Robert De Niro may have played many iconic roles over the years, but his most important role is as a father.
It is believed that he welcomed one child with Tiffany Chen, and also two children each with Diahnne Abbott, Toukie Smith, and Grace Hightower. These four women are different and the actor shares a total of seven children with them.
The star of “Taxi Driver” told ET Canada in May 2023 that while he raises his children, he takes a firm yet affectionate approach.
According to the Emmy winner, “you simply have no alternative. However, on occasion, you dislike having to enforce rules and similar things. There is no way to avoid it when dealing with children.”
He continued, “Any parent would say the same thing, I believe.” “But don’t you sometimes question whether giving them the benefit and always wanting to do the right thing by the children.”
Continue scrolling to witness the growth of De Niro’s family from 1976 to 2023.
Drena, the daughter of the actress from a previous relationship, was embraced by the “Dirty Grandpa” star when Robert and Abott got married in April 1976.
The young individual, who was born in 1971, adopted her then-stepfather’s last name at that period.
As both a model and a DJ, she has also been involved in various projects, not just limited to following in Robert’s acting career – starring in films such as “Great Expectations” and “Joy”.
Moreover, she established the production company Daredevil Films and Television.
Drena bestowed the title of grandparent upon Robert in 2003 when she and her then-companion Carlos Rodriguez joyfully welcomed their son Leandro. Regrettably, Leandro tragically departed at the tender age of 19 in 2023.
Raphael De Niro
Robert and Abbott joyfully welcomed their son, Raphael, in November 1976, seven months following their marriage.
During his tenure at Douglas Elliman, he has assisted numerous high-profile individuals in discovering residences, despite the fact that the real estate agent broker did not pursue a career in Hollywood.
In 2008, Raphael tied the knot with fellow broker Claudine De Matos, and in 2015 they parted ways after having three children. Raphael had moved on with stylist Hannah Carnes, whom he is currently married to, by the time their divorce was officially concluded in January 2020.
Aaron Kendrick De Niro
Robert ended his marriage with Abbott in 1988 and began a relationship with actress Toukie Smith in that very same year.
Prior to their separation in 1996, the ex-partners joyfully welcomed twin sons named Aaron and Julian in October of 1995.
Aaron has stayed away from the limelight, unlike his sibling.
Julian Henry De Niro
Julian, who is studying math and science at the University of York, attempted to solve the problem at hand. He took a page from his parents’ book to help him.
He had his first appearance in the 2016 film “In Dubious Battle,” alongside James Franco, Selena Gomez, and other celebrities.
Regarding the film industry, Julian portrayed a youthful portrayal of Barack Obama in Showtime’s “First Lady” in 2022.
Elliot De Niro
In June 1997, Robert tied the knot with Grace Hightower.
Their son, Elliot, was born in the subsequent year’s March.
Robert clarified that he is not anti-vaccine, stating that the process with “he said in 2017” is not something that he agrees with. The winner of the Golden Globe in 2016, Elliot, shared his diagnosis of autism.
Speaking of Elliot, he is most recognized for his achievements as a tennis player in the Special Olympics.
Helen Grace De Niro
In December 2011, Helen, the second child of Robert and Hightower, was born through a surrogate.
The former couple, who have kept their youngest child out of the spotlight, called it quits after 2018.
“In a declaration during that time, De Niro penned, ‘We are embarking on a phase of change in our connection which is a challenging yet productive procedure.’ ‘As we continue to establish our responsibilities as co-parents,’ I commend Grace as an exceptional mother and request for seclusion.”
Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro
In May 2023, Robert made headlines when he corrected a reporter from Canada ET, clarifying that he had six kids and was the father of seven, including a newborn baby.
Since 2021, he has been associated with martial arts trainer Tiffany Chen, although the “Intern” actor did not validate Tiffany Chen’s motherhood during that period.
Gayle King disclosed on “CBS Mornings” later that same week that the couple chose the name Gia for their baby daughter.