Revisiting significant moments from his past and recounting poignant stories from the present, the 80-year-old double Oscar recipient engages in a reflective conversation with PEOPLE. As he peruses photographs capturing various stages of his life, from his upbringing in New York City to iconic roles in films such as Taxi Driver and his recent critically acclaimed performance that earned him an Oscar nomination, he also delves into his role as a father to seven children.
Born and raised in downtown New York City by artists Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral, De Niro reminisces about his mixed feelings towards his childhood, describing it as “okay” with a blend of fond and ordinary memories. Despite the ups and downs, he expresses gratitude for his New York upbringing and the experiences it afforded him.
Having left high school to pursue a career in acting, De Niro honed his craft at prestigious Manhattan institutions before venturing into Off-Broadway productions in the 1960s, marking the beginning of his illustrious film career.
His breakthrough came with the 1973 film Mean Streets, followed by his unforgettable portrayal of a young Vito Corleone in 1974’s The Godfather Part II, a role that earned him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Interestingly, De Niro was filming 1900 in Italy during the award ceremony and learned of his win through a phone call, reminiscing about the simpler times when landlines were the primary mode of communication.
Collaborating once again with Martin Scorsese in the 1976 classic Taxi Driver, De Niro brought the character of Travis Bickle to life, complete with a distinctive mohawk haircut. Despite the challenge of needing a different hairstyle for his next project, De Niro and makeup artist Dick Smith devised a clever solution with a mohawk cap, showcasing their creativity and adaptability.
His second Oscar win came for his transformative performance as boxer Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull, a role that required him to gain 60 pounds. De Niro candidly shares the physical and mental challenges he faced during this process, highlighting the dedication and discipline demanded by such a role.
Reflecting on his family life, De Niro opens up about his relationships with his children from various partners, expressing joy and contentment in his role as a father. He particularly gushes about his youngest daughter, Gia, born last April, describing her as an absolute delight who brings him immense joy and peace in the present moment.
In a heartwarming moment, De Niro shares his profound bond with Gia, emphasizing the pure happiness she brings him. The video accompanying the article delves deeper into De Niro’s experiences, including insights into his work on Meet the Parents and his involvement in founding a certain entity.