Acclaimed actor Robert De Niro recently appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on February 19, 2025, where the conversation gravitated towards the topic of personal heroes.
While discussing his forthcoming Netflix series, “Zero Day,” Colbert asked De Niro to mention individuals he admires. Initially, he named the late actor Marlon Brando and former South African President Nelson Mandela. But, when asked to identify an American hero, De Niro expressed admiration for the U.S. Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The Oscar-winning actor highlighted several officers, such as Michael Fanone, Aquilino Gonell, Harry Dunn, and Daniel Hodges. These individuals were part of the team that stood against the violent mob that invaded the Capitol with the intention of rejecting the 2020 presidential election outcome. De Niro’s comments underscored his view of their actions as heroic, acknowledging the risks they faced to protect democracy.
When Colbert inquired about De Niro’s thoughts on how these officers might feel as some politicians downplay or dismiss the events of that day, De Niro responded succinctly, “Yep, it’s something.” The brief, poignant response was followed by a reflective silence, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Notably, De Niro has been open about his political stance, frequently criticizing President Donald Trump. By choosing to highlight the Capitol Police officers, he continues his established pattern of supporting individuals who, in his opinion, uphold democratic values. De Niro has consistently used his influence to address political issues, and this interview was consistent with that trend. By identifying these officers as his heroes, he underscored his stance on the importance of their actions on January 6.
The interview also had lighter moments. Colbert attempted to coax De Niro into sharing personal anecdotes from his lengthy career, specifically about the creation of the film “Brazil.” However, when De Niro failed to remember the specific stories Colbert referred to, Colbert humorously ripped up his notecards in mock frustration before steering the conversation back to De Niro’s upcoming Netflix series.
De Niro’s latest project, “Zero Day,” is a political thriller marking his inaugural venture into a limited television series. The series delves into themes of power, deception, and leadership, which resonate with many of the societal issues De Niro frequently addresses. Although he didn’t share many specifics about the series during the interview, his choice of role suggests his continued interest in narratives that mirror current political situations.
In May 2024, De Niro appeared outside the hush-money trial of Trump in New York City, where he delivered a sharp critique. He described Trump as “just another grubby real estate hustler masquerading as a big shot” and warned 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, surprising attendees with an appearance at an NFL tailgate event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to garner support.
However, his outspokenness has not been consequence-free. In June 2024, after his comments outside Trump’s trial, the National Association of Broadcasters retracted an award they had given to De Niro, citing the actor’s candid remarks as the reason.
De Niro’s political activism is long-standing. In 1998, he campaigned against the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, demonstrating his longstanding involvement in political affairs. He has also been active in environmental causes, joining the anti-fracking campaign “Artists Against Fracking” in 2012.
His dedication to societal issues is further demonstrated by his efforts to conserve cultural landmarks. In August 2024, De Niro, along with Martin Scorsese and Patti Smith, protested the demolition of the Elizabeth Street Garden in New York City, emphasizing its historical and cultural importance.
With his diverse activism, De Niro continues to use his public platform to shape political and social dialogue, exemplifying a commitment that mirrors his cinematic accomplishments.
