Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Robert De Niro
How Robert De Niro built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor, director, producer, and restaurateur. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation, he has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. De Niro's contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Cecil B. DeMille Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, marking him as a significant figure in the world of cinema.
1973: Release of "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets"
In 1973, two of Robert De Niro's critically acclaimed films, "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets", were released.
1974: Release of "The Godfather Part II"
In 1974, Robert De Niro starred in "The Godfather Part II", one of his most critically acclaimed films.
1976: Release of "Taxi Driver"
In 1976, Robert De Niro starred in "Taxi Driver", a critically acclaimed film.
1978: Release of "The Deer Hunter"
In 1978, Robert De Niro starred in "The Deer Hunter", one of his most critically acclaimed films.
1980: Release of "Raging Bull"
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in "Raging Bull", a critically acclaimed film.
1980: Raging Bull Release
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in "Raging Bull", his fourth collaboration with Martin Scorsese, where he portrayed Jake LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer. The film received critical acclaim, earning De Niro praise for his realistic portrayal and an Academy Award nomination.
1981: Starring in True Confessions
In 1981, Robert De Niro starred in "True Confessions", playing a priest who clashes with his detective brother, the movie is adapted from the novel of the same name.
1982: The King of Comedy
In 1982, De Niro starred in "The King of Comedy" as Rupert Pupkin, a struggling stand-up comedian, which he brought to Scorsese's attention. Although the film was a box office disappointment, De Niro's performance was praised.
1983: Release of "The King of Comedy"
In 1983, Robert De Niro starred in "The King of Comedy", a critically acclaimed film.
1984: Falling in Love Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in "Falling in Love", a romantic comedy opposite Meryl Streep. It was his last release of that year.
1984: Release of "Once Upon a Time in America"
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in "Once Upon a Time in America", a critically acclaimed film.
1984: Once Upon a Time in America and Falling in Love release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America" as David "Noodles" Aaronson. Also in 1984 he starred opposite Meryl Streep, in Falling in Love.
1986: Release of "The Mission"
In 1986, Robert De Niro starred in "The Mission", a critically acclaimed film.
1988: Release of "Midnight Run"
In 1988, Robert De Niro starred in "Midnight Run", a critically acclaimed film.
1988: Midnight Run Release
In 1988, Robert De Niro starred in the buddy cop film "Midnight Run", playing bounty hunter Jack Walsh alongside Charles Grodin. The film was commercially successful.
1988: Turning down role in The Last Temptation of Christ
In 1988, Robert De Niro turned down the opportunity to play Jesus Christ in Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ".
1989: Co-founding TriBeCa Productions
In 1989, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal co-founded the film production company TriBeCa Productions, which also organizes the Tribeca Film Festival.
1989: Starring in Jacknife and We're No Angels
In 1989, Robert De Niro starred in the drama "Jacknife" alongside Ed Harris and Kathy Baker and also starred in the crime comedy "We're No Angels" with Sean Penn and Demi Moore.
1990: Opening of Tribeca Grill
In 1990, Robert De Niro co-opened Tribeca Grill in Tribeca, Manhattan.
1990: Release of Goodfellas and Awakenings
In 1990, Robert De Niro reunited with Martin Scorsese for "Goodfellas", where he played James Conway, also he appeared in "Awakenings", based on Oliver Sacks' book about the drug L-Dopa.
1990: Release of "Goodfellas"
In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in "Goodfellas", a critically acclaimed film.
1991: Starring in Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear
In 1991, Robert De Niro starred in "Guilty by Suspicion" as David Merrill, had a role in "Backdraft", and played Max Cady in "Cape Fear", his seventh film with Scorsese.
1992: Appearance in Mistress and Night and the City
In 1992, Robert De Niro appeared in "Mistress" as Evan Wright and in "Night and the City" as Harry Fabian, and he produced the thriller Thunderheart.
1993: Directorial Debut with A Bronx Tale
In 1993, Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with "A Bronx Tale", a coming-of-age story based on Chazz Palminteri's play, also in 1993 he starred in the lead role in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
1993: Starring in Mad Dog and Glory and This Boy's Life
In 1993, Robert De Niro starred in "Mad Dog and Glory" as Wayne Dobie and in "This Boy's Life" as Dwight Hansen.
1995: Minor roles in French comedy and drama
In 1995, Robert De Niro played minor roles in the French comedy One Hundred and One Nights and in the drama Panther.
1995: Starring in Casino and Heat
In 1995, Robert De Niro starred in "Casino", his eighth collaboration with Martin Scorsese, playing Sam "Ace" Rothstein, and also starred in the crime thriller "Heat" alongside Al Pacino.
1995: Release of Casino
In 1995, the Martin Scorsese film Casino, starring Robert De Niro, was released, marking their last collaboration until 2019's The Irishman.
1996: Starring roles in 'The Fan', 'Sleepers', 'Marvin's Room', Co-producing 'Faithful', and release of '9: The Last Resort'
In 1996, Robert De Niro starred in the sports thriller The Fan, the crime drama Sleepers, and Marvin's Room; co-produced the crime-comedy Faithful. In 1996 a video game produced by De Niro called 9: The Last Resort was released.
