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Robert De Niro drops F-bomb at NYU commencement ceremony

What pearls of wisdom did Robert De Niro dispense at NYU's commencement ceremony?

By Karen Butler
Robert De Niro gave a memorable speech at NYU's commencement ceremony. Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI
Robert De Niro gave a memorable speech at NYU's commencement ceremony. Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, May 23 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro dropped an F-bomb in a brutally honest, but practical speech at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts graduation ceremony.

"You discovered a talent, developed an ambition and recognized your passion. When you feel that, you can't fight it -- you just go with it," Us Weekly quoted the 71-year-old Taxi Driver and Goodfellas star as saying at Friday's event.

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"When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense. You aren't just following dreams, you're reaching for your destiny. You're an artist -- yeah, you're [expletive.] The good news is that's not a bad place to start," he said.

"You have to keep working, it's that simple. Rejection might sting, but my feeling is that, often, it has very little to do with you. When you're auditioning or pitching, the director or producer or investor may have someone different in mind, that's just how it is. ... Treasure the associations and friendships and working relationships with the people in your classes and you'll easily work. You never know what might come from it. ... I'm here to hand out my pictures and resumes to the directing and producing graduates!"

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