The Friars Club Honors Robert De Niro

For he's a Jolly Good Fella... Celebs salute De Niro at the Friars Foundation Gala

From the LifeMinute Team

October 16, 2014

Sharon Stone, Sting and Orlando Bloom were among the stars who came out to salute Robert De Niro at the Friars Foundation Gala in New York City where the Academy Award-winning actor was honored for his body of work and philanthropic efforts.

Addressing the gala guests, De Niro spoke with humor and humility, "I'm proud to be a Friar. I'm proud that we do more than sit around talking about belly lox and repeating dirty jokes, as important as those things are."

Said Sharon Stone of her Casino castmate, "I would just say that he is simply the most generous actor that I've ever worked with."

Dean of the Friars Larry King also praised De Niro for the mark he's made in the entertainment industry. "He's a great actor," said King, who was also the evening's emcee, "He's contributed so much to American film and theater -- an extraordinary talent."

Fittingly, the Entertainment Icon Award was bestowed upon the iconic De Niro, making him the fifth person ever to receive the honor since the founding of the Friars Club in 1904. The Entertainment Icon Award pays tribute to those whose accomplishments extend beyond entertainment into philanthropy.

"The Friars have only awarded this honor four times [before] in their history," stressed Harvey Keitel in his comments to the audience. Outside the venue, Keitel elaborated on the significance of this particular honor, "And it's always a good idea to honor talent like that. Sends a good message to the public, what we expect from each other."

And while Joel McHale kept the mood light during his presentation, "Bobby...may I call you Bobby? Nope. Okay, Mr. De Niro..." The actor-comedian had nothing but sincere respect for De Niro when speaking with the press, "The man's, you know, body of work is so insane and unlike anyone else's, and he is just one of the greatest of all time...I've seen Goodfellas probably more than any movie I've ever watched."

Other celebs just as easily shared their favorite De Niro flicks...

"Raging Bull," said Sting, with wife Trudie Styler.

"A Bronx Tale," said Kathrine Narducci, "And he's got a million movies under his belt."

But the star was humble as he shared with those gathered his thoughts on his place in entertainment history, "You get older, you get shorter," said De Niro, "And then you become a Friar."