1997: Appearances in 'Cop Land', and 'Wag the Dog', Jackie Brown
In 1997, Robert De Niro appeared in James Mangold's Cop Land and co-starred and co-produced Wag the Dog. De Niro also had a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown in that same year.
1998: Starring in 'Great Expectations' and 'Ronin'
In 1998, Robert De Niro appeared in Great Expectations, a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1861 novel, and starred in Ronin about a team of former special operatives.
1998: Lobbying Against Impeachment
In 1998, Robert De Niro lobbied U.S. Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton.
1999: Roles in 'Analyze This' and 'Flawless'
In 1999, Robert De Niro starred in Analyze This as an insecure mob boss and in Flawless as a homophobic police officer.
2000: Release of "Meet the Parents"
In 2000, Robert De Niro starred in "Meet the Parents", a critically acclaimed film.
2000: Starring in 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle', 'Men of Honor', and 'Meet the Parents'
In 2000, Robert De Niro starred in The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, Men of Honor, and Meet the Parents.
2001: Starring in '15 Minutes' and 'The Score'
In 2001, Robert De Niro played a lead role in the crime thriller 15 Minutes and followed up with a heist in Frank Oz's The Score.
2002: Collaborations on 'City by the Sea' and 'Analyze That', appearance in '9/11 (CBS documentary)'
In 2002, Robert De Niro collaborated with Michael Caton-Jones in City by the Sea and appeared in Analyze That, a sequel to 1999's Analyze This. In 2002, he also appeared in 9/11 (CBS documentary), a CBS documentary about the September 11 attacks.
2004: Roles in 'Godsend', 'Shark Tale', 'Stage Beauty', 'Meet the Fockers', and 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey'
In 2004, Robert De Niro played a doctor in Godsend, voiced a character in Shark Tale, co-produced Stage Beauty, reprised his role in Meet the Fockers, and starred in The Bridge of San Luis Rey.
2005: Starring in 'Hide and Seek'
In 2005, Robert De Niro starred in the horror film Hide and Seek.
2006: Directing 'The Good Shepherd' and voicing in 'Arthur and the Invisibles'
In 2006, Robert De Niro directed his second film, The Good Shepherd, and voiced the character Emperor Sifrat XVI in Arthur and the Invisibles.
2006: Donation to Harry Ransom Center
In 2006, Robert De Niro donated his collection of film-related materials to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
2007: Role in 'Stardust'
In 2007, Robert De Niro's sole project was Matthew Vaughn's Stardust, a fantasy adventure.
2008: Starring in 'Righteous Kill' and 'What Just Happened'
In 2008, Robert De Niro starred in Righteous Kill and What Just Happened, a satirical comedy.
2009: Cast as Frank Goode in 'Everybody's Fine'
In 2009, Robert De Niro was cast as Frank Goode in the drama Everybody's Fine, a remake of Giuseppe Tornatore's Italian film.
2010: Roles in 'Machete', 'Stone', and 'Little Fockers'
In 2010, Robert De Niro had a minor part in Machete, starred in Stone, and appeared in Little Fockers, the second sequel to Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers.
2011: Appearance at Cannes Film Festival
Despite earlier stating he wouldn't return, Robert De Niro traveled to France for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
2011: Starring in 'Manuale d'amore 3', 'Killer Elite', 'Limitless', and 'New Year's Eve', appointed president of the jury for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival
In 2011, Robert De Niro starred in Manuale d'amore 3, Killer Elite, Limitless, and New Year's Eve. In 2011, De Niro was also appointed president of the jury for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
2012: Appearance in Silver Linings Playbook and Executive Producer of NYC 22
In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in David O. Russell's film, Silver Linings Playbook, as the father of Pat Solatano. The film was a success, earning eight Academy Award nominations. In 2012, De Niro also served as an executive producer for the television series NYC 22.
2012: Joining Anti-Fracking Campaign
In 2012, Robert De Niro joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking.
2012: Release of "Silver Linings Playbook"
In 2012, Robert De Niro starred in "Silver Linings Playbook", a critically acclaimed film.
2012: Roles in 'Being Flynn', 'Red Lights', and 'Freelancers'
In 2012, Robert De Niro starred in Being Flynn and appeared in the thrillers Red Lights and Freelancers.
2013: Cameo in American Hustle
In 2013, Robert De Niro played an uncredited cameo role as mob boss Victor Tellegio in David O. Russell's American Hustle.
2013: Starring in Multiple Films
In 2013, Robert De Niro starred in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, The Family, Last Vegas, and Grudge Match. The Big Wedding, Killing Season, and The Family received negative reviews, while Last Vegas garnered some respectable reviews.
2014: Appearance in Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr.
In 2014, Robert De Niro appeared in a documentary about his father, Robert De Niro Sr., titled Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr., which aired on HBO.
2014: Promotion of anti-vaccination film "Trace Amounts"
In 2014, Robert De Niro promoted the anti-vaccination film "Trace Amounts" and stated that he doubted the scientific consensus that there was no link between autism and vaccines.
