History of Robert De Niro in Timeline
Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor and film producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. His distinguished career has earned him numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. He has also received prestigious lifetime achievement awards such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2016, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, solidifying his significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
1973: Release of 'Bang the Drum Slowly' and 'Mean Streets'
In 1973, Robert De Niro starred in 'Bang the Drum Slowly' and 'Mean Streets', which were critically acclaimed films.
1974: Release of 'The Godfather Part II'
In 1974, Robert De Niro appeared in 'The Godfather Part II', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1976: Marriage to Diahnne Abbott
In 1976, Robert De Niro married Diahnne Abbott.
1976: Release of 'Taxi Driver'
In 1976, Robert De Niro starred in 'Taxi Driver', a critically acclaimed film.
1977: Newsweek remarked on Robert De Niro's metamorphosis
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', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1980: Release of 'Raging Bull'
In 1980, Robert De Niro starred in 'Raging Bull', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1983: Pauline Kael's Criticism of De Niro's Transformations
In 1983, Pauline Kael stated 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', which was 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', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1984: Bananarama's fan song 'Robert De Niro's Waiting...' reached the third place of the UK Singles Chart
In 1984, the English girl group Bananarama's fan song "Robert De Niro's Waiting..." reached the third place of the UK Singles Chart.
1985: Release of 'Brazil'
In 1985, Robert De Niro starred in 'Brazil', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1986: Release of 'The Mission'
In 1986, Robert De Niro starred in 'The Mission', which was a critically acclaimed film.
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', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1989: Co-founded TriBeCa Productions
In 1989, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal co-founded the film production company TriBeCa Productions.
1989: Investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood since 1989
Since 1989, Robert De Niro has been investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood and owns properties on the east and west sides of Manhattan.
1990: Opened Tribeca Grill
In 1990, Robert De Niro opened Tribeca Grill in Tribeca, Manhattan.
1990: Release of 'Goodfellas'
In 1990, Robert De Niro starred in 'Goodfellas', which was a critically acclaimed film.
1995: Birth of Twin Sons Julian and Aaron
In 1995, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith had twin sons, Julian and Aaron, conceived via in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother.
1995: Minor roles in One Hundred and One Nights and Panther
In 1995, Robert De Niro played minor roles in the French comedy film *One Hundred and One Nights* and the drama film *Panther*.
1996: Starring roles and producing in multiple films and a video game release
In 1996, Robert De Niro starred in *The Fan*, *Sleepers*, *Marvin's Room*, co-produced *Faithful* and a video game called *9: The Last Resort* produced by De Niro was released.
1996: End of Relationship with Toukie Smith
In 1996, Robert De Niro's relationship with model Toukie Smith ended.
1997: Marriage to Grace Hightower
In 1997, Robert De Niro married Grace Hightower.
1997: Robert De Niro starred in Cop Land
In 1997, Robert De Niro starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the film Cop Land.
1997: Starring in Cop Land and Wag the Dog
In 1997, Robert De Niro starred in *Cop Land* as Internal Affairs investigator Lt. Moe Tilden and co-starred and co-produced *Wag the Dog*, a political satire.
January 1998: Clinton-Lewinsky scandal boosting Wag the Dog
In January 1998, one month after the release of *Wag the Dog*, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal broke, generating publicity for the film, which was well-received as a result.
February 1998: Questioning by French Police
In February 1998, Robert De Niro was questioned by French police in connection with an international prostitution ring. De Niro denied any involvement and filed a complaint against the examining magistrate for "violation of secrecy in an investigation".
1998: Birth of Son Elliot
In 1998, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower's son, Elliot, was born.
1998: Appearances in Great Expectations and Ronin
In 1998, Robert De Niro appeared in *Great Expectations*, a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, and starred in *Ronin* as Sam, an American mercenary.
1998: Lobbied against Clinton's impeachment
In 1998, Robert De Niro lobbied U.S. Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton.
1999: First Split with Grace Hightower
In 1999, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower initially split.
1999: Roles in Analyze This and Flawless
In 1999, Robert De Niro starred in *Analyze This* as an insecure mob boss, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, and appeared in *Flawless* as a homophobic police officer.
1999: Threat to Sue 'De Niro's Supper Club'
In 1999, Robert De Niro threatened to sue the owners of "De Niro's Supper Club" in Vancouver under section 3 of the BC Privacy Act, leading to the restaurant changing its name to "Section (3)".
