Ahead of Robert De Niro’s 80th birthday: Some unknown facts about the “Taxi Driver” actor

Robert De Niro is a legend, he is an icon and there is no other performer whose presence alone can fill the frame. As the legendary actor turns a year older, we take a look at his journey through some lesser-known facets of his life that have contributed to his unparalleled legacy.

• Robert De Niro was actually a twin! Born on August 17, 1943, he entered the world moments before his brother, who unfortunately died in infancy due to complications during birth. This early experience of loss would go on to shape De Niro's emotional depth in his performances.

• It is a known fact that De Niro is known for his method acting, which can be seen in his performance of Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976). For the role he obtained a taxi licence, worked 12-hour shifts, and even changed his appearance by getting a cab driver's haircut. This eventually earned him an Academy Award nomination.

• Such is the prowess of his acting, his expressive eyes, and his emotive face that for the role of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974), he won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role without uttering a single word of English throughout the film.

• De Niro is no stranger to extreme physical transformations for his roles. For Raging Bull (1980), he gained 60 pounds to portray Jake LaMotta during his later years. And then for Cape Fear (1991), he transformed his body to showcase a menacing physique.

• Beyond his acting geniuses, De Niro is also a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 as a way to revitalize Lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks.

• One should not be surprised to learn that De Niro's connection to his Italian heritage is profound. He is fluent in Italian and has even acted in Italian films, including The Ages of Love (2011), performing his lines in the language without any dubbing.

• Very few are aware of the fact that De Niro shared the screen with a cat in Meet the Parents (200-2010).

• De Niro was bestowed an honorary knighthood by the Italian government for his contributions to the arts, keeping his connection to his roots intact.

On his birthday, these lesser-known facts paint a richer picture of the man behind the memorable characters.