Robert De Niro’s new mob movie is his last shot at earning millions as lavish lifestyle drains his wealth
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert De Niro, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, is back in the spotlight but not just for his craft.
At 81, the 'Goodfellas' legend is taking on yet another mob role in 'The Alto Knights', a move some insiders claim is more about financial survival than artistic ambition, reported Radar Online.
Hollywood icon Robert De Niro juggles finances, family, and fame at 81
Robert De Niro is throwing himself into another gangster flick, reportedly out of financial necessity. Insiders say the Oscar-winning icon is "desperate" to rake in millions as his extravagant lifestyle, hefty alimony payments, and sprawling family are rapidly draining his wealth.
The 'Goodfellas' star has been picking up roles in everything, from major films to commercials, all to keep up with the staggering financial demands of his personal life. He owns nearly 20 hotels worldwide and reportedly has plans for even more. But it's his divorce from ex-wife Grace Hightower that really took a chunk out of his fortune.
De Niro and Hightower separated in 2018 after 21 years of marriage. She receives $1 million in annual alimony, $6 million for a new home, and half the proceeds from their $20 million marital residence.
Now with girlfriend Tiffany Chen, 45, and their one-year-old daughter, his seventh child, De Niro’s financial obligations have only expanded. As his lawyer bluntly put it during his legal battle with Hightower, the actor takes on "every project that comes along" just to stay afloat to fund his ex-wife’s obsession with Stella McCartney designer outfits and million-dollar diamond rings.
His attorney, Caroline Krauss, suggested that the steep price of his divorce might shed light on his career choices going from iconic roles in 'The Godfather Part II' and 'The Deer Hunter' to starring in 'The War With Grandpa' and even appearing in a commercial for British bread brand Warburtons.
Speaking to a Manhattan judge, Krauss argued, "While he loves his craft, he should not be forced to work at this prodigious pace because he has to. When does that stop? When does he get the opportunity to not take every project that comes along and not work six-day weeks, 12-hour days, so he can keep pace with Ms Hightower's thirst for Stella McCartney?"
De Niro and Hightower share two children - son Elliott and daughter Helen Grace. The legendary actor also has two children with former wife Diahnne Abbott, as well as twin sons with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith.
Robert De Niro returns to mafia genre with 'The Alto Knights'
Robert De Niro is stepping back into familiar territory with 'The Alto Knights', an upcoming crime drama that marks his return to the mobster genre but with a twist. The legendary actor isn’t just playing one notorious gangster, he’s portraying two.
De Niro takes on the roles of infamous crime figures Vito Genovese and Frank Costello in the film directed by veteran filmmaker Barry Levinson.
Set to release on March 21, 'The Alto Knights' (formerly titled 'Wise Guys') boasts an impressive creative team, including Nicholas Pileggi, the screenwriter behind 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino'. With Pileggi’s deep knowledge of the mafia and Levinson’s directing prowess, 'The Alto Knights' has the potential to deliver a gripping mob drama.
