Robert de Niro

Oscar-winning Robert de Niro is one of the screen's finest and most consistent actors, having carved a unique niche for himself over a 21-year career. From "The Godfather Part II" and "The Deer Hunter" to "Cape Fear" he's amassed a list of acting credits that have impressed critics worldwide. His dedication to his art is legendary. In "Raging Bull", for example, he gained 60 pounds to "become" the elderly ex-boxer Jake la Motta, and he immerses himself in the lives of his characters weeks before shooting begins. Versatility is a touchstone too: from a Catholic priest in "True Confessions" to "Taxi Driver"'s homicidal Travis Bickle. Known as "the male Garbo" for his dislike of publicity, de Niro's personality and private life had previously been a closed book. Through the words of friends, directors and co-actors, Patrick Agan points a portrait of a shy and sensitive man who refuses to conform to his charismatic, often brutal, screen image.