By Marla Eggar

Hollywood dignitary Robert De Niro is the ultimate supreme when it comes to actors. He’s given life to memorable characters like: Jake LaMotta (Raging Bull) John “Johnny Boy” Civello (Mean Streets) and the iconic young Vito Corleone (Godfather 2) and Jimmy Conway (Goodfellas) to name just a few amazing roles he given us. Robert De Niro has led a fascinating career and inspiring life. While it would be impossible to list all of his achievements in his 74 year time span I’ve instead jotted down some little known facts, for some, about both De Niro’s career and life:

1.) In 2004 De Niro was named the Greatest Living Actor by Britain Empire Magazine.

2.) The “You talking to me?” line was coined Britain’s favorite movie catchphrase.

3.) In the movie Raging Bull De Niro gained 60 pounds midway through the film to accurately portray his character, Jake LaMotta.

4.) De Niro is the cofounder of the New York Tribeca film Festival. The Tribeca film Festival was put together in a matter of four months as a response to bring New York together after the September 11th.

5.) Robert De Niro is not only a food fanatic but a restaurant owner. He and business partner Drew Nieporent are co-owners of the swanky Japanese fusion restaurant NOBU.

6.) De Niro’s father Robert Senior was an abstract expressionism artist. His paintings have been exhibited throughout the US and Europe.

7.) De Niro was inducted into the Italian Hall alongside Sophia Loren in 2002.

8.) De Niro dropped out of school at the age of 16 to pursue his acting career.

9.) De Niro’s first film debut was The Wedding Party released in 1969.

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