Acclaimed actor Robert De Niro, while appearing on Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” on February 19, 2025, took the opportunity to discuss his personal heroes. De Niro was there to promote his new Netflix series, “Zero Day,” when Colbert asked him about the individuals he admires.
Initially, De Niro mentioned the late actor Marlon Brando and former South African leader Nelson Mandela. But when asked to name an American hero, De Niro spoke of the U.S. Capitol Police officers who protected the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The Oscar-winning actor singled out several officers, including Michael Fanone, Aquilino Gonell, Harry Dunn, and Daniel Hodges. These men were among the officers who bravely confronted the violent crowd that breached the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election. De Niro expressed his admiration for their courageous stance in defending democracy.
Colbert then asked De Niro to share his thoughts on how those officers might feel given the ongoing attempts by certain political figures to minimize or deny the events of that day. De Niro responded with a simple, “Yep, it’s something,” followed by a moment of silence, underscoring the gravity of the topic.
De Niro is known for his outspoken political views, especially his criticism of President Donald Trump. His praise for the Capitol Police officers aligns with his history of supporting individuals who, in his opinion, uphold democratic principles. The actor has consistently used his fame to address political matters, and this interview was no exception. By identifying these officers as his heroes, he underscored the importance of their actions on January 6.
The conversation between De Niro and Colbert also had lighter moments. Colbert tried to coax De Niro into sharing anecdotes from his long career, specifically about the making of the film “Brazil.” However, De Niro couldn’t recall the specific stories Colbert mentioned. In a humorous twist, Colbert theatrically tore up his index cards in mock frustration before moving the conversation back to De Niro’s upcoming Netflix series.
The actor’s latest project, “Zero Day,” is a political thriller, marking his debut in a limited TV series. The show explores themes of power, deception, and leadership, which echo many of the real-world issues De Niro often discusses. Although he provided few details about the series during the interview, his decision to take on this role suggests a continued interest in stories that mirror contemporary political issues.
In May 2024, De Niro was seen outside the courtroom during Trump’s hush-money trial in New York City, where he delivered a scathing critique. He depicted Trump as “just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot” and expressed concern that a Trump return to the White House could threaten fundamental freedoms.
De Niro’s political involvement extends beyond his criticisms of Trump. In November 2024, he actively campaigned for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, making a surprise appearance at an NFL tailgate event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to rally support.
However, his outspokenness has faced backlash. In June 2024, following his comments outside Trump’s trial, the National Association of Broadcasters revoked an award intended for De Niro, citing his pointed remarks as the reason for their decision.
De Niro’s political activism dates back to 1998 when he opposed the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, demonstrating his long-term involvement in political affairs. He has also been active in environmental causes, notably joining the anti-fracking campaign “Artists Against Fracking” in 2012.
De Niro’s commitment to societal issues is further demonstrated by his efforts to preserve cultural landmarks. In August 2024, De Niro, along with Martin Scorsese and Patti Smith, protested against the demolition of the Elizabeth Street Garden in New York City, New York, stressing its cultural and historical value.
Through his diverse activism, De Niro continues to use his celebrity status to influence political and societal dialogue, demonstrating a commitment that is as significant as his achievements in film.