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, and producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. He has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Kennedy Center. De Niro was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Honorary Palme d'Or, marking his significant contributions to film.
1969: L-Dopa Benefits Discovered
In 1969, the drug L-Dopa's benefits were discovered, inspiring the film Awakenings in 1990, starring Robert De Niro.
1973: Release of "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets"
In 1973, Robert De Niro starred in "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets". These films are among his most critically acclaimed according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1974: Release of "The Godfather Part II"
In 1974, Robert De Niro starred in "The Godfather Part II". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1976: Release of "Taxi Driver"
In 1976, Robert De Niro starred in "Taxi Driver". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1978: Release of "The Deer Hunter"
In 1978, Robert De Niro starred in "The Deer Hunter". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1980: Release of "Raging Bull"
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in "Raging Bull". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1980: Raging Bull Release
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in the biographical drama Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese. He portrayed Jake LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer. De Niro gained 60 pounds for the role, which garnered critical acclaim despite the film's violent content, and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1981: True Confessions Release
In 1981, Robert De Niro starred in True Confessions, playing a priest who clashes with his detective brother (Robert Duvall) in a murder investigation. The New York Times praised the actors' performances in True Confessions.
1982: The King of Comedy Release
In 1982, Robert De Niro starred in The King of Comedy as Rupert Pupkin, a struggling stand-up comedian. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, was a box office disappointment but De Niro's performance was generally praised.
1983: Release of "The King of Comedy"
In 1983, Robert De Niro starred in "The King of Comedy". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1984: Release of "Once Upon a Time in America"
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in "Once Upon a Time in America". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1984: Falling in Love Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in Falling in Love, a romantic comedy opposite Meryl Streep. It was the last of his releases for that year.
1984: Once Upon a Time in America Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America, playing David "Noodles" Aaronson. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving a 15-minute standing ovation.
1985: Release of "Brazil"
In 1985, Robert De Niro starred in "Brazil". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1986: Release of "The Mission"
In 1986, Robert De Niro starred in "The Mission". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
July 1987: Moscow International Film Festival Jury President
In July 1987, Robert De Niro traveled to Russia to serve as president of the jury at the 15th Moscow International Film Festival.
1988: Release of "Midnight Run"
In 1988, Robert De Niro starred in "Midnight Run". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
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 a commercial success.
1988: Turned Down Role in The Last Temptation of Christ
In 1988, Robert De Niro turned down the opportunity to play Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ, although he offered to do it as a favor if needed. Willem Dafoe was cast instead.
1989: Co-founded 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 Jacknife alongside Ed Harris and Kathy Baker, and in the crime comedy We're No Angels with Sean Penn and Demi Moore. The former film revolves around the complex relationship between a Vietnam veteran, his sister and fellow army buddy, and the latter is about escaped convicts on the run.
1990: Tribeca Grill opened
In 1990, Robert De Niro opened Tribeca Grill in Tribeca, Manhattan.
1990: Release of "Goodfellas"
In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in "Goodfellas". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1990: Goodfellas and Awakenings Release
In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, and Awakenings, directed by Penny Marshall. Goodfellas premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, while Awakenings tells the story of Dr. Malcolm Sayer and his research.
1991: Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear Release
In 1991, Robert De Niro starred in Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear. He played a film director in Guilty by Suspicion, a fire inspector in Backdraft, and a convicted rapist in Cape Fear.
1992: Mistress and Night and the City Release
In 1992, Robert De Niro appeared in Mistress, playing Evan Wright, and Night and the City, as lawyer Harry Fabian. He also served as a producer for Thunderheart.
1993: A Bronx Tale Directorial Debut and Release
In 1993, Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with A Bronx Tale, a coming-of-age story based on Chazz Palminteri's play. De Niro also starred in the film. Also, in 1993, De Niro starred in the lead role of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, an adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein.
1993: Mad Dog and Glory and This Boy's Life Release
In 1993, Robert De Niro starred in Mad Dog and Glory, playing Wayne Dobie, and This Boy's Life as stepfather Dwight Hansen. The latter is based on the memoir by Tobias Wolff and also stars Leonardo DiCaprio.
1995: Minor roles in 'One Hundred and One Nights' and 'Panther'
In 1995, Robert De Niro played minor roles in the French comedy 'One Hundred and One Nights' and the drama 'Panther'.
1995: Casino and Heat Release
In 1995, Robert De Niro starred in Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese, playing Sam "Ace" Rothstein, and in the crime thriller Heat with Al Pacino. Casino explores greed and betrayal in Las Vegas, while Heat is about professional bank robbers.