2000: Starring 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*, voiced Master Chief 'Billy' Sunday in *Men of Honor*, and starred in *Meet the Parents* opposite Ben Stiller. *Meet the Parents* marked De Niro's transition to comedy roles.
2000: Release of 'Meet the Parents'
In 2000, Robert De Niro starred in 'Meet the Parents', which was 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 and in *The Score* as a retiring thief.
2002: Roles in City by the Sea and Analyze That, and Producing About a Boy
In 2002, Robert De Niro collaborated in *City by the Sea*, starred in *Analyze That*, and served as a producer for *About a Boy*.
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 at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for prostate cancer.
2004: The book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt was released
In 2004, Charles Brandt released the book I Heard You Paint Houses, which served as the basis for the film The Irishman, which Robert De Niro starred in.
2004: Renewal of Vows with Grace Hightower
In 2004, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower renewed their vows after their initial split.
2004: Roles in Godsend, Shark Tale, Meet the Fockers and The Bridge of San Luis Rey
In 2004, Robert De Niro starred in *Godsend*, voiced a character in *Shark Tale*, reprised his role in *Meet the Fockers*, and starred in *The Bridge of San Luis Rey*. *Godsend* was his poorest-performing work as of 2020.
2005: Starring in Hide and Seek
In 2005, Robert De Niro starred in the horror film *Hide and Seek* opposite Dakota Fanning, playing Dr. David Callaway.
2006: Directing The Good Shepherd and voicing a character in Arthur and the Invisibles
In 2006, Robert De Niro directed and starred in *The Good Shepherd*, a spy thriller about the CIA's formative years, and voiced 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 that $6 million was too high.
2007: Stardust release
In 2007, Robert De Niro's sole project was Matthew Vaughn's *Stardust*, a fantasy adventure film based on Neil Gaiman's novel. De Niro played Captain Shakespeare.
2008: Starring in Righteous Kill and What Just Happened
In 2008, Robert De Niro starred in the police thriller *Righteous Kill* opposite Al Pacino and in the satirical comedy *What Just Happened*, screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
2009: Kennedy Center Honoree
In 2009, Robert De Niro was announced as one of the Kennedy Center Honorees, with Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep honoring him at the event.
2009: Starring in Everybody's Fine
In 2009, Robert De Niro was cast as Frank Goode in the drama *Everybody's Fine*, a remake of an Italian film.
2009: De Niro's collection opened to the public
In 2009, Robert De Niro's collection of film-related materials at the Harry Ransom Center opened to the public.
2010: Appearances in Machete, Stone, and Little Fockers
In 2010, Robert De Niro had a minor role in *Machete*, starred in *Stone* opposite Milla Jovovich and Edward Norton, and starred in *Little Fockers*, the second sequel to *Meet the Parents*.
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: Roles in Manuale d'amore 3, Killer Elite, Limitless, and New Year's Eve, and Cannes Film Festival jury president
In 2011, Robert De Niro starred in *Manuale d'amore 3*, *Killer Elite*, *Limitless*, and *New Year's Eve*. He 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 for the Cannes Film Festival despite previously stating he would not return to France.
2012: Silver Linings Playbook Release and Executive Producer for NYC 22
In 2012, Robert De Niro appeared in Silver Linings Playbook as the father of Pat Solatano and 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', which was a critically acclaimed film.
2012: Starring in Being Flynn, Red Lights and Freelancers
In 2012, Robert De Niro starred in the drama *Being Flynn*, based on the memoir *Another Bullshit Night in Suck City*, and also appeared in the thrillers *Red Lights* and *Freelancers*.
2013: Attended Shimon Peres's birthday celebration and conference
In 2013, Robert De Niro attended Israeli President Shimon Peres's 90th birthday celebration and the Israeli Presidential conference, praising Peres.
2013: Roles 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, which received negative responses, and Last Vegas, which garnered some respectable reviews. Additionally, he starred in Grudge Match with Sylvester Stallone and The Bag Man.
2014: Move to 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: Robert De Niro appeared in Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr.
In 2014, Robert De Niro appeared in Remembering the Artist Robert De Niro Sr., a documentary about his father, which aired on HBO.
2014: Appeal of Property Tax Assessment Decision
In 2014, the trust's lawyers appealed the 2006 decision regarding the property tax assessment of Robert De Niro's Gardiner estate, leading to public outcry and De Niro withdrawing the suit and reimbursing the town's legal bills.
