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.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington, born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, is one of Hollywood's most respected and versatile actors. Known for his powerful performances and commanding presence, Washington has built a career that spans over four decades, earning numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. He is also recognized for his work as a director and producer, as well as his philanthropic efforts. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Denzel Washington. Enjoy these fun facts as we explore the life of a true Hollywood legend.
Denzel Washington
1

 Denzel Washington has won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for 'Glory' (1989) and Best Actor for 'Training Day' (2001).

2

 He was named after his father, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., who was named after the doctor who delivered him.

3

 Washington initially considered a career in journalism and earned a degree in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University.

4

 He made his film debut in the 1981 film 'Carbon Copy'.

5

 Denzel Washington is known for his intense preparation for roles, including spending time with real-life counterparts of the characters he portrays.

6

 He turned down the role of Detective David Mills in 'Se7en', which eventually went to Brad Pitt.

7

 Washington directed and starred in the film 'Fences' (2016), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Viola Davis.

8

 He is a devout Christian and has often spoken about the importance of faith in his life and career.

9

 Denzel Washington was the second African American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, after Sidney Poitier.

10

 He has appeared in multiple films directed by Spike Lee, including 'Malcolm X' and 'Inside Man'.

11

 Washington is known for his generosity and has made significant donations to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Wiley College.

12

 He was offered the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the film 'Selma', but turned it down, believing the role should be played by a younger actor.

13

 Denzel Washington has been married to his wife, Pauletta, since 1983, and they have four children together.

14

 He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards.

15

 Washington has said that one of his favorite films that he starred in is 'Man on Fire' (2004), where he plays a former CIA operative turned bodyguard.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman, born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of Hollywood's most respected and distinguished actors. With a deep, resonant voice and commanding presence, Freeman has delivered powerful performances across a wide range of films and genres. Throughout his illustrious career, he has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, and has become one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Morgan Freeman. Enjoy these fun facts as we explore the life of a true cinematic legend.
Morgan Freeman
1

Morgan Freeman made his acting debut at the age of nine, playing the lead role in a school play.

2

He won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Million Dollar Baby' (2004).

3

Freeman has a private pilot's license, which he earned at the age of 65, and owns several aircraft.

4

Before becoming an actor, he served in the United States Air Force as an Automatic Tracking Radar Repairman.

5

Morgan Freeman was the first African American to play the role of God in a major film, starring in 'Bruce Almighty' and its sequel 'Evan Almighty'.

6

He has worked with director Clint Eastwood multiple times, including on 'Unforgiven' and 'Million Dollar Baby'.

7

Freeman's distinctive voice has made him one of the most sought-after narrators in the industry, lending his voice to documentaries, commercials, and films.

8

He co-founded the production company Revelations Entertainment, which focuses on producing thought-provoking films.

9

Morgan Freeman was offered the role of Nelson Mandela in 'Invictus', a role he had long wanted to play, and received critical acclaim for his portrayal.

10

He is an advocate for civil rights and has been involved in numerous social causes, including efforts to promote education and equality.

11

Freeman has a passion for sailing and owns a 38-foot sailboat named 'Afrodesia'.

12

He turned down the role of Pete in 'Ghost', which eventually went to Whoopi Goldberg.

13

In addition to his acting career, Freeman is also a successful restaurateur and co-owns a blues club in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

14

He has appeared in multiple films that have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, including 'Driving Miss Daisy', 'The Shawshank Redemption', and 'Million Dollar Baby'.

15

Morgan Freeman was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.