Robert De Niro is known for being a man of few words. Whether he’s playing a mob boss or a retired widower, the guy has this "don't ask me too much" vibe that has defined his career for fifty years. But honestly, if you look at his home life, things are way more crowded and colorful than his tough-guy persona suggests.
By now, you’ve probably heard the news that made everyone double-check their math: Robert De Niro became a father again at 79. It’s wild. But his youngest daughter, Gia, is just the latest branch on a family tree that stretches back to the 1970s. We’re talking about seven kids, multiple decades, and a life that spans from the grit of Old Hollywood to the viral TikTok era.
He’s not just a legendary actor; he’s a dad who has been through it all—adoption, twins, surrogacy, and the crushing grief of losing a grandson.
The First Chapter: Drena and Raphael
Back in the mid-70s, De Niro was just hitting his stride with Taxi Driver. That’s where he met Diahnne Abbott. When they married in 1976, he adopted her daughter, Drena De Niro.
Drena is 54 now. She’s an actress and filmmaker who has always seemed to have a really tight bond with Bob. You’ve probably seen her in movies like A Star Is Born or Joy. Tragically, Drena and the whole family went through a nightmare in 2023 when her son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, passed away at just 19. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone that even for a global icon, some things are just devastatingly human.
✨ Don't miss: Shannon Tweed Net Worth: Why She is Much More Than a Rockstar Wife
Then there’s Raphael De Niro, born in 1976. He tried the acting thing for a minute—he was even in Raging Bull as a kid—but he eventually pivoted. Smart move, honestly. He’s now a massive deal in New York City real estate. If you’re a celebrity looking for a $20 million penthouse at Douglas Elliman, Raphael is usually the guy you call.
The 90s Twins and a Quiet Evolution
After his first marriage ended, De Niro had a long-term relationship with model Toukie Smith. This gave us the twins: Julian and Airyn De Niro, born in 1995 via surrogate.
Julian has followed the family business. He’s a working actor, even playing a young Barack Obama in the series The First Lady. He’s got that classic De Niro look, but with his own spin.
Airyn (formerly Aaron) made headlines recently for a much more personal reason. In early 2025, Airyn came out as transgender. In an interview with Them, she talked about how seeing other trans women thrive gave her the courage to start her own journey. The coolest part? De Niro has been totally supportive. He basically said he loves all his children and doesn't see what the "big deal" is. It’s a very "Bob" way of being an ally—straightforward and unconditional.
🔗 Read more: Kellyanne Conway Age: Why Her 59th Year Matters More Than Ever
Elliot and Helen: The Grace Hightower Years
In 1997, De Niro married Grace Hightower. Their son, Elliot De Niro, was born in 1998.
Elliot is a bit of a local legend in the Special Olympics world. He’s a big-time tennis player. Back in 2016, De Niro shared that Elliot is on the autism spectrum. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the actor. He admitted that raising a child with special needs is tough—there are "great moments and moments of sadness"—but he’s clearly incredibly proud of who Elliot has become.
Then, in 2011, Helen Grace arrived via surrogate. She’s still a teenager, often seen hitting the red carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival with her dad. It’s kinda funny seeing a guy who was famous before her parents were even born navigate the "teen daughter" phase of life in his 80s.
The Shocking Arrival of Gia Virginia
If 2023 was a year of grief for the De Niros, it was also a year of unexpected new life.
💡 You might also like: Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
When De Niro corrected an interviewer who said he had six kids, saying, "Seven, actually," the internet basically broke. He and his partner, Tiffany Chen—a high-level martial arts instructor—welcomed Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro in April 2023.
Gia is currently a toddler, and De Niro is clearly soft for her. He told AARP that when he looks at her, everything else just disappears. It’s "wondrous," he said. He’s also been honest about the fact that he doesn't do the "heavy lifting" (Tiffany does the hard work), but he’s there for the ride.
What You Can Learn from the De Niro Family Dynamic
If there’s a takeaway from the Robert De Niro children’s saga, it’s that "family" doesn't have a single look. It’s messy. It’s spread out over fifty years. It involves different mothers, different paths, and different identities.
- Adaptability is key. Whether it's supporting a child coming out or starting over with a newborn at 80, the goal is to keep showing up.
- Privacy is a choice. De Niro has managed to keep his kids' lives relatively "normal" despite his level of fame. You don't see them on a reality show. They work real jobs or pursue art on their own terms.
- Legacy isn't just about movies. While we talk about The Godfather, he’s clearly focused on the seven people who actually call him "Dad."
The best way to respect a legacy like this is to look past the "old dad" headlines and see the actual human connections. If you're managing a complex family yourself, remember that De Niro—even with all his millions—deals with the same stuff: the school runs (well, maybe not anymore), the growth spurts, and the deep pride of watching your kids become exactly who they're supposed to be.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for more details on the family's philanthropic work, check out the Tribeca Festival’s community initiatives, which often feature the De Niro kids supporting local NYC arts and autism advocacy programs.