Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life, career, and legacy of Robert De Niro — from his New York upbringing to Oscar wins, iconic roles, directorial work, and enduring influence in cinema.

Introduction

Robert Anthony De Niro (born August 17, 1943) is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in film history. Known for his versatility, intensity, and physical transformations, he has delivered unforgettable performances in dramatic, crime, and comedic roles across more than five decades. Beyond acting, he has also produced, directed, and shaped the film industry (e.g. through Tribeca Productions). His evolution—from a young actor in New York’s theater scene to an international film icon—offers a rich portrait of craft, risk, and creative reinvention.

In this article, we will trace his early life, rise to stardom, major works, directorial ventures, public persona, memorable quotes, and the lessons his career offers.

Early Life and Family

Robert De Niro was born in Manhattan, New York City. Robert De Niro Sr. (a painter and sculptor) and Virginia Admiral (a poet, painter, and printmaker)—were both artists.

His parents separated when he was two years old. He grew up primarily with his mother in Greenwich Village and Little Italy, though he maintained a relationship with his father.

De Niro discovered acting early. He studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory and also trained under Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio.

His formal schooling became less central as he immersed himself in performance. Some accounts say he dropped out of high school to focus on acting.

Career & Achievements

Early Roles and Breakthrough

De Niro’s first on-screen appearances date to the 1960s, with small credits in Encounter (1963), Three Rooms in Manhattan (1965), and other projects. Greetings (1968), directed by Brian De Palma, which gained him attention.

His big break came through collaborations with Martin Scorsese and powerful dramatic parts. In The Godfather Part II (1974), he played a young Vito Corleone, earning him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He then starred in Raging Bull (1980) as boxer Jake LaMotta, a performance widely cited as a landmark in American acting. For that role, De Niro gained significant weight and later lost it, showing his commitment to physical transformation.

Other major works include Taxi Driver (1976), Mean Streets (1973), Once Upon a Time in America, Goodfellas, Casino, Heat, Cape Fear, The King of Comedy, Analyze This and its sequel, Meet the Parents series, The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon, and more.

He has been nominated for multiple awards. He has won two Academy Awards, among many honors.

Directing, Producing & Tribeca

Beyond acting, De Niro co-founded TriBeCa Productions with Jane Rosenthal in 1989, to produce films and TV content. A Bronx Tale (1993), a crime drama set in his childhood neighborhood. The Good Shepherd (2006).

His production efforts also extended to nurturing talent and projects through Tribeca, which also gave rise to the Tribeca Film Festival.

Later Career & Recent Works

In more recent years, De Niro continued to take both dramatic and comedic roles, often blending his tough screen persona with self-awareness. In The Irishman (2019), he re-teamed with Scorsese in a large-scale crime epic. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), he portrayed William Hale, earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor again.

He also remains active in television: he is involved in the limited series Zero Day (Netflix) as an actor and producer.

De Niro has maintained relevance by choosing roles that challenge expectations, combining gravitas with occasional humor, and by engaging in new generational work while honoring his legacy.

Personality, Approach & Influence

Robert De Niro is often described as private, intense, and entirely committed to his craft. Many interviews emphasize his preference for letting his work speak rather than courting public persona.

He is also vocal on social and political issues. For instance, he has publicly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump on multiple occasions.

In 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival, De Niro was awarded the Honorary Palme d’Or to celebrate his five-decade contribution to cinema.

His influence as a model for method intensity, character immersion, and screen metamorphosis remains strong among actors and filmmakers.

Famous Quotes of Robert De Niro

Here are a selection of his memorable quotations, offering insight into acting, life, and choice:

“You talking to me? You talking to me? Then who the hell else are you talking to — you talking to me?”
(From Taxi Driver)

“You’ll have time to rest when you’re dead.”

“It’s important not to indicate. People don’t try to show their feelings; they try to hide them.”

“A lot of young actors have the idea that, ‘I’ve got to do this right. There’s a right way to do this.’ But there’s no right or wrong. There’s only good and bad. And ‘bad’ usually happens when you’re trying too hard to do it right.”

“Time goes on. So whatever you're going to do, do it. Do it now. Don’t wait.”

“The talent is in the choices.”

“You learned the two greatest things in life, never rat on your friends, and always keep your mouth shut.”

“One of the things about acting is it allows you to live other people’s lives without having to pay the price.”

These quotes reflect his grounded realism, sense of profession, and the psychological depth he brings to his roles.

Lessons from Robert De Niro’s Journey

From his life and career we can draw several broader lessons:

1. Dedication to craft above celebrity
   De Niro’s focus remained on performing, transforming, and mastery rather than fame.

2. Embrace risk and transformation
   He often took on physically and emotionally demanding roles, putting himself through extremes to serve character.

3. Longevity through adaptation
   He has moved from young leading roles to mature parts, comedy to drama, directing and producing, sustaining relevance over decades.

4. Let choices define you
   His oft-cited belief that talent lies in choices underscores how many small decisions define a career.

5. Balance public voice and privacy
   Though private, he has not shied away from political statements when he feels moral clarity is needed.

Conclusion

Robert De Niro stands as a towering figure in modern cinema. His capacity to disappear into characters, to balance ferocity with nuance, and to reinvent himself while honoring his past is rare. From Vito Corleone to Jake LaMotta, from comedic turns to crime epics, he has both shaped and reflected American screen culture.

His story teaches that greatness in art comes from persistence, transformation, and fearless choices. If you like, I can also prepare a full list of his filmography, a breakdown of his most iconic performances, or a deeper analysis of his collaborations with Scorsese. Would you like me to do that next?