De Niro Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Oct. 20, 2003 -- Robert De Niro has prostate cancer, sources close to the Academy Award-winning actor revealed today.

De Niro, 60, is considered one of the greatest actors of this generation. He was born in New York City in 1943, and drew wide acclaim early in his career for his role opposite Michael Moriarty in Bang the Drum Slowly in 1973.

In June of this year, he received the American Film Institute's lifetime acheivement award.

De Niro's agent, Stan Rosenfield, confirmed to ABCNEWS that the actor is being treated for prostate cancer.

Rosenfield further said the cancer is "treatable" and that the actor's prospects are good.

A String of Statuettes

De Niro received the Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in 1974's Godfather: Part II, and was also nominated for best actor in 1976's Taxi Driver, 1978's The Deer Hunter and 1991's Cape Fear.

In addition to the best supporting actor Oscar, he also won the best actor statuette for his role in Raging Bull in 1980.

De Niro currrently heads his own production company "Tribeca Film Center," and made his directorial debut with 1993's A Bronx Tale.