2015: Appeared 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 the biographical drama Joy.
2015: Partnered with James Packer in Nobu and Nobu Hotel opened in Manila
In 2015, Robert De Niro partnered with James Packer in Nobu, and the second Nobu Hotel opened at City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines.
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 the annual celebrity gala for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, where the event successfully raised $38 million for the organization.
2016: Starred in Dirty Grandpa, Hands of Stone, and The Comedian
In 2016, Robert De Niro co-starred in Dirty Grandpa, appeared in Hands of Stone, and 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, citing his personal experience with his autistic son, Elliot, as the reason for his interest. However, the film was later withdrawn from the festival schedule after consultations with festival organizers and the scientific community.
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 the efficacy of vaccines.
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 critical praise and an Emmy nomination.
October 2018: Targeted by Explosive Device
In October 2018, Robert De Niro was targeted with an explosive device found at the Tribeca Grill in Manhattan, where his production company is located. 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 Graham Chase Robinson
In August 2019, Robert De Niro's company, Canal Productions, filed a $6-million lawsuit against former employee Graham Chase Robinson for breach of fiduciary duties.
October 2019: Harassment and Gender Discrimination Lawsuit
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 Scorsese for The Irishman, which received critical acclaim.
2019: Release of 'The Irishman'
In 2019, Robert De Niro starred in 'The Irishman', which was a critically acclaimed film.
2019: Portrayal of Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live and Emmy Nomination
In 2019, Robert De Niro won acclaim for portraying Robert Mueller on Saturday Night Live, earning him an Emmy nomination. He also received an Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on When They See Us.
May 2020: Apple TV+ co-financed and co-distributed Killers of the Flower Moon
In May 2020, it was announced that Apple TV+ would co-finance and co-distribute Killers of the Flower Moon with Paramount due to the film's large budget.
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 poorest performing film
As of 2020, Robert De Niro's 2004 film *Godsend* is considered to be his poorest performing film.
January 2021: De Niro signed on for Amsterdam
In January 2021, Robert De Niro signed on for the historical comedy Amsterdam, playing an army veteran.
April 19, 2021: Divorce Hearing and Financial Disputes
On April 19, 2021, during a virtual divorce hearing, Robert De Niro's lawyer claimed that De Niro was "working at an unsustainable pace" to support Grace Hightower and pay off back taxes. Hightower's lawyer alleged that De Niro had been "unfairly decreasing" agreed-upon payments to her since they filed for divorce in 2018.
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: Release of Amsterdam
In October 2022, Amsterdam was released, featuring Robert De Niro in the ensemble cast.
December 2, 2022: Release of Savage Salvation
Robert De Niro appeared in Savage Salvation as Sheriff Church, which was released on December 2, 2022.
2022: Six of De Niro's films inducted into 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: Announced to produce and star 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.
April 2023: Welcoming Daughter Gia
In April 2023, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a daughter named Gia, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
July 2023: Death of Grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
In July 2023, Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, through his daughter Drena, passed away at the age of 19. The cause of death was determined to be a combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and cocaine.
November 2023: Verdict in Robinson Lawsuit
In November 2023, a jury found Robert De Niro not personally liable for gender discrimination but ordered his production company to pay Graham Chase Robinson $1.2 million in damages.
2023: Appeared in About My Father and Nada, and premiered Ezra at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2023, Robert De Niro appeared in the comedy About My Father, the television series Nada, and the film Ezra premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2023: Played William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon
In 2023, Robert De Niro played William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Scorsese, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2023: Release of 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
In 2023, Robert De Niro starred in 'Killers of the Flower Moon', which was a critically acclaimed film.
2024: Support for Joe Biden and Criticism of Donald Trump
In 2024, Robert De Niro supported President Joe Biden for re-election and backed Kamala Harris' campaign after Biden withdrew. Previously, De Niro criticized President Donald Trump, comparing his politics to fascism and labeling him a "buffoon".
2024: Leadership award withdrawn
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.
2024: Ezra theatrical release
In 2024, the film Ezra, starring Robert De Niro, is set for theatrical release after being acquired by Bleecker Street.
2025: Zero Day premiere
In 2025, the limited series Zero Day, produced and starring Robert De Niro, is scheduled to premiere.
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