Robert De Niro
Actor, producer, entrepreneur
Born
August 17, 1943
Birthplace
Manhattan, New York City, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$520 million (2026 est.)
Known For
The Godfather Part II; Taxi Driver; Raging Bull; Goodfellas; The Irishman
Robert De Niro Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1943 |
| Age | 82 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1963-present |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Partner | Reported relationship with Tiffany Chen |
| Children | 7 |
| Net Worth | ~$520 million |
| Known For | Transformative method acting, iconic film collaborations |
Early Life & Background
De Niro was raised in New York's Greenwich Village by artist parents Robert Sr. and Virginia Admiral. He attended the High School of Music and Art, Stella Adler Conservatory, and Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, absorbing method acting techniques that defined his approach.
Career Journey
Breakthrough with Scorsese
After early acclaim in Bang the Drum Slowly, De Niro won an Oscar for The Godfather Part II (1974). His partnership with Martin Scorsese produced classics like Taxi Driver, New York, New York, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas, cementing him as a defining actor of his generation.
Versatility and Awards
De Niro oscillated between intense dramas (The Deer Hunter, Heat) and comedies (Midnight Run, Analyze This). He continued to earn accolades for performances in Silver Linings Playbook, The Irishman, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Producer & Entrepreneur
He co-founded TriBeCa Productions and the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 to revitalize lower Manhattan after 9/11. De Niro invested in hospitality ventures including Nobu Restaurants and Greenwich Hotel, expanding his influence beyond film.
Recent and Upcoming Work
In 2024 he starred in Barry Levinson's mob drama Wise Guys and reunited with Al Pacino for the limited series The Dispatcher. In 2026 De Niro is producing a Tribeca documentary slate, mentoring filmmakers via Tribeca Studio, and acting in the legal thriller Burden of Proof alongside Viola Davis.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | The Godfather Part II | Young Vito Corleone | Best Supporting Actor |
| 1976 | Taxi Driver | Travis Bickle | Iconic antihero |
| 1980 | Raging Bull | Jake LaMotta | Best Actor win |
| 1990 | Goodfellas | Jimmy Conway | Scorsese collaboration |
| 1995 | Heat | Neil McCauley | Crime classic |
| 2012 | Silver Linings Playbook | Pat Solitano Sr. | Oscar nomination |
| 2019 | The Irishman | Frank Sheeran | De-aging showcase |
| 2023 | Killers of the Flower Moon | William Hale | Awards contender |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | The Godfather Part II | Won |
| 1981 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Raging Bull | Won |
| 1991 | Golden Globe Awards | Cecil B. DeMille Award | Career | Honored |
| 2013 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Silver Linings Playbook | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$520 million (2026)
Revenue comes from decades of acting salaries, backend points on classics, TriBeCa Productions, the global Nobu hospitality empire, Greenwich Hotel, and licensing fees tied to Barilla pasta ads and Fiat campaigns.
Personal Life
De Niro splits time between Manhattan and upstate New York. He welcomed a daughter in 2023 with partner Tiffany Chen. Known for privacy, he cherishes painting and cooking Italian dishes inspired by his father's artistry.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
De Niro supports arts education through Tribeca's youth programs, funds cancer research in honor of his father, and advocates for voting rights. He backs the David Lynch Foundation's meditation outreach for veterans and first responders.
Social Media Presence
De Niro does not operate personal social accounts, but Tribeca Film Festival platforms share his messages, festival announcements, and industry mentorship tips.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He gained 60 pounds for Raging Bull, undergoing intense boxing training with Jake LaMotta.
- De Niro co-owns Nobu with chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper, overseeing 50+ restaurants and hotels.
- He received an Italian passport in 2006 honoring his heritage.
- De Niro is fluent in conversational Italian and studied Sicilian dialect for The Godfather Part II.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
De Niro is filming Burden of Proof in New York courthouses, curating the 25th Tribeca Film Festival lineup, and producing a documentary celebrating union projectionists. He recently recorded the narration for a MoMA exhibition on abstract expressionism inspired by his father.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Robert De Niro?
Robert De Niro is an American actor and producer renowned for transformative performances in films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas.
What is Robert De Niro most famous for?
He is most famous for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, method acting dedication, and two Academy Award wins.
Is Robert De Niro active on social media?
No. De Niro shares news primarily through interviews, Tribeca Film Festival announcements, and official press releases.