A much hidden artist, famous for his rude and rigid roles and representation of aggressive figures, Robert De Niro has reached the climax of fame and recognition. He is one of the greatest stars of Hollywood film industry. He is a versatile artist; he is an actor, director, producer, and a restaurateur.
Robert Mario De Niro was born on August 17, 1943 in New York City, USA. His parents father Robert De Niro, Sr. and mother Virginia Admiral got divorced when De Niro was a small child. His mother moved to Manhattan and he was raised there. He first married Diahnne Abbott and has one son with him. He laso adopted Abbott’s duaghetr from former marriage. Then he married Grace Hightowe and he has one son with her as well. He has two twin sons from vitro fertilization, from a surrogate mother, Toukie Smith.
De Niro was 10 years old when he had his first experience of acting. He performed in "The Wizard of Oz." a school production. During his period he had made a lot of little street kids as his friends and they all fondly called him as “Bobby Milk”. At 16 he was dropped out of school because of his acting career. He has done his studies at the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting. He was trained under the supervision of actress Shelley Winters. He worked in few movies having minor roles.
De Niro formally began his acting career when he was casted in a comedy flick, "The Wedding Party". After this he went on doing some slight roles in movies including "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight”, "Born to win" and “Jennifer on My Mind”. Till this time, De Niro was trying to secure his place in the industry. His first performance that proved a success was "Bang the Drum Slowly". His performance in the film brought him recognition and award. After that he appeared in "Mean Streets" which was also praised by the critics and it also earned him acknowledgment and on his extraordinary performance, the National Society of Film critics has given him the Best Supporting Actor award. His role in this movie is one of the most famous and notable work till date in cinema’s history.
De Niro worked with few of the most celebrated directors of big screen. He was casted for The Godfather, Part II, for which he was awarded an Oscar for the best supporting actor. This recognition put this young man at global fame and made him a superstar. After putting his one of the best performances, he performed in "Taxi Driver". His acting in this movie was very influential and it haunted the memories of viewers for long. His portrayal was appreciated worldwide and its one of his greatest performance till date. He name was also given for the nomination of best actor for an Oscar. After the series of successes, he was famed and celebrated as one of the supreme actors of his era.
Following these movies, he was casted in few more movies including Falling in Love, The King of Comedy, The Untouchables, Once upon a Time in America, Brazil, The Mission and True Confessions. He also appeared and showed hi talent for comedy in Midnight Run. In "1900” De Niro gave his one of the touching performances in this five hour stretched movie.
De Niro once again captivated the audience with his finest performance in an anti-war classic "The Deer Hunter". De Niro was once more nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Leading Actor. Soon after this, he appeared on a classic of all times, "Raging Bull". He gained around 60 pounds for this role. De Niro presented an instinctive picture of a man. At last, this role earned him his first Academy Award for Best Leading Actor. His performance in "Cape Fear" earned another Oscar nod for Best Actor in a Leading Role. His most successful career is with director Martin Scorsese, with whom he has shared almost seven movies.
He has played some comedy as well, including “Meet the Parents”; it too was a hit and also gave him another nomination in Motion picture for best actor. He has also voiced the animated flick, "Shark Tale”. Besides acting, he is also into direction and production.
