Robert De Niro and his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, made a stylish appearance at the premiere of The Alto Knights in New York City on Saturday night. The 81-year-old actor and his 46-year-old partner were accompanied by their pet dogs, who also star in the crime drama film. The movie, directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, features De Niro in a dual role as 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. De Niro looked sharp in a black suit and gray top, paired with orange-tinted sunglasses, while Tiffany dazzled in a chic black velvet suit. The couple’s dogs, who have their own moment in the spotlight in the film, were a delightful addition to the red carpet.
The movie, set to release in the U.S. on March 21 by Warner Bros. Pictures, delves into the complex relationship between Genovese and Costello, two Italian-American mob bosses. Genovese orders a hit on Costello, who survives but is left wounded, leading him to retire from the Mafia. The film also explores their shared past and the events that led to their eventual fallout. De Niro, known for his iconic roles in mobster films like Goodfellas and Casino, returned to the genre after being convinced by the compelling script and the opportunity to play both roles. Director Barry Levinson and producer Irwin Winkler, De Niro’s long-time collaborator, played a significant role in bringing this project to life.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the film’s production was the involvement of De Niro’s own pets. Last week, the actor revealed that his dogs had to audition for the movie after Tiffany suggested they might be perfect for the role. One of the characters in the film is a dog owner, and Tiffany thought their pets could bring a personal touch to the story. After meeting with Levinson, the dogs were cast, and their inclusion added a unique charm to the film. De Niro even shared that the dogs were dressed in mink coats and hats to keep them warm during filming, reflecting the Cold War-era setting of the movie.
The premiere also brought together the film’s supporting cast, including Debra Messing, who plays Bobbie, Costello’s wife, and actors like Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, and Michael Rispoli. Jarvis, known for his role in Shogun, portrays Vincent Gigante, a gangster in the film. The event was a celebration of the film’s intricate storytelling and the talent behind it. De Niro expressed how working with Levinson, Pileggi, and Winkler inspired him to take on the challenging dual roles, proving once again his dedication to his craft.
De Niro also shared insights into the filming process, explaining how he enlisted a co-star to help portray scenes where both of his characters appeared together. He praised the actor’s ability to learn both roles and credited him as a tremendous help during production. The film’s director, Levinson, commended De Niro’s versatility, stating that even after multiple viewings, the dual roles feel distinct and convincingly portrayed. Winkler, who has collaborated with De Niro on numerous projects, couldn’t think of anyone else who could have pulled off the roles with such depth and nuance.
As The Alto Knights prepares for its release, fans of De Niro and crime dramas are eagerly anticipating this gripping biographical crime saga. The film’s blend of intense power struggles, emotional depth, and historical context promises to be a captivating addition to De Niro’s iconic body of work. With its star-studded cast, masterful direction, and a personal touch from De Niro’s own life, The Alto Knights is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
