Robert De Niro: A Hollywood Icon and Devoted Father
Robert De Niro, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, is widely recognized for his iconic roles in films like Goodfellas and his latest series, Zero Day. However, beyond the spotlight, De Niro is a devoted father to seven children. His family life is a testament to his enduring love and commitment to his role as a parent, even as he continues to thrive in his career well into his 80s. In April 2023, at the age of 79, De Niro welcomed his youngest child, daughter Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. This new chapter in his life has brought him immense joy, as he often expresses the profound impact parenthood has had on him.
Embracing Late-Life Fatherhood
De Niro, who turned 81 in August 2024, has spoken candidly about the wonders of being a father later in life. In an interview with AARP The Magazine in January 2023, he shared, "I’m an 80-year-old dad, and it’s great. Everything that I’m consumed with or worried about or this and that just goes away when I look at [Gia]." He described the experience as "wondrous," highlighting the simplicity and pure joy that parenthood brings. His partner, Tiffany Chen, has been by his side throughout this journey, including at high-profile events like the 96th Academy Awards, where De Niro was nominated for his role in Killers of the Flower Moon. The birth of Gia has not only expanded De Niro’s family but also deepened his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Robert De Niro’s Seven Children
De Niro’s family is a blend of love, diversity, and resilience. His children include Drena De Niro, Raphael De Niro, Julian Henry De Niro, Aaron Kendrick De Niro, Elliot De Niro, Helen Grace De Niro, and Gia Virginia Chen De Niro. Each of his children has carved out their own path in life, with some following in his footsteps in the entertainment industry while others have pursued entirely different passions.
Drena De Niro
Drena De Niro, born in 1967, is the eldest of De Niro’s children. She was adopted by De Niro during his marriage to his ex-wife, Diahnne Abbott, and took his surname. Drena has led a multifaceted career, starting as a model and working with renowned designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood. She later transitioned into acting and producing, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. In 2004, she welcomed a son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, with her then-boyfriend. Tragically, Leandro passed away in 2023 at the age of 19 due to accidental drug intoxication. Drena has been open about the devastating loss, expressing her grief and celebrating her son’s memory on social media.
Raphael De Niro
Raphael De Niro, born in 1976, is De Niro’s eldest biological child with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott. Unlike his father, Raphael has built a successful career in real estate, leading the De Niro Team at Douglas Elliman in Manhattan. He has worked with high-profile clients, including Renee Zellweger and Kelly Ripa, and has established himself as a prominent figure in New York City’s luxury real estate market. Raphael’s career choice reflects his unique path, one that diverges from his father’s acting legacy but is equally impressive in its own right.
Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro
Twins Julian and Aaron were born on October 20, 1995, via surrogate to De Niro and his former girlfriend, Toukie Smith. Julian has followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in acting. He appeared in the 2016 film In Dubious Battle and played a young Barack Obama in the Showtime series The First Lady. In addition to acting, Julian studied computer science and math at New York University, demonstrating a passion for both the arts and academia. Aaron, on the other hand, has chosen to keep a low profile, preferring to stay out of the public eye.
Elliot De Niro
Elliot De Niro, born on March 18, 1998, is De Niro’s son with ex-wife Grace Hightower. In 2016, De Niro openly shared that Elliot has autism, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and fostering open discussions about the condition. In 2019, De Niro and Hightower spoke about Elliot’s passion for tennis in an ESPN series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics. De Niro expressed how tennis has helped Elliot build confidence, stating, "That’s the best self-motivator anyone can have."
Helen Grace De Niro
Helen Grace De Niro, born via surrogate on December 23, 2011, is De Niro’s second child with ex-wife Grace Hightower. Unlike some of her siblings, Helen has been kept largely out of the spotlight, with De Niro and Hightower taking care to protect her privacy as she grows up.
Gia Virginia Chen De Niro
Gia, De Niro’s youngest child, was born in April 2023 to him and his current girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. De Niro has been vocal about the joy Gia has brought into his life. In an interview with ET, he described her as "pure joy," saying, "There’s nothing about her, there’s no judgment, there’s no anything, she just is what she is, and it’s just pure joy, for God’s sakes." The couple is also making an effort to ensure Gia grows up bilingual, with De Niro expressing his desire to teach her Chinese and expose her to nursery rhymes in both English and Chinese.
A Family United by Love and Legacy
Despite their diverse paths and the challenges they have faced, De Niro’s children are united by their love for him and their shared family bond. On August 17, 2024, De Niro’s eldest child, Drena, celebrated his 81st birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, calling him her "#1 ride or die" and expressing her deep affection for him. This public display of love underscores the close relationship De Niro has cultivated with his children, even as he balances his illustrious career with the demands of parenthood.
Robert De Niro’s Reflections on Fatherhood
De Niro’s journey as a father has been marked by both joy and hardship, but through it all, he has remained dedicated to his children. He has used his platform to advocate for important causes, such as autism awareness, and has been open about the challenges and rewards of parenthood. At 81, De Niro continues to embrace life with vitality, cherishing every moment with his family while still contributing to the world of cinema. His story is a reminder that fatherhood is a lifelong journey, one that evolves and brings new meaning with each passing year. For Robert De Niro, being a dad is not just a role—it’s a source of inspiration, love, and endless wonder.
