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Robert De Niro is an American actor, producer and director whose work has helped define modern cinema. Born in New York City on 17 August 1943, he emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a fearless performer capable of extreme character immersion. His enduring collaboration with Martin Scorsese yielded a string of defining performances, most notably in Taxi Driver (1976) and Raging Bull (1980), for which he won his first Oscar. Across the 1980s and 1990s he broadened his range, tackling both brutal autocrats and sympathetic anti‑heroes, and establishing himself as one of the industry’s most influential presences. Beyond acting, De Niro has spearheaded productions and cultural initiatives, including the Tribeca Film Festival, which he helped inaugurate in 2002 to support independent cinema and urban revitalisation in New York. His imprint on screen acting remains foundational and lasting.”

... Rooted in a New York upbringing and a disciplined approach to craft, De Niro honed his technique through early stage and screen work before forging a lasting creative partnership with Scorsese. His development as an actor fused intense preparation with a willingness to transform physically and psychologically for each role, a trajectory that culminated in The Godfather Part II as young Vito Corleone and in the broader arc of American cinema over the following decades. As a producer and festival founder, he broadened cinema’s reach, championing independent voices and reviving lower Manhattan’s cultural life in the wake of 9/11. His legacy endures in the standards he set for methodical, immersive performance and for investing in projects with social and artistic impact.”, Then & Now The 1980s In the 1980s De Niro cemented his reputation as one of cinema’s chameleons, winning the Academy Award for Raging Bull (1980) and following with daring turns in films such as The King of Comedy (1982), Once Upon a Time in America (1984) and Angel Heart (1987). He moved fluidly between intense character studies and larger-than-life figures, expanding his range beyond the gritty urban realisms of the 1970s. Through these performances he reinforced his creative partnership with Martin Scorsese and affirmed his status as a defining presence of modern American screen acting. Now (2026) As of 2026 De Niro remains a prominent figure in film, dividing his time between selective acting roles, producing projects and stewarding cultural initiatives such as the Tribeca Film Festival, which he helped found to revitalize and support independent cinema in New York. Though his on-screen appearances have become more occasional, he continues to shape the industry through production, mentorship and public advocacy for the arts. His transformative approach to character, lasting collaborations and institutional contributions secure his legacy as one of the most influential actors in modern cinema. Career timeline 1943 Born in New York City, United States. 1974 The Godfather Part II released; De Niro portrays young Vito Corleone opposite Al Pacino, Diane Keaton and Robert Duvall. 1976 Taxi Driver released; Travis Bickle’s isolation and menace defined a generation, with Jodie Foster and Harvey Keitel starring. 1980 Raging Bull released; LaMotta’s ferocity captured under De Niro’s transformative performance. 1982 The King of Comedy released; De Niro plays the infamous Rupert Pupkin alongside Jerry Lewis and Diahnne Abbott. 1984 Once Upon a Time in America released; an epic crime saga featuring James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern and Tuesday Weld. 1990 Goodfellas released; De Niro appears with Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci and Lorraine Bracco as part of Scorsese’s acclaimed mob tapestry. 1991 Cape Fear released; De Niro stars with Nick Nolte and Jessica Lange in a tense thriller. 1995 Heat released; a landmark crime drama pairing De Niro with Al Pacino, alongside Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore. 1995 Casino released; De Niro as Sam Rothstein with Sharon Stone, James Woods and Joe Pesci. 2006 The Departed released; De Niro co-stars with Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson, solidifying his position in modern cinema. Memorable screen quotes “You talkin' to me?”Taxi Driver (1976) Interview and reference sources De Niro has stressed the importance of long-term collaborations and rigorous role preparation, notably in partnership with directors such as Scorsese.Biography overview He has spoken about the craft as a discipline, emphasising immersion and transformation for each character.Biography overview Biographical and credit details were checked against principal_biography, name_origin, associated_media_1.