This Academy-award winning actor played the 1980 film role of a boxer. Name the actor, the athlete, and the film title.

The iconic portrayal of the troubled middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta in the 1980 film *Raging Bull* earned Robert De Niro a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. This gritty, black-and-white biopic chronicled the tumultuous life and career of the real-life "Bronx Bull," capturing his volatile temperament both inside and outside the ring. De Niro's intense commitment to the role is legendary, making it one of the most celebrated performances in cinematic history.

To embody LaMotta, De Niro underwent a dramatic physical transformation. He rigorously trained as a boxer, achieving a fighting physique for the early scenes, then famously gained over sixty pounds to portray the older, retired LaMotta. This dedication to method acting went beyond mere physicality; De Niro reportedly lived and breathed the role, even spending time with LaMotta himself to absorb his mannerisms and complex personality. His profound immersion brought an unparalleled authenticity to the screen, depicting not just a fighter, but a deeply flawed man wrestling with his own demons.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, *Raging Bull* is often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, a raw and unflinching look at violence, jealousy, and self-destruction. The film's stark cinematography and innovative fight sequences were groundbreaking, contributing to its critical acclaim and enduring legacy. De Niro's unforgettable performance as LaMotta remains a benchmark for acting, a powerful testament to the lengths actors will go to bring a character to life with such visceral honesty.