Debra Messing shared some exciting behind-the-scenes details about her latest project, ‘The Alto Knights,’ revealing that Robert De Niro’s adorable dogs had a big cameo in the film. The actress, known for her role in ‘Will & Grace,’ appeared on the Today show to talk about her experience working with De Niro and his furry companions. In the crime drama, Messing and De Niro portray a married couple without children but with two impeccably dressed canines.
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During the interview, Messing expressed her amusement at the unexpected presence of De Niro’s real-life dogs on set. She shared how she proposed incorporating the dogs into a scene where their characters treat them like their own children, leading to the pooches having a more significant role than initially planned. The dogs even sported fashionable mink coats, adding a touch of glamour to their on-screen personas.
Messing praised De Niro, describing him as a kind and humorous individual, emphasizing the privilege she felt playing his on-screen wife in a mobster context. Within ‘The Alto Knights,’ De Niro embodies the characters of Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, showcasing a gripping narrative of power struggles and betrayal within the Mafia underworld set in New York City.
This unique addition of De Niro’s beloved pets to the movie was a result of a suggestion from his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. The dogs had to go through an audition process and were eventually styled in mink coats and hats to suit their characters in the film. Their presence added an element of charm and authenticity to the storytelling, further enriching the on-screen chemistry between the actors and their canine co-stars.
De Niro had previously shared insights into the involvement of his dogs in ‘The Alto Knights’ during an appearance on The One Show, shedding light on the process of integrating them into the production. The furry companions became an integral part of the film’s narrative, showcasing the director’s creative decision to incorporate them into specific scenes, enhancing the overall visual appeal and character development.
As ‘The Alto Knights’ prepares to hit theatres on March 21, fans can look forward to witnessing the magic created by De Niro, Messing, and their four-legged co-stars on the big screen. The unique dynamic between the actors and the dogs adds a heartwarming touch to the crime drama, promising an entertaining and unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.