Born on August 17, 1943, Robert De Niro was raised in Greenwich Village, New York City, by his parents, Robert Sr. and Virginia, both painters. After his parents separated when he was two, his mother worked as a copywriter to support them. Growing up, De Niro was influenced by the neighborhood's diverse environment, developing an early fascination with the local 'tough guys' of Little Italy. He decided to pursue acting at age ten and left school at 16 to focus on his craft, performing in Off-Off Broadway productions before making his film debut in 1968's "Greetings." He garnered early recognition for his role in "Bang the Drum Slowly" and achieved critical and popular acclaim starting in 1973 with dynamic performances. De Niro earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the young Vito Corleone in "The Godfather, Part Two" (1974) and captivated audiences as a psychopathic cab driver in Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" (1976). His commitment to roles was evident when he gained significant weight to play boxer Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull" (1980), a performance that earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He further solidified his reputation with roles in films such as "GoodFellas," "Awakenings," "Cape Fear," and "Casino."
In addition to his acting career, De Niro ventured into directing with "A Bronx Tale" in 1993, receiving favorable critical reviews. He also established the Tribeca Film Center in downtown Manhattan in 1988 and co-founded the Tribeca Grill restaurant with business partner Jane Rosenthal. His contributions to cinema were recognized by his peers on March 9, 1991, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. De Niro is known for his intensely private nature, preferring to avoid media attention and residing in the Tribeca district, an area he discovered while filming "Raging Bull." He is recognized by colleagues as a perfectionist who meticulously researches his roles. His personal life has included several significant relationships: a marriage to actress Diahanne Abbott from 1976 to 1988, during which they adopted two children, Drena and Raphael; a long-term relationship with model Toukie Smith, with whom he had twin sons via a surrogate mother in October 1995; and a marriage to Grace Hightower on June 17, 1997, with whom he had a son in March 1998. The latter relationship experienced periods of separation and reconciliation. In October 2003, De Niro announced a diagnosis of prostate cancer, with a reported excellent prognosis.
The essence of this individual is a radiant Leo Sun, burning with a desire for self-expression and creative vitality, yet deeply anchored within the material world of the second house. This placement suggests a powerful drive to build a life of value, finding security and self-worth through tangible achievements and personal resources. However, the Ascendant in Cancer softens this fiery core, cloaking the Leo lion in the gentle, nurturing embrace of the Crab. This creates an outward persona that is deeply sensitive, intuitive, and protective of loved ones. The world often perceives someone who is emotionally attuned, seeking comfort and offering a safe harbor, even as the inner sun blazes with pride and a need for recognition. There's a fascinating duality here: a bold spirit often masked by a tender, home-oriented exterior, leading to a deep-seated need to feel secure both in their possessions and in their emotional bonds.
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