It’s a special day today for movie lovers, as Hollywood legends and acting buddiesRobert De Niroand Sean Penn are both being celebrated for their work on their shared birthday. Of course, both of these performers have had very impressive careers of their own, with each winning two Academy Awards. Cinephiles will also know that the two friends have shared the screen on multiple occasions as well, such as when they co-starred in the 1989 comedyWe’re No Angels. On Aug. 17, De Niro turned 77 while Penn turned 60, and both actors have begun trending on social media as a result.
Certainly, both Robert De Niro andSean Pennare considered to be among the greatest actors of all time. With so many acclaimed roles to choose from, it could be very difficult for fans to pick a favorite performance from De Niro. Many birthday posts highlight his legendary performance inTaxi Driver, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He is very well known for starring in other classic Martin Scorsese movies as well, winning a Best Actor Oscar for his role inRaging Bull. Some of his other most talked about roles includeThe Godfather Part II,Cape Fear,Goodfellas, andCasino. De Niro also has a memorable role in theMeet the Parentsseries and appeared as TV host Murray Franklin in last year’sJoker.
Meanwhile, it can be just as hard to choose a favorite role from Penn. We all remember how he shined asSpicoli in the classic comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High, though he also showed his diversity in more serious crime dramas likeAt Close RangeandCarlito’s Way. He’d later be given Academy Award nominations for roles in movies likeDead Man Walking,Sweet and Lowdown, andI Am Sam. Penn would then win two Best Actor Oscars for his starring roles inMystic RiverandMilk. He has since found acclaim behind the camera as well, with his movieInto the Wildearning him two more Academy Award nominations as a director.
In 1989, De Niro and Penn co-starred in director Neil Jordan’sWe’re No Angelsremake, which also starred Demi Moore. The movie featured the Oscar-winning actors playing two convicts who masquerade as priests to escape from jail during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. The two actors would later collaborate for Barry Levinson’s 2008 indie comedy movieWhat Just Happened. In that movie, De Niro starred as a veteran Hollywood producer with Penn playing a fictionalized version of himself.
Because bothHollywood legendsare so popular with fans, tribute posts have been flooding social media from those wishing them both a happy birthday. Some fans have been posting images of the two of them fromWe’re No Angels, while others are using pictures of the two posing together in real life. From Twitter, you’re able to take a look at some of the many fan tweets paying homage to De Niro and Penn below. Happy birthday to both of these veterans of the screen!
