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

Mention Robert De Niro, and most people immediately think of 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 wealth of stories that rarely make the front pages. We've been talking to people in the know and digging 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 nineties when a renowned British director took on the classic Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and in the lead role as the tragic creature, you'll find none other than De Niro. With hours of prosthetic makeup and an intensity to match his finest performances, he crafted a chillingly human figure. The film was overlooked at the time, but there's currently word going around that it's due for a comeback on streaming services. It's a reminder that even a superstar can have hidden gems deserving of a second life.

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

Few people know that Robert De Niro's artistic streak comes from his father. Robert De Niro, Sr. was a respected abstract expressionist painter who exhibited at major galleries in the fifties and sixties. Their father-son relationship was complex, but profound. A few years ago, a poignant documentary, Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr., was released, in which his son honestly discusses his father's struggle for recognition and their bond. Those who've seen it describe it as a moving portrait of a man who often lived in the shadow of his famous son, but whose art lives on.

He ALWAYS Orders the Same Thing at Nobu

When De Niro isn't in front of the camera, he can often be found at his own sushi restaurant, Nobu (yes, he's a co-owner). But regardless of what's on the menu, he never goes for the catch of the day. Industry insiders say he consistently orders the black cod misozuke. Rumour has it he even has a regular table, and the staff know exactly what he wants before he's even uttered a word. There's something almost method-acting about it – when he finds something he likes, he sticks with it. Much like his choice of roles.

• The monster with a soul: De Niro's Frankenstein is available to stream right now on major platforms.
• A father's art: The documentary about Robert De Niro Sr. is a must-see for art lovers.
• Sushi obsession: Black cod at Nobu – every single time, so say the regulars.
• Musical footprint: The 80s hit "Robert De Niro's Waiting" by Bananarama wasn't actually about the actor at all, 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 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 watch an old film of his, or find yourself with a takeaway box of black cod, remember that a whole lifetime of stories lies behind every glance. And if you fancy seeing him under all that prosthetic makeup, check your streaming services – the monsters are waiting.