Why acting legend Robert De Niro doesn’t see himself as one of the greats

Hollywood is full of giant egos and false modesty but there is one acting legend who doesn’t think he is one of the greats despite his iconic status.

While Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential actors of his generation, the humble star doesn’t see himself in this light.

The 81 year old acting icon made the surprising revelation while chatting with The Guardian at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where he was awarded the honorary Palme d’Or prize for his notable body of work over his prestigious career.

“I still don’t see myself as great,” he told the publication.

“When you go home and talk to your significant other, believe me, you’re not great.”

The veteran film star accepted the prestigious accolade on the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival from one-time co-star Leonardo DiCaprio.

The Wolf of Wall Street star gave a lengthy tribute to his former co-star and said that as a young actor growing up in Los Angeles, every one of his peers watched De Niro’s work.

“We studied him, trying to understand how he immersed himself so completely in his characters. He created the blueprint,” DiCaprio told the audience.

“He wasn’t just another great actor, he was the actor.”

However, De Niro, who turns 82 in August, told The Guardian that people now look at him “a little different” and that age changes things, “that’s for sure”.

“If you’re walking down a couple of stairs you get people coming to help you,” De Niro said.

“I’ve realised now I’m older that people look at me a little different.

“But I’m old, it could be worse.”

While perceptions may change it hasn’t stopped De Niro from living a full and vibrant life, as he explained in a previous interview.

During an emotional discussion with AARP The Magazine, the Oscar-winning actor expressed the profound impact of fatherhood on his life, particularly as he welcomed his daughter, Gia.

The seasoned actor, who has enthralled audiences for decades with his incredible performances, appeared visibly moved as he spoke about his latest addition to the family.

“I’m an 80-year-old dad and it’s great,” he said.

“Everything that I’m consumed with or worried about or this and that just goes away when I look at her so that in itself is wondrous.

“She has a very sweet kind of way of looking at you and just taking you in and my other daughter Helen had that too.”

De Niro has a rich family history, with six other children stemming from past relationships with three different women.

Among his offspring is Raphael De Niro, who made his mark alongside his father in the classic film Raging Bull alongside actress and singer Diahnne Abbott.

In addition to his biological children, De Niro embraced fatherhood by adopting Abbott’s daughter from a previous relationship. Furthermore, he is a proud father of twin sons, born to actress Toukie Smith, and has also welcomed a son and daughter into the world with socialite and actress Grace Hightower.

-with PA and BANG.