Robert De Niro, the legendary actor known for films like “The Godfather Part II” and “Taxi Driver”, may be one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, but behind the scenes, he’s also a dedicated father of seven. Over the decades, Robert has welcomed children with four different women, and each of his kids has carved out a unique life path.
In recent headlines, his daughter Airyn made news for sharing her experience as a transgender woman — something Robert has publicly supported with both grace and love.
Airyn De Niro’s Transition and Her Father’s Support
Airyn, one of Robert’s twins born in 1995, recently opened up about her transition in an interview with Them magazine. She spoke candidly about her journey and the private support she received from her parents. Airyn shared that her parents intentionally kept her out of the public eye to allow her a sense of normalcy growing up.
“I’m grateful they gave me the space to grow up without constant scrutiny,” she said.
What stood out most was Robert’s heartfelt response when asked about Airyn’s transition. “I loved Aaron when he was my son, and I love Airyn just the same now that she’s my daughter. There’s nothing complicated about it—I love all my kids,” he told Deadline.
Meet Robert De Niro’s Seven Children and Their Mothers
Robert’s journey as a father spans nearly five decades, starting in the 1970s. Here’s a closer look at each of his children and their mothers.
Tiffany Chen – Mother of Gia Virginia
Tiffany Chen, a martial arts instructor, became connected with Robert during the filming of “The Intern” in 2015, where she trained him and co-star Anne Hathaway in Tai Chi. Their relationship became public in 2022 when they were seen together in Santa Monica. In April 2023, they welcomed their daughter Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro.
Grace Hightower – Mother of Elliot and Helen
Robert married Grace Hightower in 1997. Grace, a former flight attendant, met Robert while working at the well-known restaurant Mr Chow. Their son Elliot was born in 1998. Though the couple separated a year later, they later reconciled and had a daughter, Helen, via surrogacy in 2011.
In an interview, Robert revealed that Elliot is on the autism spectrum and shared how tennis has helped build his confidence. “When he realizes he’s good at something, it lights him up. That’s what matters—seeing that self-belief.”
The couple eventually finalized their divorce in 2018. Despite the legal challenges, Robert publicly praised Grace as a “wonderful mother.”
Toukie Smith – Mother of Julian and Airyn
From 1988 to 1996, Robert was in a relationship with model Toukie Smith. They had twins, Julian and Airyn, through IVF and surrogacy in 1995. While Airyn prefers a life out of the spotlight, Julian pursued acting and appeared in the film “In Dubious Battle” and the series “The First Lady”, where he portrayed a young Barack Obama.
Robert has expressed his encouragement for his children’s creative pursuits. “I tell them—do what makes you happy, but don’t settle. Push yourself and find what really matters to you.”
Diahnne Abbott – Mother of Raphael and Stepmother to Drena
Robert’s first marriage was to actor Diahnne Abbott in 1976. Together, they had a son, Raphael, who initially dabbled in acting before transitioning to a successful real estate career. Robert also adopted Diahnne’s daughter from a previous relationship, Drena, who took his last name and pursued a career in film.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show in 2020, Robert spoke about raising biracial children. “I’ve had to learn a lot over the years. When people tell their kids to keep their hands visible during a traffic stop, that’s something I understand now. And it shouldn’t be like that.”
The Actor’s Views on Parenthood
Throughout his life, Robert has made it clear that fatherhood is something he takes seriously. Despite his busy film schedule and the challenges that come with fame, he’s prioritized privacy, protection, and personal freedom for his kids. His statement on his daughter Airyn’s identity isn’t just supportive — it reflects a quiet strength: “What’s the issue? I love her. That’s it.”
Robert De Niro’s life story is often told through the lens of his Hollywood achievements, but his role as a father is just as compelling. From raising children with unique needs to standing by them through personal milestones, he’s shown a steady, heartfelt commitment to family. His story, with all its layers, speaks volumes not just about the man behind the screen, but about what matters most to him when the cameras stop rolling.