Robert De Niro

Guide Note

Robert De Niro is an American film actor, director, and producer. He was born on August 17, 1943 in New York City, New York. De Niro was raised in the Little Italy area of Manhattan. He was nicknamed "Bobby Milk" because of his pale complexion. As a teenager, De Niro attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art in New York. However, he dropped out at the age of 13 and joined a local street gang. De Niro later attended the Stella Adler Conservatory, as well as Lee Strasberg's Actor's Studio to learn techniques in acting. De Niro married actress Diahnne Abbott in 1976 where he adopted her daughter, Drena, from a previous marriage. The couple also had a son together named Raphael. De Niro and Abbot divorced in 1988. De Niro was involved in a long time romantic relationship with model Toukie Smith. Smith had twin boys named Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick. In 1997, De Niro married flight attendant Grace Hightower. They had a son together named Elliot born in 1998. The couple filed for a divorce shortly after their son's birth, but the divorce was never legally finalized.

Fast Facts

1. Actor, director and producer
2. Born: August 17, 1943
3. Birthname: Robert Mario De Niro, Jr.
4. Birthplace: New York City, New York
5. Known for his method acting techniques
6. Frequent collaborator with director Martin Scorsese
7. Co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival

In February of 1998, De Niro was questioned by a French magistrate over a prostitution ring. A prostitute gave his name which led to the questioning. He denied any involvement with the ring and said he would never return to France and would also advise his friends against going to France.

De Niro made his acting debut in the 1963 film The Wedding Party. He gained notoriety with his role in the film Bang the Drum Slowly in 1973. He went on to play in the films Mean Streets, The Godfather Part II, Goodfellas and Casino. His more recent films include Analyze That, Meet the Fockers, Hide and Seek and What Just Happened?