One of the greatest American actors of his generation, Robert De Niro (born 1943) is known for his total immersion in roles. Whether driving a cab to prepare for Taxi Driver or gaining 60 pounds to play boxer Jake La Motta in Raging Bull, De Niro studies his characters intensely. The Oscar-winning actor is best known for his roles in gangster-related films such as The Godfather, Part II.

In a 1976 interview, De Niro explained his approach to preparing for a role. "Actors must expose themselves to the surroundings and keep their minds obsessed with that," he said. "... I always look at everything. ... If you don't practice, you don't know your subject and it can't be natural... You've got to physically and mentally become that person you are portraying."

Bobby Milk

De Niro was born in New York City on August 17, 1943. His father, Robert De Niro Sr., was a sculptor, painter...