Robert De Niro has sparked speculation that he may leave the US and move to Italy after accepting a major honor this week.
The actor, who has Italian and Irish roots, was awarded Rome’s highest honor, the Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf), during a private ceremony at the Capitoline Hill.
The 82-year-old Hollywood star was presented with the award by the city’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, who described Robert as “an extraordinary artist, capable of crossing genres and eras.”
The event was held privately as a sign of respect for the tragic death of worker Octav Stroici following the collapse of the Torre dei Conti, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported.
But this didn’t deter Robert’s fans, as about 100 people gathered outside the city hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of the actor.
After showing the award to his fans, the Oscar-winning actor signed dozens of autographs on posters of films including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Once Upon a Time in America.
During the ceremony, Robert spoke proudly of his Italian heritage and said he has “always felt a deep connection” to the country.
“My family has roots in Italy, so this recognition has an even more special meaning for me,” he said.
“I have always felt a deep connection to this country, to its people, its passion and respect for craftsmanship and creativity.
“These qualities are a source of inspiration for artists around the world.” The actor added, “Thank you to the mayor and the city of Rome for this incredible honor.
“Rome is more than a city: it is a living work of art . Every street, every stone, every meal tells a story. To be recognized here, in a place that has given so much to the world – to culture, to cinema, to beauty – is truly moving.
“I accept this award with immense gratitude, not only for myself, but for all those who continue to be moved by the spirit of Rome and what it represents. Thank you, Rome, for your generosity, your inspiration, and your heart.”
While in Italy, the actor is also attending the inauguration of Italy’s first Nobu Hotel & Restaurant.
Rome’s mayor said in his speech, “Rome pays homage to an extraordinary artist, capable of crossing genres and eras, with a versatility that has set a precedent in contemporary cinema.
“Robert De Niro is a point of reference, an absolute protagonist who has helped write the history of the silver screen, enchanting audiences with unforgettable performances.
“Awarding him the Capitoline Wolf means thanking him for what he represents and for the deep bond that unites him to Rome, the capital of cinema and a source of inspiration for artists of every generation, which will always welcome him as a second home.”
The award has now sparked speculation that Robert may be looking to follow in the steps of other celebrities by ditching the US and moving abroad.
Among those who have left the US since Donald Trump returned to the White House are Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi, designer Tom Ford, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes who have relocated to the UK.
Comedian and talk show host Rosie O’Donnell has moved to Ireland, after vowing to do so if the president won a second term.
Since Robert is also an outspoken critic of Trump, there is now speculation about whether he may want to relocate too.
The Godfather star was born in New York City on August 17, 1943, to two artist parents, Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral.
He has Italian roots through his paternal grandfather, whose parents, Giovanni Di Niro and Angiolina Mercurio, were immigrants from Ferrazzano, in the Molise region of southern Italy.
Their surname was changed to De Niro due to a transcription error once they arrived in the US. But in addition to his Italian roots, Robert is actually Irish too as three of his grandparents were of Irish descent.
His mother’s parents were fully Irish, while his father’s parents were the Irish Helen O’Reilly and Italian Henry De Niro.
The Express US has contacted Robert De Niro’s representative for comment.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
