Follow Italianism

Hello, what do you want to look for?

Italianism – News about ItalyItalianism – News about Italy

Made in Italy: Stars of the world

Robert De Niro and Italian heritage: from Molise to stardom

Robert De Niro has roots in Ferrazzano/Molise, southern Italy, and preserves his connection with his Italian ancestry.

Robert De Niro: the influence of Italian origins on the actor's career
Robert De Niro: the influence of Italian origins on the actor's career

American actor Robert De Niro, winner of two Oscars, has a deep connection with Italy, especially with the city of Ferrazzano, province of Campobasso, in the region of Molise, where his paternal great-grandparents came from.

This Italian heritage influenced his personal and professional life, reflecting on his performance and his involvement with Italian culture.

Italian ancestry

Robert Anthony De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in New York City. He is the only child of visual artists Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral.

His father was of Italian and Irish origin; his mother was of Dutch, English, French and German ancestry.

The actor's paternal great-grandparents, Giovanni DiNiro (born April 18, 1864) and Angelina Mercury (October 22, 1877), were natives of Ferrazzano, in the Molise region, southern Italy.

Giovanni Di Niro became John De Niro in the US
Giovanni Di Niro became John De Niro in the US

They emigrated together to the United States in 1887 and they got married five years later, in 1892.

The original surname, “Di Niro”, was changed to “De Niro” during the immigration process — a common error in records of the time, caused by pronunciation or transcription errors.

Connection with Ferrazzano

In 2004, Robert De Niro was granted honorary citizenship of Ferrazzano, recognizing his connection to his ancestors' hometown. Two years later, in 2006, he was granted Italian citizenship while also retaining his American citizenship.

De Niro has publicly expressed his pride in his Italian roots and frequently visits Italy. In interviews, he has highlighted the influence of Italian culture on his life and career.

Robert De Niro Says His Daughter Gia Looks Just Like Him When She Was A Baby | Photo: Family Album

Influence on artistic career

De Niro's Italian heritage is evident in many of his film roles. Notable performances include The Godfather Part II, where he played a young Vito Corleone, and Once Upon a Time in America. Additionally, his collaboration with director Martin Scorsese has resulted in iconic works that explore the Italian-American experience.

De Niro as Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, 1974 | Photo: Publicity

De Niro is also a co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, which celebrates cultural diversity and promotes independent cinema.

Genealogy

Robert Anthony De Niro
Born August 17, 1943, New York, USA
Son of Robert Henry De Niro Sr. e Virginia Admiral

Paternal grandparents:

  • Henry Martin De Niro (1897-1976)
    • Son of Giovanni Di Niro and Angelina Mercurio, immigrants from Ferrazzano, Molise, Italy.
  • Helen M. O'Reilly (1899-1999)
    • Of Irish descent.

Maternal grandparents:

  • Donald Admiral
    • Of Dutch and English descent.
  • Alice Caroline Groman
    • Of German and French descent.

This article is part of the series “Made in Italy: World Stars”, in Italianism, celebrating international personalities with Italian roots.

COMMENTS

Recommended for you

Daily

Italy approves the issuance of Italian ID cards for residents abroad during temporary visits to the country.

Destinations

Learn how to get around Italy during transport strikes with practical tips for trains, buses, flights, and apps.

Citizenship

Bonuses boost anticipation of citizenship hearings in Italy

Citizenship

Italian justice system redistributes citizenship cases and brings forward hearings to speed up trials.

Eat and drink

Three Italian cities top the ranking of the world's 100 best food cities. One of them surprisingly missed the top spot.

Citizenship

Italian diplomats accused of selling illegal visas; agency headed by Tajani under investigation.

Italy in Brazil

Appointed new honorary vice-consul in Santos, Mauro Sammarco will perform limited consular duties.

Citizenship

From June 2026, Italians abroad will be able to apply for an electronic identity in Italy.

Citizenship

Consulates lose their role in the recognition of Italian citizenship and other services.

Citizenship

Italy may remove citizenship processes from consulates starting in 2028.

Citizenship

The Italian Supreme Court will rule in January on two cases that could change the rules on citizenship by descent.

Destinations

With bresaola in particular, Valtellina wins gastronomic tourism award.