1996: Roles in 'The Fan', 'Sleepers', 'Marvin's Room', Co-produced 'Faithful' and release of '9: The Last Resort' video game
In 1996, Robert De Niro starred in 'The Fan', a sports thriller, and 'Sleepers', a crime drama. He also appeared in 'Marvin's Room'. Additionally, he co-produced the crime-comedy 'Faithful' in 1996. A video game produced by De Niro called '9: The Last Resort' was released in 1996 as well.
1997: Roles in 'Cop Land', 'Wag the Dog', and 'Jackie Brown'
In 1997, Robert De Niro appeared in 'Cop Land' as Internal Affairs investigator Lt. Moe Tilden. He also co-starred and co-produced 'Wag the Dog', a political satire. Additionally, De Niro had a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's 'Jackie Brown' in 1997.
1997: Acted in Cop Land
Robert De Niro appeared in Cop Land in 1997 alongside Sylvester Stallone, before they worked together again in 2013's Grudge Match.
1998: Roles in 'Great Expectations' and 'Ronin'
In 1998, Robert De Niro appeared in 'Great Expectations', a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel. Later in 1998, he starred in 'Ronin', playing Sam, an American mercenary.
1998: Lobbied U.S. Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton
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. In 1999, he also appeared in 'Flawless' as a homophobic police officer.
2000: Roles in 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle', 'Men of Honor', and 'Meet the Parents'
In 2000, Robert De Niro produced and starred in 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle'. He played Master Chief 'Billy' Sunday in 'Men of Honor', based on the life of Carl Brashear. In 2000, he also starred in 'Meet the Parents' as Jack Byrnes.
2000: Release of "Meet the Parents"
In 2000, Robert De Niro starred in "Meet the Parents". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2001: Roles in '15 Minutes' and 'The Score'
In 2001, Robert De Niro starred in the crime thriller '15 Minutes' as a homicide detective. He followed up with a heist movie, 'The Score', where he played a retiring thief.
2002: Roles in 'City by the Sea' and 'Analyze That', involvement in 'About a Boy' and '9/11'
In 2002, Robert De Niro collaborated with Michael Caton-Jones in 'City by the Sea', portraying a police detective. He also appeared in 'Analyze That', a sequel to 'Analyze This'. Additionally, De Niro served as a producer for 'About a Boy' and appeared in '9/11', a CBS documentary.
2004: Roles in 'Godsend', 'Shark Tale', 'Meet the Fockers', and 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey'
In 2004, Robert De Niro played a doctor in the fantasy drama 'Godsend'. He also voiced a character in DreamWorks' animation of 'Shark Tale'. Additionally, De Niro reprised his role of Jack Byrnes in 'Meet the Fockers', the sequel to 'Meet the Parents', and appeared in 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey'.
2005: Starred in 'Hide and Seek'
In 2005, Robert De Niro starred in the horror movie 'Hide and Seek' playing Dr. David Callaway.
2006: Directed 'The Good Shepherd' and voiced Emperor Sifrat XVI in 'Arthur and the Invisibles'
In 2006, Robert De Niro directed his second film, the spy thriller 'The Good Shepherd'. Also in 2006, he voiced the character Emperor Sifrat XVI in 'Arthur and the Invisibles'.
2006: Donated film-related materials 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: Starred in 'Stardust'
In 2007, Robert De Niro starred in Matthew Vaughn's 'Stardust', a fantasy adventure, based on Neil Gaiman's 1999 novel of the same name. He plays Captain Shakespeare.
2008: Roles in 'Righteous Kill' and 'What Just Happened'
In 2008, Robert De Niro starred in the police procedural thriller 'Righteous Kill' opposite Al Pacino. Next, he starred in 'What Just Happened', a satirical comedy based on Art Linson's experiences as a producer in Hollywood.
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 of the same name.
2009: De Niro collection opened to the public
In 2009, Robert De Niro's collection of film-related materials opened to the public at the Harry Ransom Center.
2010: Roles in 'Machete', 'Stone', and 'Little Fockers'
In 2010, Robert De Niro had a minor part as Senator John McLaughlin in the action film 'Machete'. That same year, he starred in 'Stone' opposite Milla Jovovich and Edward Norton. Next he starred in 'Little Fockers', the second sequel to 'Meet the Parents' and 'Meet the Fockers'.
