82 And Unstoppable: Robert De Niro’s 2025 Comeback And Why Retirement Isn't An Option

The question "Is Robert De Niro still alive?" is a testament to the Hollywood legend's enduring legacy and prolific career, but the answer is a resounding yes. As of today, December 11, 2025, the two-time Academy Award winner is not only alive but is experiencing one of the most active and critically recognized periods of his late career, proving that at 82, he remains one of the most vital forces in cinema. His recent appearances at major film festivals, his candid comments on mortality, and a slate of major upcoming projects confirm that the icon of *Taxi Driver* and *The Godfather Part II* has no intention of slowing down, despite a recent minor health concern that briefly sparked public interest. This deep dive into Robert De Niro's current life and career will explore his latest honors, his highly anticipated 2025-2026 projects, and the personal moments that have defined his life as he enters his ninth decade. Far from being a figure of the past, De Niro is actively shaping the future of streaming and cinema, cementing his status as a timeless icon.

Robert De Niro: Biography and Current Status (2025)

Robert De Niro’s life is a masterclass in acting, directing, and producing, spanning over six decades. His recent activities in 2025 provide the most definitive proof of his continued presence and incredible work ethic. * Full Name: Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. * Date of Birth: August 17, 1943 * Age (as of Dec 2025): 82 * Place of Birth: Greenwich Village, New York City, U.S. * Occupations: Actor, Director, Producer * Notable Honors: Two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for *The Godfather Part II*, Best Actor for *Raging Bull*), Honorary Palme d'Or (2025), Cecil B. DeMille Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom. * Current Status: Alive and highly active, with multiple major film and streaming projects slated for late 2025 and 2026. * Recent Personal Update: Became a father for the seventh time in 2023 at age 79. He also recently dealt with the tragic loss of his grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, in 2023. * 2025 Major Honor: Received the Honorary Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement at the 78th Festival de Cannes in May 2025. * Recent Health Sighting: Was seen with a black arm sling in New York City in December 2025, which briefly raised health concerns, though no major injury was confirmed.

The 2025 Renaissance: Cannes Honor and Unstoppable Work Ethic

The year 2025 has been a landmark year for Robert De Niro, not for a single blockbuster, but for the recognition of his monumental lifetime contribution to the arts. His presence at the 78th Festival de Cannes in May 2025 was a defining moment.

Receiving the Honorary Palme d'Or

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Robert De Niro was presented with the Honorary Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, for his lifetime achievement. This honor placed him among an elite group of cinematic legends. His appearance was not just a nostalgic look back, but a celebration of an artist who continues to challenge himself and the industry. During his time at the festival, De Niro made headlines by addressing the topic of mortality, a subject that naturally arises when a person reaches their 80s. When asked if he feared death, the legendary actor delivered a characteristically straightforward response: "I don't have a choice." This candidness resonated deeply, showcasing his pragmatic approach to life and age. He also launched the trailer for a new documentary at the festival, further proving his commitment to new, diverse projects.

The Retirement Question: "Too Much Going On"

The sheer volume of his current work is the most compelling evidence that Robert De Niro is not only alive but thriving. At 81, he addressed the concept of retirement, dismissing it entirely. He openly stated that he has "too much going on" to consider stepping away from acting and producing. This statement perfectly encapsulates the drive of a man who has always been defined by his next role. His dedication to his craft, even at an advanced age, serves as an inspiration to many in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Upcoming Projects: De Niro’s Dominance in Film and Streaming (2025-2026)

The notion that Robert De Niro might be slowing down is entirely debunked by his slate of upcoming projects. He is actively involved in both major theatrical releases and high-profile streaming series, ensuring his presence remains ubiquitous. These projects demonstrate his willingness to embrace new formats, such as limited series, while also returning to his roots in the crime genre.

*Zero Day* (Netflix)

One of De Niro's most anticipated projects is the Netflix limited series *Zero Day*, which is expected to premiere in 2025. This political thriller marks a significant foray for the veteran actor into the world of major streaming series. * Genre: Political Drama, Thriller * Role: De Niro stars as a former U.S. President. * Co-Stars: The series features a strong cast, including Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, and Angela Bassett. * Intrigue: The plot revolves around a national crisis, placing De Niro's character at the center of political turmoil and potentially aiming for a tenth Oscar nomination for the actor.

*The Alto Knights* (Warner Bros.)

Returning to the crime genre that made him a legend, De Niro is set to star in the 2025 Warner Bros. film *The Alto Knights*. This project sees him taking on a dual role, a rare feat in his career, and is expected to be a major theatrical release. * Genre: Crime Drama * Role: De Niro plays both Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, two of the most notorious figures in the American Mafia. * Director: Barry Levinson, a frequent collaborator, is at the helm. * Release: The film is slated for a 2025 release, with a trailer already launched.

Other Confirmed and Rumored Projects

De Niro's calendar is full well into 2026. He is currently involved in several other cinematic ventures, with some details still emerging: * War Masterpiece: A new confirmed project sees him returning to a fan-favorite 21st-century genre, set for an October release, showcasing his versatility. * Crime Drama Debut: Another new crime movie debuted in early 2025, though it received a disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score, demonstrating that he continues to take on diverse roles and challenges. * Tribeca Festival: He remains heavily involved in the Tribeca Festival, an event he co-founded, participating in the 2025 Tribeca Lisboa Reception.

Topical Authority: De Niro's Enduring Cultural Impact

The fascination with Robert De Niro's current status is a reflection of his monumental topical authority in cinema. His name is synonymous with the Method acting technique and the gritty, realistic portrayal of complex characters. The sheer volume of his recent activity ensures that his legacy is not just historical, but a living, breathing part of modern culture.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Defining His 2025 Career:

The following entities showcase the depth of his current influence: * Martin Scorsese: The continuous professional and personal relationship with his long-time director remains a cornerstone of his legacy. * Method Acting: His foundation in this technique continues to inform his performances, even in streaming series. * Tribeca Festival: His role as co-founder and active participant demonstrates his commitment to nurturing new talent. * Frank Costello / Vito Genovese: His dual role in *The Alto Knights* brings a fresh perspective to his classic gangster portrayals. * Former U.S. President: His role in *Zero Day* adds a major political drama entity to his filmography. * Academy Awards: The constant buzz around his potential for a tenth nomination fuels public interest. * Palme d'Or: The 2025 honor is a major international recognition of his global impact. * Mortality and Age: His public comments on turning 82 and facing death have become a significant cultural talking point. * Leandro De Niro Rodriguez: The tragic loss of his grandson remains a powerful, recent personal event in his life. In conclusion, the answer to "Is Robert De Niro still alive?" is a resounding affirmation. He is not merely surviving; he is actively thriving. With a prestigious lifetime achievement award, a packed production schedule including major films and high-profile series, and a continuous presence in the public eye, Robert De Niro is proving that age is truly just a number. His work in 2025 and beyond ensures that his legendary status will continue to grow, making him one of the most compelling and active figures in the entertainment world today.