De Niro Testifies in Art Fraud Case

Art gallery director accused of stealing, selling De Niro's father's paintings and pocketing the cash.

It's a role moviegoers might not know Robert De Niro plays: overseeing his painter father's estate.

The Academy Award-winning actor served as a star witness Friday in the trial of former New York City art gallery director Leigh Morse.

She's charged with participating in a scam that counted Robert De Niro Sr.'s estate among its victims.

Her former boss, gallery owner Lawrence Salander pleaded guilty last year to bilking about $120 million from De Niro's father's estate, John McEnroe and other clients.

Salander admitted he sold pieces he didn't know and peddled bogus art investment opportunities.

The 54-year-old Morse has pleaded not guilty to grand larceny and other charges. Her lawyer has said the crimes were Salander's, and Morse shouldn't be held responsible.

The actor's father was an abstract expressionist painter.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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