Robert De Niro: From Forgotten Frankenstein Monster to Regular at Nobu – The Stories Behind the Legend

When you hear the name Robert De Niro, most minds go straight to Taxi Driver, the Godfather films, or Raging Bull. He's simply one of the greatest actors the world has ever seen. But behind those iconic roles lies a bunch of stories that rarely make the front pages. We've had a chat with people in the know and dug through the archives to uncover five sides of the legend you might not be familiar with.

Revisiting a Forgotten Horror Gem

Did you know Robert De Niro once played Frankenstein's monster? It was back in the '90s when a famous British director took on the classic Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and in the lead role as the tragic creature, you'll find De Niro himself. Under hours of prosthetics and with an intensity to match his finest performances, he created a creepily human character. The film was overlooked at the time, but right now, there's a rumour it's making a comeback on streaming services. It's a solid reminder that even a superstar can have hidden gems that deserve a second life.

A Father's Shadow: Robert De Niro, Sr.

Few people realise that Robert De Niro's artistic streak comes from his father. Robert De Niro, Sr. was a recognised abstract expressionist painter who exhibited at major galleries during the '50s and '60s. Their father-son relationship was complex, but deep. A few years back, a poignant documentary, Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr., was released, where the son honestly talks about his father's struggle for recognition and their bond. People who've seen it describe it as a touching portrait of a man who often stood in the shadow of his famous son, but whose art lives on.

He Always Orders the SAME Thing at Nobu

When De Niro's not in front of the camera, he's often found at his own sushi restaurant, Nobu (yes, he's a co-owner). But no matter what's on the menu, he never goes for the catch of the day. Industry insiders say he consistently orders the black cod misozuke. Word has it he even has a regular table, and the staff know exactly what he wants before he gets a word out. There's something almost method-acting about it – when he finds something he likes, he sticks with it. A bit like his choice of roles.

• The monster with a soul: De Niro's Frankenstein is available to stream right now on the major platforms.
• Father's art: The documentary about Robert De Niro Sr. is a must-watch for art lovers.
• Sushi obsession: Black cod at Nobu – every single time, if you ask the regulars.
• Musical footprint: The '80s hit "Robert De Niro's Waiting" by Bananarama wasn't actually about the actor, but the band used his name as a symbol of a dreamy waiting period. Still, we love the reference.

A Man of Many Layers

Whether it's as a gangster, a boxer, a monster, or a sushi connoisseur – Robert De Niro always manages to be both iconic and unpredictable. Next time you're watching an old film of his, or sitting with a takeaway container of cod, just remember that behind every stare lies a whole lifetime of stories. And if you feel like seeing him under all that prosthetics, check your streaming services – the monsters are waiting.