resurgence in his storied career, marked by a series of acclaimed performances and a diverse range of projects that underscored his enduring talent. Notably, his portrayal of Bernie Madoff in Barry Levinson's HBO film "The Wizard of Lies" (2017) earned him critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie.

Returning to Saturday Night Live to embody Robert Mueller alongside Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump showcased his versatility, earning De Niro an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2019.

In 2019, De Niro made a significant impact with his role as talk show host Murray Franklin in Todd Phillips' "Joker," a commercially successful and critically acclaimed film that garnered multiple Academy Award nominations. The same year, his reunion with Martin Scorsese in "The Irishman" received widespread acclaim, with De Niro's performance lauded for its sensational quality and chemistry with co-stars Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci.

Beyond the silver screen, De Niro showcased his producing prowess with the Emmy-nominated limited series "When They See Us," directed by Ava DuVernay. His commitment to storytelling extends to various projects, including the crime comedy "The Comeback Trail" (2020) and the historical comedy "Amsterdam" (2022).

In 2023, De Niro continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry, contributing to both film and television with projects like "Killers of the Flower Moon," "About My Father," and the Netflix limited series "Zero Day." This reflects his ongoing dedication to compelling narratives and impactful storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert De Niro's extraordinary career is a testament to his enduring impact on the film industry. From his early breakout in "Mean Streets" to his iconic roles in "The Godfather Part II," "Taxi Driver," and "Raging Bull," De Niro has consistently demonstrated unparalleled acting prowess. His collaborations with Martin Scorsese, spanning several decades, have resulted in cinematic masterpieces that have shaped the landscape of American cinema.

Despite achieving pinnacle success in the 1970s and 1980s, De Niro's commitment to his craft remained steadfast. The 1990s saw him explore diverse roles, from crime dramas like "Goodfellas" to heartwarming dramas like "Awakenings." His portrayal of Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull" earned him an Academy Award and remains one of the most revered performances in film history.

The early 2000s brought a shift in De Niro's roles, with ventures into comedies like "Meet the Parents" and crime thrillers like "Heat." While some critics noted a perceived decline in the intensity of his roles, De Niro continued to demonstrate his versatility, even trying his hand at directing with "The Good Shepherd."

The latter part of De Niro's career witnessed a resurgence in critical acclaim. His role in "Joker" and the Scorsese-helmed "The Irishman" showcased a matured and nuanced De Niro, earning him accolades and nominations. Beyond acting, his involvement in producing and commitment to compelling storytelling with projects like "When They See Us" further solidify his influence.

As of 2023, Robert De Niro, at the age of 79, remains an active force in the industry, continuing to contribute to meaningful narratives in both film and television. His legacy is not only a celebration of his remarkable talent but also a reflection of his unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling.