Robert De Niro is an American actor and film producer known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese.
He has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
De Niro’s notable films include The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Heat, Casino, Joker and The Irishman.
Apart from acting, he has also directed films like A Bronx Tale and The Good Shepherd.
De Niro’s versatility and ability to embody various roles have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation, with critics praising his transformative performances.
| Net worth | $500 million |
| Profession | Actor, film producer |
| Date of birth | August 17, 1943 |
| Nationality | American |
Background and early life
De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in New York City to Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral, both artists.
His parents split when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his mother.
De Niro’s interest in acting began at a young age, leading him to drop out of high school at 16 to pursue acting studies at the Stella Adler Conservatory.
His interest in acting began at a young age, leading him to drop out of high school at 16 to pursue acting studies at the Stella Adler Conservatory.
De Niro He made his stage debut at 10 and later attended the High School of Music and Art before transitioning to public school.
As a teenager, he briefly joined an Italian street gang.
De Niro’s early career saw him excel under Lee Strasberg’s mentorship and gain recognition for his roles in films like Bang The Drum Slowly and Mean Streets, marking the start of his successful collaboration with director Martin Scorsese.
Robert De Niro net worth
Robert De Niro’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million.
He accumulated his substantial net worth of around $500 million through a combination of successful acting career, strategic business ventures and investments.Â
De Niro’s earnings primarily come from acting, where he has commanded significant paychecks for iconic roles in films like The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull and Goodfellas.
Additionally, he co-founded the Nobu restaurant chain in 1994, which has expanded to over three dozen restaurants and eight luxury hotels, contributing significantly to his wealth.
He also co-owns the Tribeca Grill in New York and founded Tribeca Enterprises, which includes the Tribeca Film Festival.
De Niro’s real estate investments, including properties in New York City and California, further bolster his financial standing.
His ability to diversify his income streams, from acting to business ventures, has been instrumental in amassing his impressive net worth.
Career earnings
De Niro’s career earnings have been substantial, reflecting his success and longevity in the entertainment industry.
His earnings evolved significantly over the years, starting with modest pay of $50 for his first acting role in the early 1960s.
By the mid-70s, after winning an Oscar for The Godfather Part II, he was making $200,000 per movie.
Despite his rising stardom, De Niro took a significant pay cut to $35,000 for his iconic role in Taxi Driver, showcasing his dedication to the project.
His talent and commitment led to him becoming one of the highest-paid actors of his time, earning over $100,000 even for supporting roles.
In the 2000s, De Niro’s salary peaked at $14 million per film, solidifying his status as a top-earning actor.
Nobu restaurant chain
De Niro played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of the Nobu restaurant chain.
His partnership with celebrity chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper led to the opening of the first Nobu restaurant in New York’s Tribeca in 1994.
De Niro’s initial encounter with Matsuhisa at his Los Angeles restaurant sparked the idea of bringing Nobu’s unique cuisine to New York, despite Matsuhisa’s initial reluctance due to concerns about his existing restaurant’s stability.Â
His patience and belief in the project eventually led to the successful launch of Nobu New York, which marked the beginning of a global culinary empire that now includes 56 restaurants worldwide.
De Niro’s patience and belief in the project eventually led to the successful launch of Nobu New York, which marked the beginning of a global culinary empire that now includes 56 restaurants worldwide.
His involvement in Nobu extended beyond restaurants to include the development of Nobu Hotels, blending luxury hospitality with the brand’s signature style and cuisine.
De Niro’s involvement in Nobu extended beyond restaurants to include the development of Nobu Hotels, blending luxury hospitality with the brand’s signature style and cuisine.
His partnership with Matsuhisa and Teper exemplifies a successful fusion of talents and visions that transformed Nobu into a renowned international brand known for its exceptional dining experiences and upscale accommodations.
Tribeca Enterprises
Tribeca Enterprises, founded by De Niro and Jane Rosenthal in 2001, is an entertainment company that encompasses various programs and initiatives embracing storytelling in diverse forms such as film, television, online work, mixed reality, gaming and music.
Tribeca reimagines the cinematic experience, exploring how art can unite communities through cultural conversations.
Tribeca Studios, a part of Tribeca Enterprises, focuses on creating original entertainment and mentorship programs that activate cultural conversations through storytelling.
The company’s strong roots in independent film have made Tribeca synonymous with creative expression and entertainment.
Tribeca Enterprises brings artists and audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, championing emerging and established voices, discovering talent, curating innovative experiences and introducing new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations and live performances.
In 2019, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems acquired a majority stake in Tribeca Enterprises, uniting Rosenthal, De Niro, and Murdoch to further grow the enterprise.
Tribeca Grill
De Niro co-owns the Tribeca Grill, a renowned New American restaurant located in Tribeca, Manhattan, New York City.
Established in 1990, the restaurant is co-owned by De Niro along with Drew Nieporent and other celebrity investors like Bill Murray, Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, Ed Harris and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Tribeca Grill is not only known for its exceptional cuisine but also for its vibrant atmosphere, attracting a mix of locals and celebrities.
The restaurant features a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list and hosts various events, film premieres, wine dinners and parties for luminaries from different fields.
With a rich history and a central location in the Tribeca Film Center building, Tribeca Grill continues to be a beloved dining destination, offering a quintessential NYC experience enhanced by its star-studded ownership and legendary ambiance.
Car collection
De Niro’s car collection includes a GMC Yukon XL, a Cadillac Escalade ESV and a Maserati GranTurismo.
These vehicles reflect his preference for practicality over extravagant luxury, showcasing a mix of big American SUVs and an Italian sports car.
The GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV offer comfort and premium driving experiences with powerful engines, while the Maserati GranTurismo stands out for its sleek design and unique sound, featuring a 4.7-liter V8 engine capable of impressive performance.
De Niro’s choice of cars emphasizes functionality and elegance rather than ostentatious displays of wealth, aligning with his understated approach to vehicle ownership.
Real estate properties
De Niro’s real estate portfolio includes a diverse range of properties, showcasing his investment acumen and taste for architectural beauty.
His homes span various locations, from a 6000 square feet, five-bedroom architectural gem in Central Park Street to a compound in Gardiner, New York, featuring a 2,222 square foot main house on 98 acres of land.
De Niro’s real estate holdings also extend to a mansion in Gardiner, New York, valued at $6 million and a historic abode in the Big Apple.
Known for his savvy real estate investments, De Niro’s properties reflect his appreciation for unique architecture and prime locations, with his son, Raphael De Niro, even being involved in the real estate business.
These residences provide a glimpse into the Hollywood legend’s sophisticated taste and strategic approach to property ownership.
Early career
De Niro’s early career was marked by his dedication to honing his craft through intensive acting studies.
After dropping out of high school at 16, he pursued acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory and later with Lee Strasberg at the Actor’s Studio in New York City.
Known for his method acting approach, De Niro immersed himself in character investigation, learning from renowned teachers like Stella Adler.
He ventured into Off-Broadway plays before making his film debut in Greetings in 1968.
De Niro’s commitment to his roles and his ability to embody characters with depth and authenticity set the stage for his later success in the film industry.
Breakthrough
De Niro’s breakthrough in his acting career came at the age of 30 in 1973 with the film, Bang the Drum Slowly, where he earned glowing reviews for his portrayal of a dying baseball player.
This marked a significant turning point in his career, leading to a series of diverse and acclaimed roles.
De Niro’s breakthrough continued with roles such as a twisted Jerry Lewis-stalking comic in The King of Comedy, a drug-addicted ex-felon in Jackie Brown, a repressed priest in True Confessions, a zealous Jesuit in The Mission, a political strategist in Wag the Dog, an arson investigator in Backdraft and a Hollywood studio mogul in The Last Tycoon.
His ability to embody a wide range of characters, from intense and tormented individuals to comedic roles, showcased his versatility and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Notable films
De Niro’s notable films span a wide range of genres and showcase his exceptional talent as an actor.
Some of his most renowned works include The Godfather Part II, where he portrayed the young Vito Corleone, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In Taxi Driver, De Niro’s role as Travis Bickle in this Martin Scorsese film is considered one of his most memorable performances.
Raging Bull saw De Niro’s portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
His role as Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas is highly acclaimed, and in Heat, he stars alongside Al Pacino in this crime thriller, showcasing his versatility in complex roles.
These films, among others like Joker, The Irishman and The King of Comedy, highlight De Niro’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to a diverse array of characters, solidifying his status as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history.
Philanthropic efforts
De Niro is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various causes and charities.
He has been on the Advisory Committee of FilmAid International and has supported numerous charities such as the American Foundation for AIDS Research, Artists for Peace and Justice, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Elton John AIDS Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer.
De Niro’s philanthropic efforts extend to causes like adoption, fostering, orphans, cancer research, education, homelessness, human rights and veteran/service member support.
His commitment to charitable work reflects his genuine compassion for others and his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of entertainment.
Awards and accolades
De Niro, a highly acclaimed actor, has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career.
Notably, he has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Godfather: Part II in 1974 and Best Actor for Raging Bull in 1980.
De Niro has been nominated for the Academy Awards nine times, showcasing his consistent excellence in acting.
Additionally, he has received recognition from other prestigious institutions like the British Academy Film Awards, Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards for his outstanding performances in films such as Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Cape Fear, Silver Linings Playbook, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Beyond traditional awards, De Niro has also been honored with special awards like the Kennedy Center Honors and has been listed among the greatest actors of all time by various publications and organizations, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the entertainment industry.
Personal life
De Niro has been married twice.
His first wife was Diahnne Abbott, with whom he shares two children, namely Raphael and Drena.
De Niro adopted Drena from Abbott’s previous relationship.
After divorcing Abbott in 1988, he had a relationship with Toukie Smith, with whom he shares twin sons, Julian and Aaron.
In 1997, De Niro married his second wife, Grace Hightower, with whom he has two children, Elliot and Helen.
Despite their divorce in 2018, De Niro and Hightower remain dedicated parents to their children.
Additionally, De Niro welcomed his youngest child, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, in April 2023 with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
In total, Robert De Niro is the father of seven children: Drena, Raphael, Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen and Gia, each with their unique stories and contributions to the family.
Grace Hightower divorce battle
De Niro’s divorce battle with Grace Hightower has been a complex and drawn-out legal process.
The couple, who married in 1997, faced challenges in their relationship, leading to multiple attempts at divorce.
Despite reconciliations, their marriage ultimately ended in a high-profile divorce.
The legal proceedings involved disputes over custody, finances, and assets, with both parties presenting arguments regarding alimony, property division and lifestyle maintenance.
De Niro and Hightower’s divorce settlement included significant financial agreements, with details emerging about annual alimony payments and the division of assets.
The divorce battle between De Niro and Hightower has been characterized by legal complexities and negotiations over substantial sums of money, reflecting the challenges that can arise in high-profile celebrity divorces.