2011: Starred in 'Manuale d'amore 3', 'Killer Elite', 'Limitless', and 'New Year's Eve'
In 2011, Robert De Niro starred in the Italian comedy 'Manuale d'amore 3'. He also appeared in 'Killer Elite', 'Limitless', and 'New Year's Eve'.
2011: Attendance at Cannes Film Festival
In 2011, Robert De Niro traveled to France for the Cannes Film Festival, despite previously stating he would not return after being questioned by French police in 1998.
2012: Starred in Silver Linings Playbook
In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in the David O. Russell film, Silver Linings Playbook, playing the father of the main character. The film was both critically and commercially successful, earning De Niro an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also in 2012, De Niro executive produced the television series NYC 22.
2012: Joined Artists Against Fracking
In 2012, Robert De Niro joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking.
2012: Starred in 'Being Flynn', 'Red Lights' and 'Freelancers'
In 2012, Robert De Niro starred in the drama 'Being Flynn', based on Another Bullshit Night in Suck City, a memoir by Nick Flynn. De Niro also appeared in the thrillers 'Red Lights' and 'Freelancers' in 2012.
2013: Starred in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, The Family, and Last Vegas
In 2013, Robert De Niro starred in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, and The Family, which received negative reviews. He also starred in Last Vegas, which received better reviews. In Last Vegas, De Niro played a character who travels to Las Vegas with friends for a bachelor party.
2014: 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.
2015: Appeared in The Audition, Ellis, Heist and Joy
In 2015, Robert De Niro appeared in two short films, The Audition and Ellis, and starred in the film Heist. He also starred in Joy with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.
2015: Starred in The Intern
In 2015, Robert De Niro starred in the Nancy Meyers comedy The Intern with Anne Hathaway. His performance earned him a nomination from the Critics Choice Movie Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy.
2015: Nobu Hotel opened at City of Dreams in Manila and partnered with James Packer
In 2015, the second Nobu Hotel opened at City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines. Also in 2015, De Niro partnered with James Packer after he acquired a 20 percent stake in Nobu.
2016: Starred in Dirty Grandpa, Hands of Stone, and The Comedian
In 2016, Robert De Niro co-starred in Dirty Grandpa, which received negative reviews. He also appeared in Hands of Stone and The Comedian, the latter of which premiered at the AFI Fest.
2016: Defense and Subsequent Withdrawal of "Vaxxed" Documentary
In 2016, Robert De Niro initially defended the inclusion of the controversial documentary "Vaxxed" at the Tribeca Film Festival, citing personal experience with his autistic son. The film was directed by Andrew Wakefield and echoed his discredited claims about the MMR vaccine. After consultation, the film was withdrawn. Later in the year, De Niro expressed regret for the withdrawal and promoted the 2014 film "Trace Amounts", also doubting the link between autism and vaccines.
2017: Starred 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, earning critical praise and an Emmy nomination.
2019: Starred in Joker and The Irishman
In 2019, Robert De Niro played Murray Franklin in Joker. Also in 2019, he reunited with Martin Scorsese for The Irishman, based on the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses. The film co-starred Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci.
2019: Release of "The Irishman"
In 2019, Robert De Niro starred in "The Irishman". This is among his most critically acclaimed films according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2019: Portrayed Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live
In 2019, Robert De Niro won acclaim for portraying Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live, earning an Emmy nomination. He also received an Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on When They See Us for Netflix.
September 2020: Appeared 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). He also appeared in The Comeback Trail that year.
2020: 'Godsend' performance rating
As of 2020, the film 'Godsend' is Robert De Niro's poorest-performing work; Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 4% based on 139 critic reviews.
January 2021: Signed on for Amsterdam
In January 2021, Robert De Niro signed on for the historical comedy Amsterdam, playing an army veteran.
August 2022: Signed on to star in 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: Released Amsterdam
In October 2022, the movie Amsterdam, in which Robert De Niro plays an army veteran, was released.
December 2, 2022: Savage Salvation
On December 2, 2022, Robert De Niro appeared in Savage Salvation as Sheriff Church.
March 1, 2023: Announced to produce and star in Zero Day
On March 1, 2023, it was announced that Robert De Niro would produce and star in the limited series Zero Day for Netflix.
2023: Starred 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 and adapted from the book of the same name. He received an Academy Award nomination for the role.
2024: Ezra to be released theatrically
The movie Ezra, starring Robert De Niro, is scheduled to be released theatrically in 2024 after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.
May 13, 2025: Receives Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes
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: Zero Day Premieres
In 2025, the series Zero Day starring Robert De Niro is scheduled to premiere.
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