28 July 2023 , 00:37
555
0
Taxi Driver star Robert De Niro was spotted enjoying some much-needed downtime during a summer vacation to Italy following the tragic death of his 19-year-old grandson.
The legendary actor was pictured with sculptor Genny Di Virgilio - who presented the film star with two models as good luck presents in the typical Italian style. The 79-year-old actor looked shocked and pleased by the kind gesture and wrapped his arm around the gifted artist.
De Virgilio told Italy 24 News : “The actor was very happy with my gesture. For me, my idol has come true, a dream!"
Robert De Niro was given a thoughtful present from an artist in Italy as he ate lunch at Mimi at the Railway in Naples (Cobra Team / BACKGRID)
Crib Master Genny Di Virgilio gave Robert De Niro statues he created symbolising good luck in Italian culture (Cobra Team / BACKGRID)According to the Italian news outlet, De Niro was seen speaking in Neapolitan as he ate lunch in Naples. The Goodfellas star was on a summer vacation with his family at the time and visited the restaurant for lunch after paying a visit to the Treasury of San Gennaro in the Cathedral in the morning.
During his lunch at the well-known spot, he ate the traditional Neapolitan cuisine which included their delicious stuffed peppers.
Mafia boss' ex-girlfriend quizzed by police 'for helping him on the run'
De Niro is a well-known and beloved actor all across the world and is recognised for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese. De Niro has been referred to as one of the most influential actors of his generation. Some of the talented actor's most notable roles include his performances in Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Irishman, and The Godfather Part II.
Robert De Niro enjoyed his trip away following the tragic news of the death of his 19-year-old grandson Leonardo (Instagram)The trip to Naples gave the Irishman star a chance for a necessary break after hearing the devastating news of the death of his grandson Leonardo. The teen was found 'unconscious and unresponsive' after a 911 call to a building on Wall Street on July 2, according to police reports.
Leonardo's cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but it has been speculated that his death was linked to fentanyl-laced drugs. On July 14, Sofia Haley Marks -nicknamed the 'Percocet Princess' was arrested in connection to Leonardo's death after allegedly selling the teen drugs before he was found dead.
Leandro's death has been described as sudden and his grandfather Robert has been reported to be in a 'very dark place' following the news and finding it very hard to process.
In a statement, the grandfather said: "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."