Robert De Niro: From Forgotten Frankenstein Monster to Nobu Regular – The Legend Behind the Icon
When you hear the name Robert De Niro, 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 the iconic roles lies a treasure trove of stories that rarely make the front pages. We've spoken to people in the know and delved into the archives to uncover five surprising sides to the legend you might not know.
Revisiting a Forgotten Horror Gem
Did you know that 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 De Niro himself. With hours of prosthetic makeup and an intensity to match his finest performances, he crafted a hauntingly human figure. The film was overlooked at the time, but there's now a quiet buzz about it making a comeback on streaming services. It's a 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 respected abstract expressionist painter who exhibited at major galleries in the fifties and sixties. Their father-son relationship was complex, but deeply felt. A few years back, a poignant documentary, Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr., was released, in which his son speaks candidly about his father's struggle for recognition and their bond. Those who've seen it describe it as a moving portrait of a man often overshadowed by 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, you'll often find him 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. Word has it he even has a regular table, and the staff know exactly what he wants before he even says 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 the 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, if the regulars are to be believed.
- Musical Mark: 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 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 box of cod, remember that there's a whole lifetime of stories behind every single glance. And if you fancy seeing him under all that prosthetic make-up, check your streaming services – the monsters are waiting.