Robert De Niro hated auditions.

So he created his own role and hired himself.

Robert De Niro hated auditions.

One day, he decided to take his fate into his own hands. The act of rebellion was inspired by a book De Niro had read.

It was about a brawny, hard-nosed boxer by the name of Jake LaMotta. He wasn’t particularly talented. But, he was as tough as a bull. He could take a beating in the ring like the world had never seen.

LaMot…