History of Robert De Niro in Timeline
Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor, director, and producer, often considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. He's received numerous awards including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and multiple nominations for BAFTA and Emmy Awards. De Niro's contributions to film 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 a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, solidifying his iconic status in the entertainment industry.
1973: Release of Bang the Drum Slowly and Mean Streets
In 1973, Robert De Niro starred in "Bang the Drum Slowly" and "Mean Streets", both critically acclaimed films.
1974: Release of The Godfather Part II
In 1974, Robert De Niro starred in "The Godfather Part II", a critically acclaimed film.
1976: Marriage to Diahnne Abbott
In 1976, Robert De Niro married actress Diahnne Abbott. They had a son, Raphael, and De Niro adopted Abbott's daughter Drena.
1976: Release of Taxi Driver
In 1976, Robert De Niro starred in "Taxi Driver", a critically acclaimed film.
1977: Newsweek remarked that De Niro "gives you the shock of becoming"
In 1977, Newsweek remarked that Robert De Niro "gives you the shock of becoming, of a metamorphosis that can be thrilling, moving, or frightening."
1978: Release of The Deer Hunter
In 1978, Robert De Niro starred in "The Deer Hunter", a critically acclaimed film.
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 the biographical drama Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese. He played Jake LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer, and gained 60 pounds for the role. The film received critical acclaim, though some found it exceedingly violent, and De Niro's performance was praised, earning 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. The film received praise for the actors' performances.
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. De Niro brought the script to Martin Scorsese, who directed the film. While it was a box office disappointment, De Niro's performance was praised by critics.
1983: Pauline Kael's comment on De Niro's disfigurement in Raging Bull
In 1983, Pauline Kael mentioned that she did not like how Robert De Niro was "disfiguring" himself in films such as Raging Bull.
1983: Release of The King of Comedy
In 1983, Robert De Niro starred in "The King of Comedy", a critically acclaimed film.
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 Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred in Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America, playing David "Noodles" Aaronson, a New York City Jewish gangster. The theatrical cut of the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received a 15-minute standing ovation.
1984: Falling in Love Release
In 1984, Robert De Niro starred opposite Meryl Streep in the romantic comedy Falling in Love.
1984: Release of fan song "Robert De Niro's Waiting..." by Bananarama
In 1984, the English girl group Bananarama's fan song "Robert De Niro's Waiting..." reached the third place of the UK Singles Chart.
1986: Release of The Mission
In 1986, Robert De Niro starred in "The Mission", a critically acclaimed film.
July 1987: President of the Jury at the 15th Moscow International Film Festival
In July 1987, Robert De Niro traveled to Russia to serve as president of the jury at the 15th Moscow International Film Festival.
1988: Divorce from Diahnne Abbott and Relationship with Toukie Smith
In 1988, Robert De Niro divorced Diahnne Abbott. Afterwards, he began a relationship with model Toukie Smith.
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 opposite Charles Grodin. He played bounty hunter Jack Walsh. The film was a commercial success.
1988: Turned Down Role in The Last Temptation of Christ
In 1988, Robert De Niro turned down an opportunity to play Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ.
1989: Co-founded TriBeCa Productions
In 1989, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal co-founded the film production company TriBeCa Productions.
1989: Starred in Jacknife and We're No Angels
In 1989, Robert De Niro starred in the drama Jacknife alongside Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. He also starred in the crime comedy We're No Angels with Sean Penn and Demi Moore, a remake of the 1955 film of the same name.
1989: Began investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood
Since 1989, Robert De Niro has been a long-term resident of New York City, and has been investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.
1990: Opened Tribeca Grill
In 1990, Robert De Niro opened Tribeca Grill in Tribeca, Manhattan, co-owned with Broadway producer Stewart F. Lane.
1990: Starred in Goodfellas and Awakenings
In 1990, Robert De Niro reunited with Martin Scorsese for Goodfellas, playing James Conway. Also in 1990, he starred in Awakenings.
1990: Release of Goodfellas
In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in "Goodfellas", a critically acclaimed film.
1991: Starred in Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear
In 1991, Robert De Niro starred in Guilty by Suspicion, Backdraft, and Cape Fear, his seventh collaboration with Martin Scorsese. His performance in Cape Fear was widely lauded, earning him a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards.
1992: Appeared in Mistress and Night and the City
In 1992, Robert De Niro appeared in two films: Mistress, where he played Evan Wright, and Night and the City, a crime drama remake.
