The actor portrayed LaMotta in the classic 1980 sports drama “Raging Bull.”
Robert De Niro, who expertly captured the gritty and turbulent life of boxing legend Jake LaMotta in the timeless sports drama “Raging Bull,” shared a short-but-sweet tribute to the iconic fighter in the hours after his death.
“Rest in Peace, Champ,” De Niro said in a statement Wednesday.
LaMotta, a boxing Hall of Famer, died in a nursing home Tuesday at the age of 95, TMZ reported Wednesday morning, citing members of LaMotta’s family including his wife.
The middleweight fighter, who was born in the Bronx, was renowned for his ability to take a series of blows in the ring and remain on his feet. His nickname, “The Raging Bull,” was a result of his toughness and rugged demeanor during bouts.
Jake LaMotta, ‘Raging Bull’ boxing legend, dead at 95
De Niro, 74, portrayed LaMotta in the 1980 black-and-white movie, which earned critical acclaim and netted eight Academy Award nominations, winning two.
De Niro won Best Actor for his performance in the classic film, which chronicled LaMotta’s destructive behavior outside of the ring in addition to his success in it.
LaMotta registered an 83-19-4 record with 30 knockouts in his boxing career.
