Robert De Niro - Biography

Robert De Niro (Robert De Niro Jr.) was born on August 17, 1943 in New York, USA to Robert De Niro, Sr. and Virginia Admiral. His father was painter, sculptor, and poet, while mother was also a painter. Robert's family is of Italian and Irish descent. His parents get separated when he was two years old.

Robert has attended the Little Red School House. He was enrolled by his mother in the High School of Music and Art in New York, while dropped out at the age of 13 and joined a Little Italy street gang. He has also attended the Stella Adler Conservatory, and Lee Strasberg's Actor's Studio.

Robert's first acting debut was "The Wedding Party" in 1963, which is collaboration with Brian De Palma. Althougn the film was not released untill 1969. In 1960's, he was worked in many theater workshops. He was an extra in the French film "Three Rooms in Manhattan" (1965). Robert reunited with Brian De Palma with "Greetings" (1968) and "Hi, Mom" (1970). While he got the attention with his role in "Bang the Drum Slowly" (1973).

In 1973, he got collaboration with Scorsese. Their first film with colaboration was "Johnny Boy" (1973). It was his memorable role as the smalltime Mafia hood. More films with their colaboration include "Taxi Driver", "New York, New York", "Raging Bull", "The King of Comedy", "Goodfellas", "Cape Fear" and "Casino". While Taxi Driver became the milestone in his career.

In 1978, Robert starred in the Vietnam War film "The Deer Hunter". While he got another memorable in Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America", where he played a role of Jewish gangster. Robert has also appeared in comedic roles including "Brazil", "Midnight Run", "Wag the Dog", "Analyze This", "Analyze That", "Meet the Parents" and "Meet the Fockers".

Robert became a superstar with 1974's "The Godfather, Part II". Ho won the Oscar Award as Best Supporting Actor For his performance. He had also won Best Actor Oscar Award for his role in "Raging Bull". Marlon Brando who played elder Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather" had also own the Acadamy Award his performance.

Robert is a co-founder of TriBeCa Film Festival, TriBeCa Productions, a film studio, and the TriBeCa Grill, Nobu, and Layla, restaurants. Robert's upcoming project is direction and co-star in "The Good Shepherd" (2006). Also starring Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon, also making return of actor Joe Pesci.

Personal Life

• Robert has married Grace Hightower (former flight attendant) on June 17, 1997, the couple filed for divorce but the action was not officially finalized. Together have son Elliot.
• Robert has also married Diahnne Abbott (actor, singer)[1976-1988], together have daughter through adoption Drena, and Raphael.
• Robert has also engaged with Toukie Smith (actor, restaurateur)[who gave birth to twins Aaron Kendrick and Julian Henry] and Naomi Campbell (model)

Some Facts About Robert Williams

• Robert was listed No.5 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" (October 1997) list.
• Robert has his own restaurant, "Ago" in West Hollywood. Robert also Owns a San Francisco restaurant called Rubicon with Francis Ford Coppola and Robin Williams.
• Robert has offered the role of Sal the pizza shop owner in "Do the Right Thing".
• Gained a World Record: Most Weight Gained for a Movie, by gaining over 60 pounds for his role in Raging Bull. But later, eclipsed by Vincent D'Onofrio by gaining 70 pounds for his role in "Full Metal Jacket".
• Ranked #78 in Premiere's 2002 annual Power 100 List.
• Meryl Streep is his favorite actress as co-star.
• As of October 2003, Robert has diagnosed with prostate cancer, and expected to make a full recovery.