1993: Directed A Bronx Tale and Starred in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
In 1993, Robert De Niro made his directorial debut with A Bronx Tale. A year later, he starred in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Although Frankenstein was commercially successful, it received largely negative reviews.
1993: Starred in Mad Dog and Glory and This Boy's Life
In 1993, Robert De Niro starred in the comedy drama Mad Dog and Glory and in This Boy's Life, based on the memoir by Tobias Wolff.
1995: Birth of Twins with Toukie Smith
In 1995, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith had twins, son Julian and daughter Airyn, conceived via in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother.
1995: Minor roles in French comedy and drama
In 1995, Robert De Niro had minor roles in the French comedy One Hundred and One Nights and in the drama Panther.
1996: Starring roles in 'The Fan', 'Sleepers' and 'Marvin's Room'
In 1996, Robert De Niro starred in the sports thriller The Fan as Gil Renard, a baseball fanatic. He also starred in the crime drama Sleepers as priest Bobby Carillo, and appeared in Marvin's Room as Dr. Wallace Carter. Additionally, in 1996 De Niro co-produced the crime-comedy Faithful.
1996: End of Relationship with Toukie Smith
In 1996, Robert De Niro's relationship with model Toukie Smith ended.
1996: Release of the video game '9: The Last Resort'
In 1996, the video game 9: The Last Resort, produced by Robert De Niro, was released. It is a surreal point and click puzzle game about a hotel filled with strange characters. The game had a quiet landing after launch.
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 co-starred and co-produced Wag the Dog, a political satire. He also had a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown in 1997.
1997: Marriage to Grace Hightower
In 1997, Robert De Niro married actress Grace Hightower.
1997: Starred in Cop Land
In 1997, Robert De Niro starred in the film Cop Land alongside Sylvester Stallone.
January 1998: Clinton-Lewinsky scandal helps 'Wag the Dog' generate publicity
In January 1998, a month after the release of "Wag the Dog", the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal dominated the headlines, which helped the film generate publicity. The film was well-received and made the list of Roger Ebert's ten best films of 1997.
February 1998: Questioning by French Police
In February 1998, Robert De Niro was held for questioning by French police in connection with an international prostitution ring. De Niro denied any involvement and later filed a complaint against the examining magistrate.
1998: Birth of Son Elliot
In 1998, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower's son, Elliot, was born.
1998: Roles in 'Great Expectations' and 'Ronin'
In 1998, Robert De Niro appeared in Great Expectations as Arthur Lustig. Later that year, he starred in Ronin as Sam, an American mercenary, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
1998: Lobbied against impeachment of President Bill Clinton
In 1998, Robert De Niro lobbied U.S. Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton.
1999: Initial Split from Grace Hightower
In 1999, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower initially split, though the divorce was never finalized at that time.
1999: Roles in 'Analyze This' and 'Flawless'
In 1999, Robert De Niro starred in Analyze This as an insecure mob boss and he was nominated for Best Actor at the Golden Globes. He also appeared in Flawless as a homophobic police officer.
1999: Threat to Sue Restaurant
In 1999, Robert De Niro threatened to sue the owners of "De Niro's Supper Club" in Vancouver, leading the restaurant to change its name to "Section (3)".
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, voicing the character Fearless Leader. He played Master Chief 'Billy' Sunday in Men of Honor, and starred in Meet the Parents as Jack Byrnes. Film critics welcomed De Niro's transition as a comic actor.
2000: Release of Meet the Parents
In 2000, Robert De Niro starred in "Meet the Parents", a critically acclaimed film.
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 also starred in Frank Oz's The Score as a retiring thief.
2002: Roles in 'City by the Sea', 'Analyze That', 'About a Boy' and '9/11'
In 2002, Robert De Niro appeared in City by the Sea as a police detective. He also appeared in Analyze That, a sequel to 1999's Analyze This. De Niro served as a producer for About a Boy and appeared in 9/11, a CBS documentary about the September 11 attacks.
October 2003: Diagnosed with prostate cancer
In October 2003, Robert De Niro was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
December 2003: Underwent surgery for prostate cancer
In December 2003, Robert De Niro underwent surgery for prostate cancer at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
2004: Renewal of Vows with Grace Hightower
In 2004, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower renewed their vows.
