Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. was born on August 17, 1943, in Manhattan, New York City, USA. Raised in an artistic household, his father, Robert De Niro Sr., was an abstract expressionist painter, and his mother, Virginia Admiral, was a poet and painter. After his parents separated, De Niro was raised by his mother in Greenwich Village and Little Italy, areas that heavily influenced his early years. He attended PS 41, later joining High School of Music & Art before transferring to Stella Adler Conservatory and Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio, where he trained in method acting, which became the foundation of his acting career.
Career Beginnings & Breakthrough
De Niro’s early acting career began with small roles in films like Greetings (1968) and The Wedding Party (1969). However, his breakthrough came in 1973 when he starred in Bang the Drum Slowly and Mean Streets, the latter marking his first collaboration with Martin Scorsese. In 1974, he won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, making him one of the few actors to win an Oscar for portraying the same character as another actor (Marlon Brando played the older version in the original film).
Rise to Stardom & Iconic Roles
De Niro’s career soared in the late 1970s and 1980s with a string of critically acclaimed performances. His role as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976) remains one of the most iconic in film history, giving birth to the famous line, “You talkin’ to me?”. His portrayal of Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980) won him an Academy Award for Best Actor, showcasing his dedication as he gained and lost significant weight for the role. Other notable films during this period include The Deer Hunter (1978), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), and The Untouchables (1987), solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest actors.
Continued Success in the 1990s & 2000s
In the 1990s, De Niro continued his dominance with films like Goodfellas (1990), Cape Fear (1991), Casino (1995), and Heat (1995), where he starred alongside Al Pacino for the first time in a full scene. He also showcased his comedic talent in Analyze This (1999) and Meet the Parents (2000), proving his versatility. The 2000s and 2010s saw him take on a mix of serious and light-hearted roles, including Silver Linings Playbook (2012), The Intern (2015), Joker (2019), and The Irishman (2019), the latter earning him another Academy Award nomination.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy
Apart from acting, De Niro is also a successful businessman. He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 to help revitalize lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks. He also owns several restaurants, including Nobu, an upscale Japanese restaurant chain. His production company, Tribeca Productions, has been involved in producing several acclaimed films and TV shows.
Personal Life & Family
Despite being a Hollywood legend, De Niro has kept his personal life relatively private. He has been married twice, first to Diahnne Abbott (1976–1988), with whom he shares a son, Raphael, and later to Grace Hightower (1997–2018), with whom he has two children. He has a total of seven children, including twin sons with Toukie Smith and a daughter with his current partner, Tiffany Chen.
De Niro is known for his strong political views and outspoken criticism of certain political figures, particularly Donald Trump. He has used his platform to advocate for various social and political causes.
Robert De Niro Personal Details
- Nickname: Bobby, Bob
- Age: 80 (as of 2024)
- Date of Birth: August 17, 1943
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Grey
- Shoe Size: 10 (US)
- Body Measurements: Average build
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2024, Robert De Niro’s estimated net worth is around $500 million. His wealth comes from his extensive acting career, production ventures, and multiple business investments, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Family & Relationships
- Spouse/Partner:
- Diahnne Abbott (1976–1988)
- Grace Hightower (1997–2018)
- Tiffany Chen (current partner)
- Children:
- Raphael De Niro (son)
- Drena De Niro (adopted daughter)
- Julian Henry De Niro (son)
- Aaron Kendrick De Niro (son)
- Elliot De Niro (son)
- Helen Grace De Niro (daughter)
- Seventh child born in 2023
- Parents: Robert De Niro Sr. (father), Virginia Admiral (mother)
- Siblings: None (only child)
Education
- PS 41, Manhattan
- High School of Music & Art
- Stella Adler Conservatory
- Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio
Social Media Handles
Robert De Niro does not have official social media accounts. However, his latest projects and updates can be followed through his production company, Tribeca Productions, and official movie pages.
De Niro’s contribution to cinema is unparalleled. His ability to embody characters with incredible depth and realism has set a benchmark for actors worldwide. From his intense dramatic performances to his effortless comedic roles, he remains one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. Whether in classic gangster films, psychological thrillers, or heartfelt comedies, De Niro’s legacy is everlasting.
