Robert De Niro: From Forgotten Frankenstein to a 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 page. We've chatted with people in the know and dug through the archives to uncover five sides of the legend you might not know about.
Rediscovering a Forgotten Horror Gem
Did you know Robert De Niro once played Frankenstein's monster? It was back in the nineties 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. With hours of prosthetics and an intensity to match his best performances, he created a creepily human character. The film was overlooked at the time, but there's whispers it's due for 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 know that Robert De Niro's artistic streak comes from his dad. Robert De Niro, Sr. was a respected abstract expressionist painter who exhibited at major galleries back in the fifties and sixties. Their father-son relationship was complex, but deep. A few years back, a moving documentary, Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr., came out where the son openly 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 lived 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, you'll often find him at his own sushi spot Nobu (yep, 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 can get a word out. There's something almost method-acting about it – when he finds something he likes, he sticks with it. Kind of like his choice in roles.
- The monster with a soul: De Niro's Frankenstein is available to stream right now on the major platforms.
- Father's art: The doco on Robert De Niro Sr. is a must-watch for art lovers.
- Sushi obsession: Black cod at Nobu – every single time, if the regulars are to be believed.
- 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 tucking into a takeaway box of cod, just remember there's a whole lifetime of stories behind every look. And if you feel like seeing him under all that prosthetics, check your streaming services – the monsters are waiting.