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 voiced a character in DreamWorks' animation of Shark Tale. After co-producing Stage Beauty, De Niro reprised his role of Jack Byrnes in Meet the Fockers. The Bridge of San Luis Rey was also released in 2004.
2004: I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt published
In 2004, the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt was published which later served as the basis for the movie The Irishman starring Robert De Niro.
2005: Stars in the horror Hide and Seek
In 2005, Robert De Niro starred in the horror Hide and Seek opposite Dakota Fanning, playing Dr. David Callaway.
2006: Directs The Good Shepherd and voices character in Arthur and the Invisibles
In 2006, Robert De Niro directed his second film, the spy thriller The Good Shepherd. He also voiced the character Emperor Sifrat XVI in Arthur and the Invisibles.
2006: Donated 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.
2006: Received Italian citizenship
In 2006, Robert De Niro received Italian citizenship, despite opposition by the Sons of Italy.
2006: Lawsuit Over Property Tax Assessment
In 2006, the trust owning Robert De Niro's Gardiner estate sued the town to reduce its property tax assessment, arguing it was too high. The town won in State Supreme Court.
2007: Plays Captain Shakespeare in 'Stardust'
In 2007, Robert De Niro's sole project was Matthew Vaughn's Stardust, where he played Captain Shakespeare.
2008: Roles in 'Righteous Kill' and 'What Just Happened'
In 2008, Robert De Niro starred in 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, and was screened at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.
2009: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2009, Robert De Niro was announced as one of the Kennedy Center Honorees and was honored by Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep at the event.
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: Opening of De Niro's collection at the Harry Ransom Center
In 2009, Robert De Niro's collection of film-related materials, which he donated to the Harry Ransom Center, opened to the public.
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 and Little Fockers. Also in 2010, De Niro was cast in Edge of Darkness, but he left the project citing creative differences.
December 2011: Birth of Daughter Helen via Surrogate
In December 2011, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower's daughter, Helen, was born via surrogate.
2011: Starring roles and presidency of Cannes Film Festival jury
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. De Niro was also appointed president of the jury for the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
2011: Attendance at Cannes Film Festival
In 2011, Robert De Niro traveled to France to attend the Cannes Film Festival.
2012: Appearance in Silver Linings Playbook and Executive Producer of NYC 22
In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in the David O. Russell film, Silver Linings Playbook, as the father of Pat Solatano, and also served as an executive producer for the television series NYC 22.
2012: Joined Artists Against Fracking
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 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.
2013: Attended Israeli President Shimon Peres's birthday celebration
In 2013, Robert De Niro attended Israeli President Shimon Peres's 90th birthday celebration and the Israeli Presidential conference.
2013: Cast in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, The Family, Last Vegas, and Grudge Match
In 2013, Robert De Niro was cast in The Big Wedding, Killing Season, and The Family which were negatively received. He also starred in Last Vegas, which received respectable reviews, and Grudge Match, acting opposite Sylvester Stallone.
2014: Move to Apartment at 15 Central Park West
In 2014, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower moved into a 6,000-square-foot apartment at 15 Central Park West.
2014: Appeared in Documentary About His Father
In 2014, Robert De Niro appeared in a documentary about his father titled Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr., which aired on HBO.
2014: Promotion of Anti-Vaccination Film
In 2014, during an appearance on NBC's Today, Robert De Niro promoted the anti-vaccination film "Trace Amounts" and expressed doubts about the scientific consensus regarding the link between autism and vaccines.
2014: Appeal and Resolution of Property Tax Lawsuit
In 2014, the trust's lawyers appealed the 2006 decision on the property tax assessment. Following negative publicity, De Niro directed his lawyer to withdraw the suit and reimburse the town's legal bills.
2015: James Packer acquired stake in Nobu; Second Nobu Hotel opened
In 2015, James Packer acquired a 20 percent stake in Nobu, co-owned by Robert De Niro. The second Nobu Hotel opened at City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines.
2015: Appeared in Two Short Films, 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 the biographical drama Joy.
2015: Starred in The Intern
In 2015, Robert De Niro starred in Nancy Meyers' comedy The Intern alongside Anne Hathaway.
2016: Attendance at Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Gala
In 2016, Robert De Niro attended an annual celebrity gala for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Los Angeles. The event raised $38 million for the organization.
