Robert De Niro’s family life is as layered and dramatic as some of his most iconic film roles. The legendary actor, known for his intense performances in movies like The Godfather Part II and Taxi Driver, has built a sprawling personal legacy with seven children, multiple partners, and a parenting style that blends old-school discipline with deep affection. His journey through fatherhood spans over five decades, from adopting his eldest daughter in the 1970s to welcoming his youngest child at the age of 79. Each chapter of his story reveals a different side of De Niro, far removed from the tough guys he often plays on screen.
Who Are Robert De Niro’s Wives and Kids? Inside His Multiple Marriages and Relationships
The roots of De Niro’s family tree trace back to his first marriage to ex-wife Diahnne Abbott, an actress he met in the 1970s. Their union brought two children into his life, though only one was biologically his. Drena, Abbott’s daughter from a previous relationship, was adopted by De Niro when she was just five years old. She grew up to carve her own path in Hollywood, stepping into acting and producing, but her life took a tragic turn when her son, Leandro, De Niro’s grandson, passed away unexpectedly in 2023.
The loss shook them, and De Niro, usually private about personal grief, openly expressed his heartbreak. His biological son with Abbott, Raphael, took a different route, becoming a high-profile real estate agent in New York City. Raphael’s client list reads like a who’s who of celebrities, proving that the De Niro charm extends beyond the silver screen.
Long after his divorce from Abbott, De Niro found love again with his second wife, Grace Hightower, a former flight attendant turned philanthropist. Their marriage lasted over two decades and produced two kids, Elliot and Helen Grace. Elliot’s autism became a focal point for De Niro’s advocacy work, as he has spoken candidly about the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Elliot’s participation in the Special Olympics, particularly in tennis, has been a source of immense pride for the family. Helen Grace, born via surrogate in 2011, has been shielded from the spotlight, a rarity given such fame. De Niro’s approach to parenting here reflects a protective instinct, ensuring his youngest daughter with Hightower enjoys a childhood away from paparazzi and public scrutiny.
Between his two marriages, Robert De Niro had a significant relationship with model and actress Toukie Smith. Though they never married, their partnership resulted in twin boys, Julian and Aaron, born in 1995. Julian followed in his father’s footsteps, diving into acting with roles that showcase his own talent, including a portrayal of a young Barack Obama. His twin, Aaron, made headlines in 2025 when she came out as transgender and changed her name to Airyn.
De Niro’s support for Airyn’s transition has been unwavering, a credit to his evolution as a father who prioritizes his children’s happiness over public perception. Airyn’s journey, though private, has been marked by small but meaningful updates, like her decision to begin hormone therapy and her aspirations to work in the entertainment industry.
In recent years, De Niro’s personal life took another surprising turn when he welcomed a seventh child, Gia, with his current partner, martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen. The birth made waves not just because of De Niro’s age at the time, but because it underlined his seemingly endless capacity for fatherhood.
Gia, now a toddler, has been described by De Niro as a bundle of joy, a late-in-life blessing that keeps him on his toes. He’s taken on the role of an older dad with enthusiasm, even embracing the challenge of raising a bilingual child, teaching Gia both English and Chinese. Chen, though private, has been a steady presence by his side, their relationship offering a quieter, more grounded counterbalance to the whirlwind of his earlier years.
What stands out about Robert De Niro’s approach is its lack of pretense. He doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of parenting, admitting that it’s not always easy, especially with older offspring who’ve had their share of struggles. Yet there’s a warmth in his words when he talks about his kids, a sense that despite the complexities, he wouldn’t trade it for anything. He’s the kind of dad who shows up, whether it’s cheering for Elliot at a tennis match, supporting Airyn’s transition, or cradling baby Gia at a red carpet event. His family isn’t picture-perfect, but it’s real, messy, and full of love.
