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 an acclaimed American actor and producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. His distinguished career is marked by numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. He has also received nominations for several BAFTA and Emmy Awards. De Niro's contributions to the film industry have been recognized with prestigious honors such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Cecil B. DeMille Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and the Honorary Palme d'Or.
1969: Discovery of L-Dopa benefits
In 1969, Dr. Malcolm Sayer discovered the benefits of the drug L-Dopa, as depicted in the movie Awakenings.
1973: Release of "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets"
In 1973, Robert De Niro starred in two critically acclaimed films, "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets".
1974: Release of "The Godfather Part II"
In 1974, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "The Godfather Part II".
1976: Release of "Taxi Driver"
In 1976, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Taxi Driver".
1978: Release of "The Deer Hunter"
In 1978, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "The Deer Hunter".
1980: Raging Bull Release
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in 'Raging Bull', a biographical drama directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted from Jake LaMotta's memoir. De Niro portrayed LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer. Despite some criticism for its violent content, De Niro's performance was highly praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film has since been regarded as one of the greatest films of the 1980s.
1980: Release of "Raging Bull"
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Raging Bull".
1981: True Confessions Release
In 1981, Robert De Niro starred in 'True Confessions', a crime film adapted from the novel of the same name, playing a priest who clashes with his detective brother. While the plot was considered complex, the acting was praised.
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. Despite being a box office disappointment, De Niro's performance received critical acclaim.
1983: Release of "The King of Comedy"
In 1983, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "The King of Comedy".
1984: Once Upon a Time in America Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in America' as David "Noodles" Aaronson, a New York City Jewish gangster. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a standing ovation.
1984: Release of "Once Upon a Time in America"
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Once Upon a Time in America".
1984: Falling in Love Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro's last release of the year was 'Falling in Love', a romantic comedy in which he starred opposite Meryl Streep.
1985: Release of "Brazil"
In 1985, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Brazil".
1986: Release of "The Mission"
In 1986, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "The Mission".
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: Midnight Run Release
In 1988, Robert De Niro starred in the buddy cop film 'Midnight Run' opposite Charles Grodin, playing bounty hunter Jack Walsh. The film was a commercial success.
1988: Release of "Midnight Run"
In 1988, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Midnight Run".
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'.
1989: Co-founding TriBeCa Productions
In 1989, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal co-founded the film production company TriBeCa Productions.
1989: We're No Angels and Jacknife Releases
In 1989, Robert De Niro starred in the drama 'Jacknife' and the crime comedy 'We're No Angels'. The latter is a remake of the 1955 film of the same name.
1990: Goodfellas and Awakenings Releases
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, and De Niro received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. Awakenings, based on Oliver Sacks' book, earned De Niro an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1990: Release of "Goodfellas"
In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Goodfellas".
1991: Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear Releases
In 1991, Robert De Niro starred in 'Guilty by Suspicion', 'Backdraft', and 'Cape Fear'. His performance in 'Cape Fear', directed by Martin Scorsese, was widely lauded, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1992: Mistress, Night and the City and Thunderheart Releases
In 1992, Robert De Niro appeared in 'Mistress' and 'Night and the City', and he served as a producer for the mystery thriller 'Thunderheart'.
1993: A Bronx Tale Release
In 1993, Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with 'A Bronx Tale', a coming-of-age story. He also starred in the film alongside Chazz Palminteri, who wrote the play of the same name.
1993: Mad Dog and Glory and This Boy's Life Releases
In 1993, Robert De Niro played crime scene photographer Wayne Dobie in the comedy drama 'Mad Dog and Glory'. He also starred in the coming-of-age film 'This Boy's Life', based on the memoir of the same name by Tobias Wolff.
1995: Casino and Heat Releases
In 1995, Robert De Niro starred in 'Casino', directed by Martin Scorsese, and the crime thriller 'Heat'. 'Casino' is based on the book 'Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas' by Nicholas Pileggi.
1995: Release of Casino
In 1995, Robert De Niro starred in the film Casino. The 2019 film The Irishman marked his ninth feature film together with Martin Scorsese, and the first since Casino.
1996: Video game "9: The Last Resort" released
In 1996 the video game "9: The Last Resort", produced by Robert De Niro, was released. It's a surreal point and click puzzle game about a hotel filled with strange characters. The game's director Buzz Hayes stated that the game had a quiet landing.
1996: Starred in the sports thriller "The Fan" and appeared in the crime drama "Sleepers"
In 1996, Robert De Niro starred as Gil Renard, a baseball fanatic, in the sports thriller "The Fan", based on the novel by Peter Abrahams. Also in 1996, he appeared in the crime drama "Sleepers" as priest Bobby Carillo. Additionally in 1996, he co-produced the crime-comedy "Faithful".
1997: Appeared in "Cop Land", co-starred and co-produced "Wag the Dog", and appeared in "Jackie Brown"
In 1997, Robert De Niro appeared in "Cop Land", playing Lt. Moe Tilden. He also co-starred and co-produced "Wag the Dog", a political satire. Additionally, in 1997, De Niro had a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown".
1998: Starred in "Great Expectations" and "Ronin"
In 1998, Robert De Niro appeared in "Great Expectations", playing Arthur Lustig. Later in 1998, he starred in "Ronin" as Sam, an American mercenary.
1999: Starred in "Analyze This" and "Flawless"
In 1999, Robert De Niro starred in "Analyze This" as an insecure mob boss and also appeared in "Flawless" as a homophobic police officer.
2000: Produced and starred 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" as the voice of Fearless Leader. Also in 2000, he played Master Chief 'Billy' Sunday in "Men of Honor". Furthermore, in 2000, he starred in "Meet the Parents" as Jack Byrnes.
