Childhood and Education Journey of Robert De Niro in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Robert De Niro. A timeline of key moments.

Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor, director, film 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 has also been nominated for multiple BAFTA and Emmy Awards. His contributions to the film industry have been recognized with prestigious honors such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2025 he will receive the Honorary Palme d'Or.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1950: Original film noir Night and the City released

In 1950, the original film noir Night and the City was released. Robert De Niro starred in the remake in 1992.

1955: Release of the Original Film We're No Angels

In 1955, the original film We're No Angels was released. Robert De Niro later starred in the 1989 remake.

1962: Original Cape Fear film released

In 1962, the original Cape Fear film was released. It was later remade in 1991 with Robert De Niro in the lead role.

1969: Discovery of L-Dopa benefits in Awakenings

In the film Awakenings, which is based on the book by Oliver Sacks, Dr. Malcolm Sayer discovers benefits of the drug L-Dopa in 1969 and administers it to catatonic patients.

1973: Publication of Awakenings by Oliver Sacks

In 1973, Oliver Sacks published Awakenings, which would later be adapted into a film starring Robert De Niro in 1990.

Awakenings

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1977: Publication of True Confessions by John Gregory Dunne

In 1977, the novel True Confessions by John Gregory Dunne was published. This novel was later adapted into a film starring Robert De Niro in 1981.

True Confessions: A Novel

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1978: Publication of Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg

In 1978, the novel Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg was published. This novel was later adapted into the film Angel Heart starring Robert De Niro in 1987.

Falling Angel (The Falling Angel Novels)

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1985: Publication of Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi

In 1985, Wiseguy, a non-fiction book by Nicholas Pileggi, was published. This book served as the source material for the 1990 film Goodfellas, starring Robert De Niro.

Wiseguy

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1989: Investment in Tribeca

Since 1989, Robert De Niro has been investing in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan.

1990: Opening Tribeca Grill

Robert De Niro, along with Stewart F. Lane, opened Tribeca Grill, a New American restaurant, in Tribeca, Manhattan, in 1990.

January 1998: Clinton-Lewinsky scandal helps generate publicity for 'Wag the Dog'

In January 1998, a month after the release of 'Wag the Dog', the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal dominated headlines, boosting publicity for the film. As a result, Wag the Dog was well-received and made the list of Roger Ebert's ten best films of 1997.

1998: Lobbying against Clinton's impeachment

In 1998, Robert De Niro lobbied the U.S. Congress against the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.

October 2003: Prostate cancer diagnosis

In October 2003, Robert De Niro was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

December 2003: Prostate Cancer Surgery

In December 2003, Robert De Niro underwent surgery for prostate cancer at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

2006: Italian citizenship

In 2006, Robert De Niro received Italian citizenship, despite opposition by the Sons of Italy.

2012: Joining Artists Against Fracking

In 2012, Robert De Niro joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking.

2013: Attendance at Shimon Peres's birthday

In 2013, Robert De Niro attended Israeli President Shimon Peres's 90th birthday celebration and praised him as "a great person, [and] a great statesman."