Robert De Niro, 83, fights back tears in heart-wrenching moment: 'We have to fight'

Robert De Niro got surprisingly emotional during a rare sit-down interview. 

While appearing on the latest episode of comedian Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast, the 83-year-old welled up mid-interview over an incredibly heartfelt moment. "I just personally want to thank you for doing what you do and speaking out in the way that you do about where we are in the world," Amy told the actor, who has become a vocal activist, sincerely.

"I just personally want to thank you for doing what you do and speaking out in the way that you do about where we are in the world," Amy told the actor, who has become a vocal activist, sincerely. 

© Good Hang with Amy Poehler/ YouTube

She explained: "It’s often people of colour. It’s often women. And to see a person like yourself, the age that you are and the status that you are, the best way I can describe it is when someone’s giving a terrible speech at a wedding and they’re ruining the wedding. And the wedding is America and there’s another adult who says, 'We don’t talk like that. That’s not how you’re supposed to treat people. This is insane'."

"It makes everybody feel very safe. I’ve seen you do it over and over again and I really appreciate it," Amy continued. Robert, who became emotional, thanked the actress. 

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Noticing the actor was tearing up, Amy paused the conversation. "This is going to be a real switcheroo because I can’t believe I just made you cry,” she said. "I feel incredible right now. Hold on. We got to get you your tissues."

Robert said he found it "upsetting" to see what was happening in the country. "You have to fight because if you don't fight, you're not going to get anything," he added. 

What is Robert doing now? 

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Along with being politically outspoken, Robert has continued acting into his 80s. 

Fifteen years after the last Meet the Parents instalment, Meet the Fockers, Robert is back as Jack Byrnes in the upcoming comedy, Focker-in-Law. The latest film reunites Robert on-screen with Ben Stiller and Blythe Danner while welcoming A-lister Ariana Grande to the cast. 

The star is also a dad to seven kids, ranging from their 50s to his youngest child, three-year-old daughter Gia, whom he shares with his partner Tiffany Chen.