Discovering the Hidden Side of Robert De Niro “The Irishman”

Robert De Niro, a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, has showcased his remarkable talents as an actor, director, and producer over a span of six decades. With an impressive collection of 68 awards and 133 nominations, he is widely recognized as one of the greatest actors of all time. De Niro’s passion for classical movies is evident as he has delivered unforgettable performances in iconic films like The Irishman, The Godfather, and The Goodfellas. Known for his versatile skills, he effortlessly embraces any character, transcending genres from comedy to thriller, action, or romance. With Robert De Niro, audiences can always expect an extraordinary performance. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this living legend.

10. He Started Acting Quite Early

At the age of 10, Robert De Niro had his first taste of the stage when he participated in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. Taking on the role of the cowardly lion, a character vastly different from his later portrayal of the powerful Don in The Godfather II, this marked the beginning of a journey that would ultimately shape his lifelong career.

9. Robert De Niro is a very private person

Robert De Niro maintains a guarded approach when it comes to interviews, offering limited insights and imposing strict boundaries. In a Vanity Fair interview, little was revealed except his aversion to discussing his personal life while remaining open to discussing his career. Delving into his private affairs is reserved for his inner circle of close friends, as one friend candidly shared, “Bobby never answers his phone. And he calls you – you never call him,” shedding light on his character, even though the statement dates back over 9 years.

8. He Has Starred In A Film With His Daughter

In addition to his successful acting career, Robert De Niro’s adopted daughter, Drena De Niro, has pursued a career in the entertainment industry. De Niro adopted Drena while married to his first wife, Diahnne Abbott. As of September 2023, Drena will be 52 years old and has shared the screen with her father in several films, including The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000), The Intern (2015), Joy (2015), and New Year’s Eve (2011). Furthermore, she is a mother herself, with her son, Leandro De Niro, adding to the De Niro family legacy.

7. Robert De Niro Was Given The Medal Of Freedom

Renowned actor Robert De Niro is an outspoken Democrat who doesn’t hesitate to express his political viewpoints. In 2016, former President Barack Obama bestowed him with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor. Other esteemed actors such as Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, and Barbra Streisand have also received this distinguished accolade.

6. He’s Also A Businessman

In addition to his multifaceted career, Robert De Niro manages to balance his responsibilities as a business owner. He is the proprietor of a successful enterprise called Nobu Hospitality, which encompasses a chain of hotels and restaurants. In 1994, De Niro co-founded this prestigious venture alongside the renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Today, Nobu has flourished into a global brand with over 15 hotels and 63 restaurants across various locations worldwide.

5. He Banned Former President Donald Trump From His Restaurant

Undoubtedly, the star possesses a firm political stance, openly expressing his opposition to former President Donald Trump as a Democrat. However, an intriguing twist occurred when the Hollywood legend declared his refusal to accommodate Trump at any of his restaurant establishments. This bold political assertion by Robert De Niro aligns with the playful sentiment shared by Chef Nobu, who amusingly expressed his curiosity to witness a hypothetical encounter between De Niro and Trump sitting side by side.

4. Robert De Niro Dropped Out Of High School

Portraying the character of The Cowardly Lion during his school days ignited a sense of boundless potential within a young Robert De Niro. This transformative experience on stage allowed him to discover a newfound freedom of self-expression. Undeniably bitten by the acting bug, it was at the age of 16 when Robert De Niro made the bold decision to leave high school behind and wholeheartedly pursue his passion for the craft.

3. He Got The Nickname Bobby Milk From An Italian Street Gang

Robert De Niro’s portrayal of gangster roles in films like The Godfather II, Casino, and Goodfellas is undoubtedly a perfect fit for him. Perhaps his early experiences as a member of an Italian street gang have contributed to his authentic performances. Growing up in New York, a young De Niro would frequently roam the streets of Little Italy after school. Eventually, he became involved with an Italian gang and earned the nickname “Bobby Milk” due to his appearance.

2. He Auditioned For Several Roles In The Godfather II

Robert De Niro wasn’t a widely recognized name in Hollywood until he landed the role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather II, which propelled him to stardom. However, before that breakthrough, the actor faced rejection while auditioning for various roles in the Godfather sequel. De Niro initially missed out on securing a part among the four roles of Sonny Corleone, Michael Corleone, Carlo Rizzi, and Paulie Gatto. Nonetheless, director Francis Ford Coppola ultimately decided to take a chance on De Niro, a decision that proved pivotal in his career.

1. Robert De Niro Once Worked As A Taxi Driver

In the acclaimed film Taxi Driver, Robert De Niro portrayed the character of Travis, a war veteran turned New York City cabbie. To immerse himself in the role, De Niro dedicated over a month to working as an actual taxi driver prior to filming. Released in February 1976, the film is widely regarded as one of his finest works, earning him a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.