Robert De Niro

American actor (b. August 17 1943) who frequently appears in Martin Scorsese films. Noted for his commitment to his roles, De Niro gained over 40 pounds for his portrayal of Jake Lamotta in Raging Bull and learned to play the saxophone for Scorsese's film New York, New York. Also noted for being one of two people winning an Academy Award for portraying the same person: he won for playing Vito Corleone in The Godfather, Part II, whereas Marlon Brando won for the portrayal in The Godfather.

Selected filmography:

• The Godfather, Part II

• Taxi Driver

• The Deer Hunter

• Once Upon a Time in America

• Midnight Run

• Goodfellas

• Awakenings

• Cape Fear

• A Bronx Tale

• Casino

• Heat (with Al Pacino)

• Sleepers

• Wag the Dog

• Jackie Brown

• Ronin

• Analyze This

• 15 Minutes