Robert de Niro

Robert De Niro, born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, is a legendary actor, director, and producer. Known for his intense dedication to his craft, De Niro has delivered some of the most memorable performances in film history. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become a symbol of method acting and has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Robert De Niro. Enjoy these fun facts as we explore the life of one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
Robert de Niro
1

Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds to play the older version of Jake LaMotta in 'Raging Bull', a transformation that earned him an Academy Award.

2

He is known for his method acting approach and once spent a month driving a taxi to prepare for his role in 'Taxi Driver'.

3

De Niro has a reputation for being very private, rarely giving interviews or discussing his personal life in public.

4

He turned down the role of Han Solo in 'Star Wars' before it was offered to Harrison Ford.

5

Robert De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 as a way to revitalize the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks.

6

He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Italy, thanks to his Italian heritage.

7

De Niro's father, Robert De Niro Sr., was a well-known abstract expressionist painter.

8

He learned to speak fluent Italian for his role in 'The Godfather Part II'.

9

De Niro is famous for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, having worked on nine films together.

10

He had a long-standing friendship with comedian and actor Robin Williams, with whom he starred in 'Awakenings'.

11

Robert De Niro is a restaurateur and co-owner of the Nobu restaurant chain.

12

He was considered for the role of Frank Serpico in the film 'Serpico', but it ultimately went to Al Pacino.

13

De Niro’s commitment to his roles is legendary; he had his teeth ground down for his part in 'Cape Fear' to look more menacing.

14

He played the role of both a young and old Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather Part II', a performance that won him an Academy Award.

15

Robert De Niro has six children and has been married twice, first to Diahnne Abbott and then to Grace Hightower.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone, born on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of Hollywood's brightest and most talented actresses. Known for her versatility and charm, Stone has earned critical acclaim for her performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. She won an Academy Award for her role in 'La La Land,' solidifying her place as one of the industry's top actresses. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Emma Stone. These fun facts provide a closer look into the life of a modern Hollywood star.
Emma Stone
1

Emma Stone's real name is Emily Jean Stone. She changed it to 'Emma' when she joined the Screen Actors Guild because her real name was already taken.

2

She made her television debut on the VH1 talent competition 'In Search of the Partridge Family' in 2004. There she won the role of Laurie Partridge.

3

Stone's breakthrough role came in the 2007 comedy 'Superbad', She starred here alongside Jonah Hill and Michael Cera.

4

She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Mia in 'La La Land' (2016). This role that required her to learn tap dancing and singing.

5

Emma Stone is a natural blonde but is known for her signature red hair. First time she dyed for her role in the 2007 film 'Superbad.'

6

She is an advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken openly about her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks.

7

Stone is a huge fan of the Spice Girls and has said that they were a major influence on her growing up.

8

She starred in the 2010 film 'Easy A,' which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. It also established her as a leading actress in Hollywood.

9

Stone has worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry. Names include Woody Allen, Damien Chazelle, and Alejandro González Iñárritu.

10

She is known for her close friendship with fellow actress Jennifer Lawrence. They often support each other in both their personal and professional lives.

11

Emma Stone has been in a relationship with 'Saturday Night Live' writer and director Dave McCary since 2017. The couple married in 2020.

12

She was the highest-paid actress in the world in 2017. Largely due to her role in 'La La Land' and other successful films.

13

Stone played Gwen Stacy in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' series. There she starred alongside Andrew Garfield, with whom she was in a relationship for several years.

14

She made her Broadway debut in the musical 'Cabaret'. She played the role of Sally Bowles in 2014-2015.

15

Emma Stone is known for her distinctive raspy voice. She has said is the result of frequent crying as a baby due to colic.

James Dean

James Dean, born on February 8, 1931, in Marion, Indiana, became an enduring symbol of youthful rebellion and tragic brilliance. Despite his brief career, Dean's impact on Hollywood and popular culture is immeasurable. His performances in 'Rebel Without a Cause,' 'East of Eden,' and 'Giant' have solidified his legacy as one of the most iconic actors of all time. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about James Dean. These fun facts delve into the life and legend of a Hollywood icon.
James Dean
1

James Dean was the first actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in 'East of Eden' (1955).

2

He was a passionate motor racing enthusiast and owned several motorcycles and sports cars, including the Porsche 550 Spyder he was driving at the time of his fatal accident.

3

Dean originally intended to become a lawyer but switched to acting after being encouraged by his mentor, actor James Whitmore.

4

He gained recognition for his method acting approach, often immersing himself completely in his characters' lives and emotions.

5

Winton and Mildred Dean had only one child, Dean, who was raised by his aunt and uncle on a farm in Fairmount, Indiana, after his mother died.

6

He was a close friend of actress Elizabeth Taylor, who starred alongside him in 'Giant.' Taylor was deeply affected by his untimely death.

7

James Dean is buried in Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Indiana, where his grave remains a pilgrimage site for fans from around the world.

8

Dean was a talented artist and musician, playing the bongo drums and the violin, and he also enjoyed painting and sculpting.

9

People recognized his love of reading, especially his fondness for the works of John Steinbeck, whose novel East of Eden inspired one of his most famous roles.

10

Dean's famous red jacket from 'Rebel Without a Cause' became an iconic symbol of teenage rebellion and is now part of the Warner Bros. archive.

11

He shared a brief but intense relationship with actress Pier Angeli, and many often compared their romance to the love story in Romeo and Juliet.

12

James Dean's untimely death at the age of 24 in a car accident has fueled numerous conspiracy theories and remains a subject of fascination.

13

The Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded him two stars, one for motion pictures and one for television, recognizing his contributions to both mediums.

14

Artists, musicians, and fashion designers have widely reproduced Dean's image, cementing his status as a cultural icon representing the spirit of youthful defiance.

15

Dean's limited filmography has not hindered his consistent ranking among the greatest actors in American cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of performers.