Glamorous Debra Messing links arms with Robert De Niro as they attend the London premiere of their new movie The Alto Knights
- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com
Glamorous Debra Messing linked arms with Robert De Niro as the duo attended the London premiere of their new movie The Alto Knights on Thursday.
Based on true events, the film is set in 1950s New York, with two-time Oscar winner Robert, 81, portraying two roles - rival Italian-American mafia bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese.
Meanwhile, Debra, 56, will star as Costello's wife Bobbie in the upcoming thriller movie.
The Will & Grace actress commanded attention as she graced the red carpet of the movie's premiere in a classy black strapless ballgown, featuring a subtle pattern.
She exuded Hollywood glamour as she accessorised in a sparkling silver choker necklace, paired with matching droplet earrings.
Debra wore her brunette tresses in a voluminous curled style and opted for a glamorous palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty.
Glamorous Debra Messing linked arms with Robert De Niro as the duo attended the London premiere of their new movie The Alto Knights on Thursday
The Will & Grace actress, 56, commanded attention as she graced the red carpet of the movie's premiere in a classy black strapless ballgown, featuring a subtle pattern
She seemed to be in incredible high spirits as she posed up a storm with acting legend Robert, who wrapped up warm in a smart black trench coat layered with a grey scarf.
At times adapting a documentary film-style approach, The Alto Knights recounts the old friends' shared past, the events leading to their rift and a failed assassination attempt on Costello.
Their power struggle plays out in tense scenes, some of which see Costello and Genovese clash face to face.
The movie is directed by Rain Man, Good Morning, Vietnam and Wag the Dog filmmaker Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, known for Goodfellas and Casino.
It is produced by De Niro's long-time collaborator Irwin Winkler, and the actor said working with the trio convinced him to return to the mobster genre.
'I wasn't planning on going back to it, but when Irwin Winkler sent me the script, I said 'let me consider,' De Niro said at the film's London premiere on Thursday.
'When we were talking about who'd play the other part, they wanted me for Costello, he (Winkler) said 'well, what about if you play the other part?' I said 'that's an even better reason to do this, if I do it,' the 81-year-old actor added.
Winkler, 93, said he couldn't think of anyone else better suited for the roles.
'We didn't do it with any visual effects. It was all really makeup and just him,' Winkler said. 'Even after seeing the film so many times, I see two different characters. I don't see one man playing them.'
Based on true events, the film is set in 1950s New York, with two-time Oscar winner Robert, 81, portraying two roles - rival Italian-American mafia bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese
Meanwhile, Debra, 56, will star as Costello's wife Bobbie in the upcoming thriller movie
Debra wore her brunette tresses in a voluminous curled style and opted for a glamorous palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty
She seemed to be in incredible high spirits as she posed up a storm with acting legend Robert, who wrapped up warm in a smart black trench coat layered with a grey scarf
The movie is directed by Rain Man, Good Morning, Vietnam and Wag the Dog filmmaker Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, known for Goodfellas and Casino
Later in the evening, the pair were mobbed by fans as they stepped out to celebrate at an afterparty following the premiere
Huge lines of fans gathered in a bid to get autographs from Robert as he was flanked by security while exiting the venue
Debra was seen being given a helping hand out of her vehicle in her very glamorous ensemble
She took the time to pose for selfies with fans and sign autographs as they all waited for her arrival
Debra was joined by members of her security team as huge crowds of fans all tried to get her autograph
She made sure to turn heads in her very glamorous ensemble as she rocked the same look as on the red carpet
She showed off her stunning features with a high-glamour make-up palette and flashed a huge smile while meeting fans
De Niro enlisted a co-star to act out scenes featuring both of his characters.
'I settled on one guy I thought would be good. He played the Gambino part and he learned both parts. So, I did it with him and he was a tremendous help.'
As well as Debra playing Costello's wife, Shogun actor Cosmo Jarvis portrays gangster Vincent Gigante.
Asked if the experience had inspired him to challenge himself further, De Niro, who has several new film projects lined up, said: 'Now I'm just trying to keep up with everything I'm doing.'
It comes after Debra and Melanie Lynskey were shocked to discover they had famous — if distant — relatives on an episode of Finding Your Roots last month.
Debra learned that she was related to a famous American politician and former presidential candidate, while Melanie, 47, was ecstatic after finding out that she shared a small connection to an influential musician.
In fact, both distant cousins had previously appeared on the PBS series, the host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., revealed.
Toward the end of the episode, Debra was aghast to learn that she is related to Vermont's independent United States senator, Bernie Sanders.
The 83-year-old politician, who is the longest serving independent in congressional history, previously ran for president in the 2016 and 2020 cycles while seeking the Democratic nomination.
'What! Are you kidding me? Bernie Sanders?' Debra reacted after learning that she shared some key portions of her DNA with the senator, via People. 'No way! Oh my gosh... That is mind-blowing.'
The Alto Knights' begins its global cinematic rollout on March 19
