Hello Lykkers!

Get ready to explore the more personal side of a screen legend known for being reserved and private. At the Cannes Festival, Robert De Niro offered rare glimpses into his life and career, not through long speeches or staged interviews, but through simple and heartfelt reflections.

Let’s take a look at seven moments that reveal how De Niro sees his past, his craft, and those who shaped him along the way.

De Niro’s Personal Keepsakes and Artistic Legacy

Preserving His Father's Studio

Robert De Niro has maintained his father’s art studio in New York exactly as it was for over 30 years. Everything from old clothing to brushes and canvases has been left untouched.

He created this space to help his children and extended family understand the importance of their roots. For him, it was a way to keep memories alive and show the creative atmosphere that defined part of his upbringing.

A Collector of On-Screen Memories

De Niro holds on to costumes, props, and marked-up scripts from his many roles. He began saving these items after realizing how easily they could be discarded after filming.

His collection eventually grew too large to manage personally, so parts of it were entrusted to institutions like the University of Texas and the Harry Ransom Center. This archiving is more than nostalgia—it reflects respect for the work done and the characters brought to life.

Family Memories and Creative Influence

Letters and Diaries Remained Closed for Years

Despite his deep connection to his parents, De Niro avoided reading their personal diaries and letters for decades. He admitted that he simply wasn't ready. It was only while collaborating with artist JR on a documentary that he allowed someone else to read them first.

This experience revealed new perspectives, such as discovering that some paintings thought to be by his father were actually done by his mother.

The Challenge of Speaking Openly

He Keeps His Words Few but Meaningful

De Niro has long been known for his short, often vague public comments. Even close colleagues, like Leonardo DiCaprio, have pointed out how rarely he speaks at length. However, when he does, every word is chosen carefully. It’s not shyness—it’s precision.

Encouraging Others to Push Him

Before starting work on the documentary, De Niro told JR to challenge him, even if he resisted. He admitted that the process is uncomfortable but necessary. While filming, they sometimes spend hours together, only to capture a few useful sentences. De Niro makes no promises, but he shows up, knowing some stories need to be shared—if not for himself, then for others.

Early Years and the Journey Into Acting

Life as a Young Traveling Performer

In his early days, De Niro joined a traveling theater group that performed in schools. It was a challenging experience, full of frequent moves and uncertainty. His mother once told him she hoped to hear his name on the radio someday.

These early roles weren’t glamorous—performing in places where local rules restricted public venues—but they shaped his discipline and commitment to performance.

Memories Tracked Through Letters

De Niro kept letters sent to his mother during these traveling years. These letters have helped him recall parts of his journey that were once blurry. They offer snapshots of a time when success was still a dream, and each performance was a step toward building something lasting.

Conclusion: A Quiet Voice with a Powerful Story

Robert De Niro may speak in short bursts and avoid personal spotlights, but when he opens up, his words carry weight. His efforts to preserve art, memories, and creative artifacts reflect a deep respect for those who influenced him and the work he has done. From saving props to maintaining his father’s studio, every action is a piece of a much larger story—one that quietly teaches the value of legacy, discipline, and family.