Robert De Niro gets his handprints on Hollywood Boulevard – surely he has done that already?

Robert De Niro is immortalised on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – at last

By Genna Patterson

Legendary actor Robert De Niro has finally been rewarded for over forty years of hard work and bringing us some stomach-churning performances in movies like The Deer Hunter, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and Heat.  Frankly, we thought someone of his genius would have one already…

Yesterday the honoured actor was presented by co-star Billy Crystal from Analyse This who said that, “Even in his darkest performances, even in Raging Bull... he could make you laugh, and that he did in spades in 'Analyze This.' ... I'm not used to playing straight for anybody, but it was a thrill of a lifetime to be on the opposite side of that genius," according to The Independent.

Since his breakthrough role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather in 1974, De Niro has gone on to give intense yet disconcerting performances in all his work, even when playing comedy roles such as the father in Meet the Fockers.

De Niro showed his sense of humour when he gave an acceptance speech for the honour; “Joe Pesci always said I'd end up with my feet in cement. I don't think this is what he had in mind," indicating the multiple roles he has had in gangster movies.

He added, "They say everyone in the film industry has three homes - the home where they live, the home where their first wife lives, and Hollywood. I love New York, and I'm proud to be a citizen of Hollywood. Thank you for this honor and thank you for making me feel at home here."

De Niro is up for an Oscar at the end of the month for his role portraying the Dad to Bradley Cooper’s bipolar character in Silver Linings Playbook.

De Niro's hand and foot prints are in the courtyard of the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Good on you Bobby.

Earlier today we posted about how De Niro welled up on a US chat show. Click here to see.