Oscar-winning icon Robert De Niro made a noticeable appearance on Broadway this week, sparking concern after being photographed with his right arm in a protective sling. The veteran actor attended a performance, but fans wanted to know how he got injured.
Robert De Niro arrives at Broadway wearing an arm sling
Robert De Niro was spotted backstage at New York City’s Studio 54 on Wednesday, December 3, after enjoying a performance of the acclaimed play Oedipus. De Niro watched the Greek tragedy adaptation, which stars his former Stardust costar Mark Strong and Lesley Manville.
A representative for De Niro confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor recently “had a procedure.” According to an eyewitness at the theater, the actor himself indicated he is “expected to be in the sling for a few more days,” suggesting a swift recovery.
The actor’s appearance came during Oedipus’ limited Broadway engagement. It officially opened on November 13, following previews that began on October 30. The production will run through February 8, 2026.
Before reaching Broadway, Icke’s version of Oedipus was originally produced in Dutch by International Theater Amsterdam. Later on, it premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival. Its West End run earned widespread praise, ultimately winning the Olivier Award for Best Revival.
Stars Mark Strong and Lesley Manville also took home acting honors for their performances. Alongside Strong and Manville, several members of the original U.K. cast have moved with the show to New York. Samuel Brewer appears as Teiresias, Bhasker Patel as Corin, Jordan Scowen as Eteocles, and James Wilbraham as Polyneices.
This adaptation reimagines Sophocles’ tragedy as a tense, contemporary political thriller. The story unfolds over a single election night as Oedipus awaits results predicted to secure him a sweeping victory. As time ticks down, hidden truths surface, pushing the story toward its devastating end.
