Happy Birthday, Robert De Niro!

The second big-time birthday for today comes for two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, who turns 68. De Niro has always by synonymous with great acting, and although he's dropped a little bit in the past decade or so, there's really no denying his presence on-screen. He's appeared in so many iconic films and has portrayed so many iconic roles that this was one of the more difficult lists for me to make. His consistent collaboration with Martin Scorsese alone would have made this an interesting group of films, but because his reach has extended so far, I had to increase De Niro's list to ten films rather than my usual five. Robert De Niro is a giant among men in the world of acting, and he should be treated as such. So join me as I celebrate the life and the birthday of one of the greatest actors ever to grace the silver screen!

10. Al Capone
The Untouchables (1987)


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9. Donald 'Shadow' Rimgale
Backdraft (1991)

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8. David 'Noodles' Aaronson
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)


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7. Jack Byrnes
Meet the Parents (2001)


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6. Neil McCauley
Heat (1995)


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5. James 'Jimmy' Conway
Goodfellas (1990)


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4. Sam 'Ace' Rothstein
Casino (1995)


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3. Vito Corleone
The Godfather: Part II (1974)

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2. Leonard Lowe
Awakenings (1991)


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1. Travis Bickle
Taxi Driver (1976)


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Awards
2000: Nominee - Best Supporting Actor, Comedy

Happy Birthday, Robin Williams!

On this July 21, I'd like to take the time to celebrate the 60th birthday of Robin Williams, one of the funniest men in Hollywood. While he's been a little hit-and-miss in the past few years, Williams definitely made a name for himself during the 1980s and 1990s, playing a wide assortment of characters in both comedic and dramatic roles. He's even dabbled in voice work, offering some of the liveliest animated characters to grace the silver screen. So for his birthday, I've tweaked things a little bit. Instead of just giving you my five favorite of Williams' performances (which you'll find a little ways down this post), I'm giving you my three favorite of his voiced roles as well. I hope you enjoy this list as you help me celebrate his birthday!

3. Batty Koda
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)


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2. Ramon
Happy Feet (2006)


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1. Genie
Aladdin (1992)


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And here's my favorite live-action Robin Williams roles!

5. Armand Goldman
The Birdcage (1996)


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4. Dr. Malcolm Sayer
Awakenings (1990)


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3. Jack Powell
Jack (1996)


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2. Adrian Cronauer
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)


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1. Sean Maguire
Good Will Hunting (1997)


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Awards
2002: Nominee - Best Supporting Actor, Comedy
2006: Winner - Best Voice Acting; Nominee - Best Supporting Actor, Comedy