Actors Who Took It A Step Too Far To Get Into Character

Robert De Niro Became An Actual Taxi Driver For Taxi Driver

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Robert De Niro got an actual New York City cab drivers license to prepare for the role of a derange driver in Taxi Driver. He would drive around the town charging standard fares for 12-hour shifts to understand a cabbie’s experience.

Rumor has it that one time another actor jumped in his cab and recognized him. He thought De Niro was broke and had given up on acting. Open Culture reports the guy said, “Well, that’s acting. One year the Oscar, the next you’re driving a cab!” And yes, the film was nominated for several awards.