2016: Co-starred in Dirty Grandpa and Hands of Stone; Release of The Comedian
In 2016, Robert De Niro co-starred in Dirty Grandpa and Hands of Stone. His last release of the year was The Comedian, which premiered at the AFI Fest.
2016: Defense and Withdrawal of Vaxxed from Tribeca Film Festival
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. However, after consulting with festival organizers and the scientific community, the film was withdrawn from the schedule. De Niro later expressed regret for excluding the film.
2016: Received Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, Robert De Niro received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.
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 their concerns regarding vaccine safety. De Niro clarified that he is not anti-vaccination but questions their efficacy.
2017: Starred 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 him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
October 2018: Targeted by Explosive Device
In October 2018, an explosive device was found at the Tribeca Grill, where Robert De Niro's production company is located in Manhattan. Similar devices were sent to other high-profile politicians.
2018: Separation from Grace Hightower
In 2018, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower separated after 20 years of marriage.
August 2019: Lawsuit Against Former Employee
In August 2019, Robert De Niro's company, Canal Productions, filed a $6 million lawsuit against former employee Graham Chase Robinson, accusing her of misusing company funds and watching Netflix during work hours.
October 2019: Counter-Lawsuit Filed Against De Niro
In October 2019, Graham Chase Robinson filed a lawsuit against Robert De Niro, claiming harassment and gender discrimination.
2019: Starred in Joker and The Irishman
In 2019, Robert De Niro played Murray Franklin in Joker and reunited with Martin Scorsese for The Irishman.
2019: Portrayed Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live
In 2019, Robert De Niro portrayed Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live and received an Emmy nomination. He also received an Emmy Award nomination for his work as a producer on When They See Us for Netflix.
2019: Release of The Irishman
In 2019, Robert De Niro starred in "The Irishman", a critically acclaimed film.
May 2020: Apple TV+ to Co-finance and Co-distribute 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: 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).
2020: 'Godsend' is De Niro's poorest-performing work
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.
April 19, 2021: Divorce Hearing and Financial Disputes
On April 19, 2021, Robert De Niro's lawyer stated in a virtual divorce hearing that he is working at an unsustainable pace to support Grace Hightower and pay off back taxes. Hightower's lawyer claimed De Niro had unfairly decreased agreed-upon payments.
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.
October 2022: Release of Amsterdam
In October 2022, the movie Amsterdam, in which Robert De Niro played an army veteran, was released.
December 2, 2022: Release of Savage Salvation
On December 2, 2022, Savage Salvation, in which Robert De Niro appeared as Sheriff Church, was released.
2022: Six of De Niro's Films Inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry
As of 2022, six of Robert De Niro's films have been inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry.
March 1, 2023: Announcement of De Niro Producing and Starring in Zero Day
On March 1, 2023, it was announced that Robert De Niro would produce and star in the six-episode limited series Zero Day for Netflix.
April 2023: Welcoming Seventh Child
In April 2023, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a daughter named Gia, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen. At 79 years old, De Niro became one of the oldest fathers on record.
July 2023: Death of Grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
In July 2023, Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, died at the age of 19. The cause of death was a combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and cocaine.
November 2023: Verdict in Lawsuit with Former Employee
In November 2023, the jury found Robert De Niro not personally liable for gender discrimination but his production company, Canal Productions, was ordered to pay Graham Chase Robinson $1.2 million in damages.
2023: Starred in Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, Robert De Niro played William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2024: Support for Joe Biden and Criticism of Donald Trump
In 2024, Robert De Niro supported Joe Biden for re-election. He also criticized Donald Trump, calling him a "buffoon" and comparing his politics to fascism.
2024: Withdrawal of Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters
In 2024, Robert De Niro was due to receive a leadership award from the National Association of Broadcasters, but the honor was withdrawn following his criticism of Donald Trump outside the former President's criminal trial in New York.
2024: Theatrical Release of Ezra
In 2024, the film Ezra, starring Robert De Niro, was released theatrically after being acquired by Bleecker Street.
April 2025: Daughter Airyn comes out as a trans woman.
In April 2025, Robert De Niro's daughter Airyn came out as a trans woman and stated that he supported her identity.
May 13, 2025: 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: De Niro set to receive Cannes Film Festival's Honorary Palme d'Or
In 2025, Robert De Niro is set to receive the Cannes Film Festival's Honorary Palme d'Or.
2025: Premiere of Zero Day
In 2025, Robert De Niro's series Zero Day premiered on Netflix.
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