BBC’s The One Show left viewers in shock during the latest episode when Hollywood legend Robert De Niro appeared on the iconic evening programme. The 81-year-old actor, best known for his legendary roles in gangster films like Goodfellas and The Godfather, surprised fans when he showed up to chat about his new Netflix show Zero Day, where he plays ex-president George Mullen.
It seems many were not expecting to see the Oscar-winning icon on their screens when they tuned into The One Show on Thursday. Hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo were joined on the green sofa by actress Debra Messing, Stephen Graham, and Owen Cooper. But it was De Niro’s appearance that left viewers gobsmacked.
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro shares his words of wisdom for rising star Owen Cooper as he begins his acting journey.#TheOneShow
— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) March 13, 2025https://t.co/NLFEhIlYEX pic.twitter.com/uCnrszWMi4
On social media, fans couldn’t hide their surprise. One user on X wrote: “What the hell, Robert De Niro on The One Show. What is happening!!” Another questioned: “Wonder how much they are paying Robert De Niro for this 10-minute appearance.” Others couldn’t contain their excitement, with one fan saying: “What a geezer, one of the greatest, WOW!!”
However, while many were excited to see the legendary actor, some viewers were puzzled by his seemingly flat performance. During the show, when asked for career advice for rising actor Owen Cooper, Robert gave a rather monotone response. “Well, I think he’s off to a good start, that’s the main thing,” he said. “And just to keep at it. Keep at it! Do…I mean he’s there. Now it’s common sense, what to do, what not to do. Try to stay out of trouble and all that stuff, and you’ll do well.”
Tonight's line-up >
— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) March 13, 2025
A huge thanks to our guests, Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper
Missed #TheOneShow? Watch on @BBCiPlayer
Fans quickly took to X to voice their disappointment, with one user commenting: “What’s wrong with Robert De Niro? He looks so confused #TheOneShow.” Another tweeted: “#TheOneShow God that was awkward.” A third chimed in: “Bobby seems engaged…Not!! #theoneshow.” One viewer even admitted they had to pause the segment, saying: “Had to pause Robert De Niro giving career advice so I can fast forward it, awkward as s***.”
De Niro and co-star Debra Messing were on the show to promote their new movie, The Alto Knights. In the film, De Niro plays notorious New York crime bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, who compete for control of the city streets. When discussing the challenge of playing two characters, De Niro said: “The idea of playing the two different characters was intriguing to me. They’re like two different sides of the same coin. One is more rational, more diplomatic. That’s the [Frank] Costello character. The [Vito] Genovese character is more erratic, more impulsive.”
