Underbelly Star Gambles On De Niro Flick, by Greg Tingle - 20th May 2010

Australian crime TV and movies continue to wow the Hollywood movers n shakers, most recently icon Robert Di Niro (Casino, Goodfellas et al). Yeah, we know we went with a headliner grabber and a bit of hype, but it reads better than 'Robert Di Niro Gambles On Up And Coming Aussie'! Media Man and Gambling911 take their eye in the sky to see what's cooking 'Underbelly' - Hollywood style...

He plays the toughest guy in Kings Cross.

But the star of Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Firass Dirani, says he's going to have to 'man up' for his next role opposite veteran US actor Robert De Niro, known of course as the Living Legend of movies, and who could forget his portrayal of Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal) in Martin Scorsese classic 'Casino'.

Let's now cross to Dirani, Cleo Bachelor Of The Year...

"I'm going to have to take my middleweight gloves off and put my heavyweight gloves on," Dirani half jokes.

"I'm going to have to man up."

"It's been a childhood dream. I've imitated this guy since I was five, since I could speak - doing the whole crumpled-up face thing.

"I'm just pinching myself. Honestly, I'm just gobsmacked by the whole thing."

Dirani will also star alongside Hollywooders Jason Statham and Clive Owen in The Killer Elite, a flick about ex-SAS soldiers who are being hunted down by assassins.

Dirani, known for playing 'Sin City' Sydney colourful (aren't we all) identity John Ibrahim in the third series of the ratings hit Underbelly, was seated on the head table at a Network Nine function and pow wow celebrating the network's drama programs in Sydney this past Wednesday.

The man of the moment, the mans threat, the woman's regret, says he remains stunned to be included in the star line up at the network.

"It's weird isn't it? (I'm at) the creme de la creme table. Sitting with David Gyngell and Lisa McCune - the faces of Channel Nine," he says.

"I don't mind that - (being) the rookie of the year. I'm loving it."

Gambling911 and Media Man wish Dirani well and look forward to seeing him rip up Hollywood, Las Vegas, Atlantic City and beyond.

Loyal readers will be aware that punters can now place bets on the success of upcoming films with a number of betting agencies and the like, so be sure to give a good look over the Gambling911 website for more on those great opportunities to make a killing.

Ace, take good care of our 'boy', soon to perhaps become 'The Man' in Hollywood, and
Dirani, don't forget your Aussie mates and especially John Ibrahim and the boyz of 'The Golden Mile' King Cross. Dirani in line for an Oscar within 12 months? Yep, you wouldn't be dead for quids. Good hunting, and long live the AussieWood - Underbelly - Hollywood connection.

Go Aussie Go. Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

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