Robert De Niro, the iconic Academy Award-winning actor, takes great pride in his role as a family man.
Robert De Niro: A Proud Father and Grandfather
Robert De Niro has seven children: Drena, 53, and Raphael, 48, with his first wife Diahnne Abbott; twin sons Julian and Aaron, 29, with former girlfriend Toukie Smith; Elliot, 26, and Helen Grace, 13, with ex-wife Grace Hightower; and most recently, Gia, born in April 2023, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
De Niro cherishes time with his family, particularly enjoying moments when they’re all together on trips or simply spending quality time. “The fact that they’d all be together is everything to me,” he told PEOPLE in February 2024.
As a grandfather, he encourages his children to pursue their passions without fear. “Push yourself a little more and reach for what you really think it is you want to do,” he shared in 2020. His focus remains on their happiness and ambition, ensuring they aim high while staying true to themselves.
Meet his 7 children
Drena De Niro, 53
Drena De Niro, born on Sept. 3, 1971, to Diahnne Abbott, was adopted by Robert De Niro in 1976 after his marriage to Abbott. Growing up surrounded by her parents’ acting careers, Drena spent much of her childhood on film sets and traveling, with cherished memories from her early years in Italy.
Drena pursued a diverse career, starting as a model, debuting at New York Fashion Week, and working with renowned designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Giorgio Armani. She later transitioned to acting, appearing in films like Great Expectations and A Star is Born. Additionally, she founded Daredevil Films and Television, where she produced and directed her award-winning documentary short Girls & Dolls.
In 2003, Drena welcomed her son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, with then-boyfriend Carlos Rodriguez. She described motherhood as transformative, giving her life deeper meaning. Tragically, Leandro passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 19, from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and other substances.
Raphael De Niro, 48
Raphael Eugene De Niro, born on Nov. 9, 1976, to Robert De Niro and Diahnne Abbott. Staying away from acting, he built a successful career in real estate, joining Douglas Elliman in the early 2000s.
In 2004, he launched the De Niro Team and has worked with high-profile clients like Jon Bon Jovi, Kelly Ripa, and Renée Zellweger. Raphael is also a partner at the Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa and a founding board member of the New York Residential Agent Continuum.
In 2008, Raphael married Claudine De Matos in the Bahamas, whom he met at Douglas Elliman. The couple had three children before separating in 2015, finalizing their divorce in January 2020.
Raphael later found love with stylist Hannah Carnes, making their relationship public in 2017. Initially planning a wedding in April 2020, the couple adjusted due to the pandemic and wed at N.Y.C.’s City Hall in March 2020. They shared plans for a celebratory dinner with family and friends at one of their favorite restaurants, Milos in Hudson Yards, once it was safe.
Julian De Niro, 29
Julian Henry De Niro, born on Oct. 20, 1995, to Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith, has followed in his parents’ creative footsteps while also exploring other fields. His acting debut came in 2016 with In Dubious Battle, where he worked alongside James Franco and Selena Gomez.
In 2022, Julian made his TV debut, portraying a young Barack Obama in Showtime’s historical drama The First Lady.
Beyond acting, Julian has a strong academic background. He studied computer science and math at New York University and co-authored an analytical piece in the Washington Post in 2018, revealing insights into social media trends.
Julian maintains a low public profile but occasionally appears at events with his family. In December 2023, he joined his father and sister Drena at Art Basel in Miami, where the trio enjoyed art exhibits and lighthearted family moments.
Aaron De Niro, 29
Aaron Kendrick De Niro, born on Oct. 20, 1995, alongside his twin brother Julian, has chosen to lead an exceptionally private life, staying out of the public eye. Unlike his twin, Aaron has not pursued a career in the spotlight, and little is known about his personal endeavors.
Elliot De Niro, 26
Elliot De Niro, born on March 18, 1998, is the first child of Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower. In 2016, De Niro revealed that Elliot has autism, bringing attention to the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Elliot has found a source of joy and confidence in playing tennis. In 2018, he was featured in ESPN’s Special Olympics: 50 Game Changers series, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics.
De Niro spoke of the impact tennis has had on his son, sharing that it helps build confidence and serves as a motivating and empowering activity for him. Elliot’s story highlights the importance of finding passions that foster growth and self-belief in children with special needs.
Helen Grace De Niro, 13
Helen Grace De Niro, born via surrogate on Dec. 23, 2011, is Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower’s youngest child. The former couple has kept Helen’s life private, though they have occasionally been seen enjoying father-daughter outings, such as beach trips in California and walks in Manhattan.
After their 2018 split, De Niro and Hightower have remained amicable co-parents to Helen and her brother Elliot. De Niro has spoken candidly about the bittersweet experience of parenting, noting how children’s growing independence can bring both joy and sadness. Despite their separation, De Niro continues to praise Hightower as “a wonderful mother.”
Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro
On April 6, 2023, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. Born weighing 8 lbs., 6 oz., her birth was revealed over a month later during an interview when De Niro corrected a reporter, saying, “Seven, actually. I just had a baby.”
At 79, De Niro described fatherhood as challenging but rewarding, saying, “It never gets easier, no matter what age you are.” In July 2023, Gia made her TV debut during Tiffany Chen’s interview with Gayle King, where Chen discussed her Bell’s palsy diagnosis following Gia’s birth.
De Niro has shared his plans to teach Gia both Chinese and English to honor her heritage. By February 2024, he described Gia as “such an adorable baby” who brings him immense joy. “[When I] look at her, everything else goes away,” he told PEOPLE, adding that his older children and even his grandchildren enjoy having her in their lives.
