Robert De Niro to Art School Graduates: “You’re F-ked”

Robert De Niro made a speech to the graduates of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He told young people graduating in the arts that they will face difficulties in adult life.

“When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump commonsense. You weren’t just following dreams, you were reaching for your destiny. You’re a dancer, a singer, a choreographer, musician, a filmmaker, a writer, a photographer, a director, a producer, an actor, an artist. Yeah, you’re f-ked,” said De Niro.

Talking about his own experience, the actor explained that after graduation, they will face “a lifetime of rejection” that often has very little with the person, “When you’re auditioning or pitching, the director or producer or investor may have something or someone different in mind. That’s just how it is.”

“It’s difficult for me to come with advice for you who have already set upon your life’s work, but I can tell you some other things I tell my own children […] I tell them don’t be afraid to fail. I urge them to take chances, to keep an open mind, to welcome new experiences and new ideas. I tell them that if you don’t go, you’ll never know. You just have to be bold and go out there and take your chances,” said the actor.