LEWISTON, Maine • As he received an honorary doctorate Sunday, Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro told Bates College graduates that despite his own lack of formal education, he made out OK.
During a 15-minute address that was by turns sincere and irreverent, De Niro drew a steady stream of laughter from the 463 graduating seniors and more than 5,000 onlookers at the private, liberal arts college’s campus.
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
De Niro, who quit high school to pursue an acting career, was one of three high-profile guests who received honorary degrees at the Bates commencement. PBS "Newshour" senior correspondent Gwen Ifill and Princeton University molecular biologist Bonnie Bassler also were honored.
But it was De Niro who stole the show.
"In many ways, leaving school when I did it was an advantage. I saved nearly $6,000 by not having to pay tuition and expenses for four years of education," he said. "I feel a little foolish, because if I had waited until now not to go to college, I could have saved around a quarter of a million."
Looking back, he said, "it worked out just fine. I saved the money, and I got the degree."
The honorary doctorate of fine arts was conferred by Nancy Cable, interim president at Bates. Trustee Michael Chu, De Niro’s friend, presented the degree.
De Niro also offered the graduates some serious advice.
"If you’re an actor, always be true to your character," he said. "If you’re not an actor, have character and always be true to yourself."
De Niro won a best actor Academy Award for "Raging Bull" and best supporting actor Oscar for "The Godfather, Part II." He earned four more Oscar nominations.
-
High fire danger across Utah as three blazes continue to burn
Published Jun 19, 2013 07:06:03AM -
Utah soldier finally awarded Bronze Star for service in Iraq
Published Jun 19, 2013 01:01:03AM -
Woman charged with felony animal torture for killing dog with insecticide
Published Jun 18, 2013 10:19:03PM
Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
