A fan meets his idol

NEW YORK (AP) — At the Tribeca Film Festival, Brian Williams attempted a challenge: Interviewing Robert De Niro.

Williams sat down with the actor recently as part of Tribeca’s Directors Series talks. De Niro is a famously difficult interview, but the New Jersey native newscaster was eager for a chance to face off with a personal idol.

The NBC News anchorman said that he wanted to interview De Niro “as a fan.” While De Niro often answered Williams’ questions with typical recalcitrance, the two managed a good conversation with only an occasional sigh from Williams.

Asked if he watches his old movies on TV, De Niro said he doesn’t and that instead he watches NBC News and the Today show.

The Tribeca Film Festival was co-founded by De Niro. It runs until May 1.