In an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on June 2nd, the 82-year-old star said he was very impressed with Ariana Grande during the filming of the new installment in the Meet the Parents film franchise. Robert De Niro said the artist showed professionalism, quickly integrated with the crew, and brought positive energy to the set.
"I knew her before, but this is the first time I've actually worked with her. She's amazing and very professional," the actor shared.
Robert De Niro revealed that he had known Ariana Grande for many years through television shows his daughter enjoyed. The actor said he had seen the artist appear in a sitcom and followed her career development in the years that followed.
"My daughter loved that show. I've known Ariana since then, and of course, I know her from many other perspectives," he shared.
Not only is Ariana Grande a pop star with numerous hit songs, but she has also made her mark in the field of acting.
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What surprised many was that, despite praising Ariana Grande, Robert De Niro admitted he hadn't yet seen Wicked – the hit musical film that earned the actress an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The actor said he wanted to spend time watching the film with his daughter.
Robert De Niro's comments quickly garnered attention from fans. Many felt this was well-deserved recognition for Ariana Grande, as the praise came from one of the most influential figures in Hollywood film history.
Robert De Niro and over 50 years of illustrious career.
Robert De Niro was born in 1943 in New York (USA). The actor began to make a name for himself in the 1970s and is one of the iconic figures of Hollywood's golden age.
In a career spanning over half a century, Robert De Niro has won two prestigious Academy Awards. He won the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II and went on to win Best Actor for his performance as boxer Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull .
His name is associated with many classic films such as Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, The Irishman , and Killers of the Flower Moon . Robert De Niro is famous for his immersive acting style, readily changing his appearance and dedicating significant time to researching his characters to deliver authentic performances.
Robert De Niro garnered attention for his high praise of Ariana Grande after their first collaboration in the film Focker in Law.
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Besides his acting career, he is also a co-founder of the Tribeca Festival, one of America's most prestigious film events. In 2025, Robert De Niro was awarded the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in recognition of his outstanding contributions to world cinema.
As for Ariana Grande, in recent years she has made her mark in acting alongside her music career. The success of Wicked has opened up many new opportunities for the "Problem" singer in Hollywood.
In the film *Focker in Law* , Ariana Grande plays Olivia Jones, the girlfriend of Henry Focker, the nephew of Robert De Niro's character Jack Byrnes. This is the latest installment in the *Meet the Parents* franchise, bringing back many familiar faces such as Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
The film is scheduled to be released later this year. While fans await the collaboration between two generations of stars, praise from Robert De Niro is contributing to increased attention for Ariana Grande and her new film project.