2015: Appearances in Short Films and Heist
In 2015, Robert De Niro appeared in Scorsese's short film The Audition and JR's Ellis. He also starred in Heist as Francis "The Pope" Silva. Additionally, he starred in the biographical drama Joy with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
2015: Partnership with James Packer
In 2015, Robert De Niro partnered with James Packer after Packer acquired a stake in Nobu for $100 million.
2015: Starring in The Intern
In 2015, Robert De Niro starred in Nancy Meyers' comedy The Intern alongside Anne Hathaway. His performance earned him a Critics Choice Movie Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy.
2016: Starring in Dirty Grandpa, Hands of Stone, and The Comedian
In 2016, Robert De Niro co-starred in Dirty Grandpa with Zac Efron. He also appeared in Hands of Stone and The Comedian.
2016: Defense and Withdrawal of "Vaxxed" at Tribeca Film Festival
In 2016, Robert De Niro initially defended the inclusion of the controversial documentary "Vaxxed" at the Tribeca Film Festival due to personal experience with his autistic son, but withdrew it after consultation with festival organizers. He later expressed regret for removing the film and promoted the anti-vaccination film "Trace Amounts".
February 2017: Joint Presentation on Vaccine Safety Concerns
In February 2017, Robert De Niro participated in a joint presentation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss concerns about vaccine safety, though De Niro stated he is not anti-vaccination but questions their efficacy.
2017: Starring as Bernie Madoff in The Wizard of Lies
In 2017, Robert De Niro starred as Bernie Madoff in Barry Levinson's HBO film The Wizard of Lies, which earned him critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2019: Portrayal of Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live and Emmy Nomination
In 2019, Robert De Niro earned acclaim for portraying Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live, receiving an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He also received another Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on When They See Us.
2019: Roles in Joker and The Irishman
In 2019, Robert De Niro played talk show host Murray Franklin in Joker and reunited with Martin Scorsese for The Irishman. Both films received critical acclaim.
2019: Release of "The Irishman"
In 2019, Robert De Niro starred in "The Irishman", a critically acclaimed film.
September 2020: Appearance in Father of the Bride Part 3(ish)
In September 2020, Robert De Niro appeared in Nancy Meyers' comedy short film Father of the Bride Part 3(ish) alongside Diane Keaton, Steve Martin, and others. He also appeared in the crime comedy The Comeback Trail.
2020: 'Godsend' is De Niro's poorest-performing work.
As of 2020, the film Godsend is Robert De Niro's poorest-performing work according to critic reviews.
January 2021: Signing on for Amsterdam
In January 2021, Robert De Niro signed on for the historical comedy Amsterdam, playing an army veteran.
August 2022: Signing on for The Alto Knights
In August 2022, Robert De Niro signed on to star in the Warner Bros. mob drama The Alto Knights, directed by Barry Levinson.
October 2022: Release of Amsterdam
In October 2022, the film Amsterdam, in which Robert De Niro played an army veteran, was released.
December 2, 2022: Release of Savage Salvation
On December 2, 2022, Robert De Niro appeared in Savage Salvation as Sheriff Church, which was released on that date.
March 1, 2023: Announcement of Zero Day
On March 1, 2023, it was announced that Robert De Niro will produce and star in the limited series Zero Day for Netflix.
2023: Appearances in About My Father and Nada
In 2023, Robert De Niro appeared in the comedy About My Father and in the television series Nada.
2023: Starring in Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, Robert De Niro played William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese. For the role, he received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination.
2024: Acquisition of Ezra for theatrical release
In 2024, the film Ezra, starring Robert De Niro, made its premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2023 and was acquired by Bleecker Street for theatrical release.
May 13, 2025: Receiving Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival
On May 13, 2025, Robert De Niro received the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating his five-decade career in cinema.
2025: Appearance in Moncler's "Warmer Together" fashion campaign
In 2025, Robert De Niro appeared alongside Al Pacino in Moncler's "Warmer Together" fashion campaign.
2025: Premiere of Zero Day
In 2025, the series Zero Day, starring Robert De Niro, premiered.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Bill Clinton served as the nd U S President from...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney She served...
Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the...
Trending
14 minutes ago Scott Jennings faces criticism for Iran comments, igniting MAGA civil war.
14 minutes ago Tyus Jones joins Denver Nuggets, boosting guard depth for upcoming season.
14 minutes ago George Stephanopoulos' 'This Week' Dominates Sunday Public Affairs Viewership for Fourth Week
15 minutes ago Anthony Edwards Praises Steph Curry, Addresses All-Star Selection and GOAT Debate.
15 minutes ago Victor Wembanyama relieved as missing friend Elijah Hoard is found safe after search.
15 minutes ago Comesaña at Indian Wells Masters 1000; Carabelli's serve shines as Argentinians take the court.
Popular
Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as...
Markwayne Mullin is an American politician and businessman serving as...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Jim Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and comedian celebrated for...
Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights activist politician and...
Bill Clinton served as the nd U S President from...