Robert De Niro Date of Birth: The Verified Details
Robert De Niro was born on August 17, 1943 in New York City, New York, USA. This date is consistently recorded in authoritative sources such as biographies, official biographies, and reputable media archives. Understanding his exact date of birth provides clear context for his age, career milestones, and the era in which he emerged as a leading figure in film. The following sections break down this information and related details with high-information gain clarity.
Why Birth Date Matters for Public Figures
A precise birth date anchors timelines for career milestones, legal eligibility, and historical context. For actors, it influences casting, awards eligibility (such as Oscars and Emmys), and generational positioning within an industry. Verifying a date like De Niro's helps separate fact from speculation and supports reliable reporting across biographies, journalism, and research.
Reliable Sources for Birth Information
Birth dates for prominent figures are typically documented in multiple reliable sources, including official biographies, census and vital records when accessible, and reputable media outlets. For De Niro, authoritative references include verified biographies, press kits from his representatives, and established databases maintained by film institutions. Cross-referencing these sources reduces errors and confirms consistency.
Robert De Niro at a Glance: Key Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Anthony De Niro | Official biographies |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1943 | Reputable media and reference databases |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA | Public records and biographical sources |
| Known For | Actor, producer, director | Career credits and filmographies |
| Notable Early Role | Mean Streets (1973) | Film archives and reviews |
| Major Awards | Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA | Academy and awards databases |
Context Around His Birth and Early Life
De Niro was born and raised in New York City, an environment rich with cultural and artistic influence. Growing up in Manhattan and later attending the High School of Performing Arts and other institutions, he trained in acting and laid the groundwork for his future craft. These formative years in New York shaped his approach to method preparation and commitment to roles, which later distinguished him in the industry.
Career Milestones Aligned With His Birth Date
With a birth year of 1943, De Niro came of age in the 1960s and rose to prominence in the 1970s. Key milestones align clearly with his age: his breakthrough in Mean Streets (1973) in his late 20s, iconic performances in the 1970s and 1980s such as Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, and continued work into his later decades. Knowing his date of birth makes it possible to map these achievements onto a reliable timeline.
Method Preparation and Role Immersion
De Niro is renowned for intense physical and vocal transformations, most famously gaining weight and learning a truck driver’s accent for Truck Turner and studying boxing for Raging Bull. These choices are easier to contextualize when tied to his career stage, which in turn is anchored by his verified birth date.
Comparing Key Career Periods by Age
- Late 1960s–Early 1970s: Entry into film and stage; apprenticeship roles.
- 1973–1980: Breakthrough and rise; transformative performances establish reputation.
- 1980–1990: Major dramatic roles and awards recognition; critical peak.
- 1990–2000: Expanding into directing and producing; continued iconic performances.
- 2000–Present: Sustained work across film, voice roles, and legacy projects.
Public Records and Legal Documentation
While entertainment media often highlight career achievements, legal and administrative records such as birth certificates, union membership documents, and early contract paperwork may contain precise birth information. For figures like De Niro, these documents support the widely reported date and are cross-checked by biographers and researchers to ensure accuracy.
Common Misconceptions and Corrections
Occasionally, confusion arises about celebrity ages due to misreported birthdays or ambiguous phrasing in older articles. By returning to verified sources—official biographies, reliable databases, and peer-reviewed references—the accurate date can be consistently confirmed as August 17, 1943, for Robert De Niro.