Robert De Niro was spotted with his right arm in a sling this week, raising questions about whether the legendary actor was recently injured.
As reported by several media outlets, the 82-year-old stepped out to see a performance of the Broadway production Oedipus on Wednesday, December 3, at Studio 54 in New York City.
After the show, he was photographed backstage alongside the cast, including Mark Strong, his former Stardust bandmate, and Lesley Manville.
A rep for De Niro confirmed PEOPLE that he recently underwent a procedure, although no further details were shared.
Someone who was present backstage said the actor mentioned he would only have to wear the harness for a few more days.
Despite the arm support, De Niro seemed in good spirits while supporting the new adaptation directed by Robert Icke.
Its release comes shortly after Jodie Foster reflected on her early experiences working with De Niro on the Martin Scorsese film. Taxi driver.
During a conversation at the Marrakech Film Festival, Foster admitted she wasn’t immediately impressed as a 12-year-old girl shared scenes with the future Oscar winner.
She remembers how he insisted they practice their lines over and over during lunches, staying deep in character, something she didn’t fully understand at the time.
“One of our greatest American actors, so proud to have worked with him, but not the most interesting person in the world,” she said with a laugh, explaining how she would end up chatting with waiters during rehearsals because De Niro didn’t talk much as part of his Method prep.
The turning point came when he finally involved her in his process.
Foster said he guided her in improv during one of their lunch sessions, and that’s when she realized the power of building a character rather than just reciting words.
“He finally explained improv to me around the time we had our third lunch together, and it opened my eyes to what acting could be,” she shared.
The moment left her energized, telling her mother that she had had “an epiphany.”
As fans wait for news on his arm, De Niro continues to show his commitment to the arts, whether it’s supporting a friend’s play or inspiring the stories of those who worked alongside him.
