Woody Harrelson Reveals Robert De Niro Has 18 Dogs: ‘You Don’t Think of Him’ with ‘a Zillion Dogs’

**Robert De Niro’s Canine Companions Take Centre Stage: An Actor’s Unexpected Furry Family**

In a fascinating glimpse into the private life of Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, actor Woody Harrelson has disclosed that De Niro shares his home with an astonishing eighteen dogs. This revelation, made during a recent interview with *Interview* magazine, highlights a softer side of a man famously known for portraying some of cinema’s most formidable characters.

Harrelson recounted his visit to De Niro’s New York residence, describing an amusing scene where he was warmly welcomed by a flood of canine companions. “We went over to his house here in New York, and nine dogs came to the door. They’re these little dogs; they get to do whatever they want,” Harrelson, 65, shared, emphasising the stark contrast between De Niro’s tough screen persona and his home life filled with playful pups.

Despite being 83 years old, De Niro’s affectionate bond with these small dogs extends beyond his personal life; they have also made their mark in the film industry. Two of his beloved pets featured in his upcoming movie, *The Alto Knights*, where De Niro portrays notorious crime figures Frank Costello and Vito Genovese.

Actress Debra Messing, who plays De Niro’s on-screen wife in the film, expressed her surprise when she learned that the dogs present on set were, in fact, De Niro’s own pets. During an appearance on the *Today* show, Messing recounted her astonishment at the arrival of these furry co-stars. “It was incredible. First of all, they are Bob’s real dogs. He walked in with these little dogs, and I was like, ‘Okay, this doesn’t compute,'” said Messing, 58.

The surprise didn’t end there. Messing later requested to include the dogs in a scene to reflect the couple’s family dynamic, as her character and De Niro’s did not have children. “So the dogs got a much, much bigger role than was originally intended. They were also dressed in mink coats,” she added, highlighting the amusing adjustments that can occur in filmmaking.

Harrelson’s assertion regarding De Niro’s sizeable pack may indeed surprise fans familiar only with his archetypal roles. However, the actor has previously hinted at the extent of his canine companions. During a 2022 appearance on the *Table Manners* podcast, De Niro acknowledged the considerable number of dogs in his home, stating, “There’s so many things that come up that I don’t even know the names. I have a bunch of little dogs. I don’t even know all their names.”

When confronted about the exact number of dogs he had, the star of *Meet the Parents* and *Taxi Driver* cheekily replied, “A few. More than ten.” This casual remark indicates that De Niro’s home life is enriched by his furry friends, even if he sometimes struggles to keep track of their names.

While his towering figure and impressive cinematic credentials might evoke feelings of intimidation, it appears that at home, De Niro embraces the chaos and joy these small dogs bring. These revelations reveal a more relatable and emotional side of the celebrated actor, showcasing how significant his pets are in his life.

As *The Alto Knights* gears up for its release in 2025, audiences can anticipate not only a thrilling film but also to witness the delightful antics of De Niro’s canine co-stars. Clearly, even the most rugged actors can hold a soft spot for furry companions, proving that love for pets transcends the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown.

In a world where celebrity often seems distant and austere, De Niro’s heartwarming devotion to his dogs serves as a reminder that underneath the fame and accolades lives a person with genuine warmth and affection. As he navigates his dual roles as a formidable actor and a devoted pet owner, fans will undoubtedly find joy in both his upcoming film and the playful pups who share his life.