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Insights from Robert De Niro and Debra Messing on “The Alto Knights”

In a recent interview, “Extra” correspondent Mona Kosar Abdi sat down with renowned actors Robert De Niro and Debra Messing to discuss their upcoming film, “The Alto Knights.” During this conversation, De Niro shared personal reflections as he prepares to celebrate a significant milestone in his family life—the first birthday of his daughter, Gia, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.

When asked about adjusting to life with a toddler, De Niro candidly remarked, “I’m okay. I watch these children’s shows… ‘The Wiggles,’ ‘Miss Rachel,’ ‘Blippy,’ and there are others… especially ‘The Wiggles’ at this point.” His comments highlight the common experiences parents face in navigating the challenges of early childhood development. Debra Messing chimed in, recalling her own son’s early obsession with “The Wiggles,” remarking, “They are legends” in the world of children’s entertainment.

Turning back to the film, De Niro discussed his role as the rival mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, stating that taking on dual roles provided a unique opportunity to explore these legends of organized crime. He expressed enthusiasm for the script, explaining, “The idea of playing the two parts was even more interesting.” This project represents his return to the gangster genre following his acclaimed performance in “The Irishman.”

Messing also shared insights about her character, Bobbie, who is married to Frank. She emphasized the progressive nature of their relationship, highlighting that Bobbie was the only Jewish mob wife of her time, a significant detail that captures the challenges they faced. “I fell in love with Bobbie,” she said, emphasizing the depth of their love and commitment against societal expectations. “It just sort of told me how deep their love must have been for them to go against the tide like that.”

Debra elaborated on Bobbie’s unique position, noting that unlike typical mob wives of the era, she was actively involved in her husband’s life and the operations of their world. “It was a very progressive marriage because they were true partners and that was thrilling for me to see,” she added. This characterization offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of relationships within the historical context of organized crime.

In a light-hearted moment, De Niro revealed that his real-life dogs play the roles of Frank and Bobbie’s pets in the film, thanks to some help from Tiffany. He joked about preparing his dogs for their on-screen performance, stating, “I had a little talk with them, and I said, ‘If you get into this film, you gotta behave.’”

Fans can look forward to seeing “The Alto Knights,” which is set to premiere on March 21.

Source
extratv.com