It goes without saying thatRobert De Nirois one of the finest actors to ever grace the screen.

More intriguing is that Streep credits De Niro for having shaped her acting career.

Its not just the rebellious nature and manic charisma of Johnny Boy that De Niro perfects.

Robert De Niro smiling and pointing a gun at someone off screen in Mean Streets (1973)

Image via Warner Bros.

He also shows Johnny Boy’s underlying vulnerability, making the character more complex than the archetypal street tough.

What Did Meryl Streep Learn from Robert De Niro During their Collaboration?

In the movie, a little-known actor’s performance got her attention.

Linda looking at a pensive Michael at a funeral in The Deer Hunter’ (1978)

Image via Universal Pictures

And he’s been my beacon for fifty years."

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