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Illustration shows Robert de Niro.
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Robert de Niro illustration 2013

By Chris Dinsdale

August 17, 2013 - American actor, director and producer Robert De Niro, whose performances have inspired and defined a generation, celebrates his 70th birthday.

One of the most respected screen actors of the past 40 years, Robert De Niro turns 70 on August 17. Renowned for his complete immersion in roles, the New Yorker has earned two Academy Awards in what has been a glittering career to date. In 1974, a young De Niro wowed critics with his portrayal of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, a performance that won him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He has often worked with Martin Scorsese, a longtime collaboration that has produced such landmarks as Mean Streets, Raging Bull, for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor, and Goodfellas. Despite thriving in an industry of celebrities and gossip the man remains fiercely protective of his private life.

Robert De Niro's background is set firmly in method acting, stemming from his time at Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio. This style defines his work, creating intense and compelling performances. Playing Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, which earned another Oscar nomination, De Niro brought to life one of the most iconic characters in film history with his unforgettable catchphrase, "You talkin' to me?". To prepare for this film he applied for a taxi licence, spending weeks honing his craft whilst working as a cab driver in New York City. More recent turns in comedies such as Meet The Fockers and Silver Linings Playbook have shown his versatility as an actor.

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PUBLISHED: 01/08/2013; STORY: Liam Bolton; PICTURES: Bob Hoare
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