Less than 30 minutes ago , Hollywood was shocked when the American media simultaneously reported : Robert De Niro – the legendary icon of world cinema – had just been officially diagnosed with a serious disease affecting the central nervous system .
The 81 – year – old star has been admitted to a special medical facility in New York for observation and emergency treatment , according to a family representative . The first images show family members – including son Raphael De Niro and daughter Drena – unable to hide their emotions , many even burst into tears as they left the hospital .
The New York Times quoted a close doctor as saying :
“ De Niro is experiencing the early stages of a neurodegenerative disease that can affect his memory , language and movement . While not immediately life – threatening , it will completely change his quality of life . ”
The actor ‘s family also confirmed the information and issued an official announcement :
“ Robert is a strong man who fights to the end – both on screen and off . We believe he will not be alone in this fight . ”
Immediately after the news spread , a series of veteran artists such as Al Pacino , Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep sent words of encouragement to their close friend . On X ( Twitter ) , the phrase “ Pray for De Niro ” climbed to the Top 3 global trends in less than 20 minutes .
Many people cannot help but be moved when recalling his strong , indomitable image in classic roles such as The Godfather II , Taxi Driver , Raging Bull , and recently The Irishman . Robert De Niro is not only a cinematic monument , he also represents a golden generation of Hollywood that is gradually coming to an end .
De Niro was originally scheduled to be in post – production on an independent film being shot in Canada , which was due to be released later this year . However , the entire project has been put on hold indefinitely so the actor can rest and receive treatment .
A close friend in the industry shared :
“ Robert has always refused to rest . He says that cinema is his way of living . But this time , his body gave him a warning that no one could ignore . ”
Although the family did not use the word “ retirement , ” fans have reason to worry . A generation of great filmmakers is gradually fading away , and for Robert De Niro – who once declared : “ I will stop when my heart stops beating ” – being forced to rest is more painful than any script he has ever acted in .
📌 Conclusion
No one was ready for news like this , especially for an icon like Robert De Niro – who has devoted more than half a century to world cinema . Now , Hollywood and millions of global audiences can only pray for a miracle , so that his powerful gaze will not leave the screen that he has been attached to all his life .