2000: Release of "Meet the Parents"
In 2000, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "Meet the Parents".
2001: Starred in "15 Minutes" and "The Score"
In 2001, Robert De Niro starred in "15 Minutes" as a homicide detective. Also in 2001, he starred in "The Score" as a retiring thief.
2002: Starred in "City by the Sea" and "Analyze That", and produced "About a Boy"
In 2002, Robert De Niro starred in "City by the Sea" as a police detective, and in "Analyze That", a sequel to "Analyze This". Also in 2002, he served as a producer for the critically acclaimed romantic-comedy "About a Boy" and appeared in "9/11", a CBS documentary about the September 11 attacks.
2004: Starred in "Godsend", voiced a character in "Shark Tale", co-produced "Stage Beauty", reprised role in "Meet the Fockers", and released "The Bridge of San Luis Rey"
In 2004, Robert De Niro played a doctor in the fantasy drama "Godsend", voiced a character in "Shark Tale", co-produced "Stage Beauty", reprised his role of Jack Byrnes in "Meet the Fockers", and had his last release of 2004 with "The Bridge of San Luis Rey".
2005: Starred in "Hide and Seek"
In 2005, Robert De Niro starred in the horror film "Hide and Seek" as 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 Good Shepherd", a spy thriller, and voiced the character Emperor Sifrat XVI in "Arthur and the Invisibles".
2006: Donation of film-related materials to the 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's sole project was "Stardust", a fantasy adventure, where he played Captain Shakespeare.
2008: Starred in "Righteous Kill" and "What Just Happened"
In 2008, Robert De Niro starred in the police procedural thriller "Righteous Kill" as a New York City detective and also starred in "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 the Italian film of the same name.
2010: Starred in "Machete", "Stone", and "Little Fockers"
In 2010, Robert De Niro had a minor part in "Machete", starred in "Stone", and starred in "Little Fockers", the second sequel to Meet the Parents.
2011: Starred in "Manuale d'amore 3", "Killer Elite", "Limitless", and "New Year's Eve", and appointed president of the jury for the Cannes Film Festival
In 2011, Robert De Niro starred in the Italian comedy "Manuale d'amore 3" and also appeared in "Killer Elite", "Limitless", and "New Year's Eve". De Niro was also appointed president of the jury for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
2012: Appearance in Silver Linings Playbook
In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in the David O. Russell film, Silver Linings Playbook, playing the father of Pat Solatano. The film was both a critical and commercial success, receiving eight Academy Award nominations. Also in 2012, De Niro served as an executive producer for the television series NYC 22.
2012: Joining the anti-fracking campaign 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, and also appeared in the thrillers "Red Lights" and "Freelancers".
2013: Starring in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, The Family, Last Vegas and Grudge Match
In 2013, Robert De Niro starred in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, and The Family, all of which received negative reviews. His 2013 film Last Vegas received more respectable reviews. He also starred in Grudge Match opposite Sylvester Stallone.
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. The documentary aired on HBO.
2015: Appearances in The Audition, Ellis, Heist, and Joy
In 2015, Robert De Niro appeared in two short films, Scorsese's The Audition and JR's Ellis. He also starred in Heist and Joy. Joy received generally mixed reviews.
2015: Starring in The Intern
In 2015, Robert De Niro starred in Nancy Meyers' comedy The Intern alongside Anne Hathaway. His performance in The Intern won him a nomination from the Critics Choice Movie Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy.
2016: Acting in Dirty Grandpa, Hands of Stone and The Comedian
In 2016, Robert De Niro co-starred in Dirty Grandpa, which received a polarized reception. He also appeared in Hands of Stone and The Comedian.
2016: Defense and Withdrawal of Vaxxed Documentary
In 2016, Robert De Niro initially defended the inclusion of the controversial documentary "Vaxxed" at the Tribeca Film Festival due to his personal experience with his autistic son, Elliot. However, the film was later withdrawn from the schedule after consultation with festival organizers and the scientific community.
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 clarified 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. His performance earned him critical praise and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2019: Starring in Joker and The Irishman
In 2019, Robert De Niro played Murray Franklin in Todd Phillips' Joker and reunited with Scorsese for The Irishman. Joker earned eleven nominations at the Academy Awards, and The Irishman received critical acclaim.
2019: Portraying Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live
In 2019, Robert De Niro portrayed Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live, earning him an Emmy nomination. He also received another Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on Ava DuVernay's When They See Us.
2019: Release of "The Irishman"
In 2019, Robert De Niro starred in the critically acclaimed film "The Irishman".
May 2020: Apple TV+ co-financing and co-distributing Killers of the Flower Moon
In May 2020, it was announced that Apple TV+ would co-finance and co-distribute the film Killers of the Flower Moon with Paramount.
September 2020: Appearing 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 in that year.
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, Amsterdam, starring Robert De Niro, was released.
December 2, 2022: Release of Savage Salvation
On December 2, 2022, Savage Salvation, starring Robert De Niro as Sheriff Church, was released.
March 1, 2023: Announcement of De Niro producing and starring in Zero Day
On March 1, 2023, it was announced that Robert De Niro will produce and star in the six-episode limited series Zero Day for Netflix.
2023: Acting in Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, Robert De Niro played William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Scorsese and adapted from the book of the same name. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the role.
2024: Theatrical release of Ezra
In 2024, the film Ezra, starring Robert De Niro, made its theatrical release by Bleecker Street.
2025: Premiere of Zero Day
The series Zero Day starring Robert De Niro premiered in 2025.
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