Actor Files: Robert DeNiro

So, as previously mentioned, I will be regularly "bigging up" actors and directors that I admire unashamedly. This week, we offer maximum respect to the best...Robert DeNiro.

Born in Manhattan's Little Italy district in 1943, DeNiro grew up with the nickname Bobby Milk, due to his complexion. He began acting in high school and began studying at the Stella Adler Conservatory upon leaving. Eager to 'get his face out there' he started acting in small-time films such as Bang The Drum Slowly. Then followed a chance encounter with an director (from 'da neighbahood') about to shoot his first film, Martin Scorcese. What followed was Mean Streets, with DeNiro blowing everyone else off the screen as the demented Johnny Boy. The rest, as they say, is history.

"I've never been one of those actors who has touted myself as a fascinating human being. I had to decide early on whether I was to be an actor or a personality"

The Godfather (part II) came next, earning him his first Academy Award and he instantly became recognized as one of the best young actors around. From then on, he grew into the screen legend we know today. Just looking at his past work makes me shudder: Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Raging Bull, The King Of Comedy, Once Upon A Time In America, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, Frankenstein, Casino, Heat. It's just ridiculous how good this man is.

"It's important not to indicate. People don't try to show their feelings, they try to hide them"

Even his comedy stuff like Midnight Run, Meet The Parents, Analyze This, it's all just brilliant work that other actors (like myself) would only dream of. He does it effortlessly. Talented git.

For me his best performance will always be Raging Bull, purely because I would one day love to say "Your mudda's an animal ya son of a bitch!" to someone, but there's several others that come bloody close.

Mr. DeNiro, we salute you.