Robert De Niro had praise for Ariana Grande after working with her on a comedy. The actor says she impressed him on set, even though he still hasn’t watched her biggest film. Their collaboration comes as both stars continue busy stretches in their careers. The legendary actor opened up about their upcoming movie, and why he still plans to catch her acclaimed performance.
Robert De Niro shares his experience working with Ariana Grande
While promoting upcoming projects, Robert De Niro spoke warmly about Ariana Grande, his costar in the forthcoming Meet the Parents sequel, Focker In-Law. The Hollywood icon said he enjoyed working with the singer and actress, describing her as a positive presence throughout production.
“I liked her. Nice kid,” De Niro told Entertainment Weekly when discussing Grande. He also praised her professionalism, saying she quickly understood the rhythm of scenes and became an important part of the cast dynamic.
“She’s terrific and very quick and got it all,” De Niro said about Grande. He also noted that successful filmmaking depends heavily on actors understanding each other’s timing and approach, something he felt Grande handled extremely well.
Despite working alongside Grande, De Niro admitted he still has not watched her Oscar-nominated performance as Glinda in Wicked. He said he has been “trying to see” the film and hopes to watch it with his daughter, who has already seen it.
“I didn’t see her movie, and I still am trying to see it, believe it or not, but I want to see it,” De Niro said. He added that he was already familiar with Grande from earlier television work, likely referring to her years on Nickelodeon’s Victorious.
The collaboration brings together two performers from very different generations of entertainment. Grande has expanded from music and television into major film projects, earning awards attention for Wicked. De Niro, meanwhile, continues adding to a legendary résumé that includes classics such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The King of Comedy. At 82, he is still very much active with projects like The Whisper Man.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
