Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese and star Robert DeNiro have both paid tribute to the late boxer Jake LaMotta, who died on Tuesday aged 95 and whose life story they retold in the 1980 film Raging Bull.
"He was, as they say, larger than life,” Scorsese said of the New York-born fighter. “He lived a tough life, with a lot to overcome, but that’s exactly what he did. I’m glad to have had the chance to know him.”
Meanwhile De Niro, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of LaMotta in the film, also offered his own succinct statement: "Rest in Peace, Champ."
While preparing for the film, De Niro joined LaMotta for one-to-one training sessions. Remembering his boxing lessons in a 2013 interview with Time magazine, the actor recalled: “I sparred with people with gear on, but we were careful. We weren’t looking to kill anyone. Then I trained with Jake. He would say, ‘Hit me, don’t worry, don’t worry.’ He was 55, but he was really tough. I didn’t realize until I got to his age that you could still take a punch.”
LaMotta was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1980. After retiring from the sport, he invested in chain of bars, and began a part-time career as a stand-up comedian.
Raging Bull was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, winning in two categories: Best Actor and Best Editing.