Did you know that Robert De Niro is not as Italian as one might think? He is actually only a quarter; the Italian part comes from his paternal grandfather; none of his other ancestors trace their roots to the Apennine Peninsula.

But you're not here for that, aren't you? You want to find out if De Niro is Jewish. After all, there is that lingering rumor that his mother is a practicing Jew...

Well, we can clear that one up rather simply. De Niro's mother was not Jewish; she is part German, French, and Dutch... and Presbyterian, for those who care about the details.

So how did the rumor get started? Apparently, it was a mistake that was made by a journalist that trickled down into Internet lore. So we're glad we can clear that up. Sure, De Niro can play a Jew in "Once Upon a Time in America" or "Casino", but to be a Jew in real life? Not in this lifetime.

Now, for ItalianOrNotItalian.com...