Robert De Niro has raised concern among fans after he was seen with his right arm in a sling this week. The 82-year-old actor attended a Broadway show, Oedipus, on December 3 at Studio 54 in New York City. After the performance, he posed for photos backstage with the cast, including Mark Strong and Lesley Manville.
A representative for De Niro confirmed to PEOPLE that he recently had a medical procedure, but did not share any more details. According to someone who was backstage, De Niro said he will only need to wear the sling for a few more days, which suggests the injury is not serious.
Even with the sling, De Niro looked relaxed and happy while enjoying the night out and supporting the new stage adaptation directed by Robert Icke.
This appearance comes shortly after actress Jodie Foster talked about her early experience working with De Niro on Taxi Driver. Speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival, she said that as a 12-year-old, she didn’t immediately understand his serious Method acting style. De Niro would stay in character even during lunch breaks, barely talking.
Foster said she finally understood his process when he guided her through an improvisation exercise during one of their lunches. That moment helped her realize the deeper meaning of acting, and she described it as a big “epiphany.”
As fans wait for more updates, De Niro continues to show his support for theatre and the arts, proving age has not slowed him down.
