He’s got Oscars, a legendary career, and a toddler. But Robert De Niro’s biggest role? Dad.
At 81, Robert De Niro is embracing fatherhood once again, diapers and all. Well, almost. In a recent interview, the Hollywood icon admitted that while he doesn’t handle diaper duty for his youngest, 2-year-old Gia, he’s still all in when it comes to parenting.
“I used to,” De Niro said with a laugh, referring to diaper changes. These days, his mornings are more about bonding time: “I spend my mornings watching Miss Rachel with her, and I give her her bottle.”
The Oscar winner welcomed baby Gia with his girlfriend, martial artist Tiffany Chen, in 2023, making him a dad of seven.
His One Parenting Rule? “Support Them — Always.”
Despite a decades-spanning career and a famously private nature, De Niro didn’t hesitate to open up about his parenting philosophy during a recent sit-down with Entertainment Tonight. His biggest rule?
“The main thing is to support your kids,” he said.
“As long as they’re not hurting themselves, doing anything destructive or anything like that, you have to support them, period.”
He doubled down:
“Even if you don’t go with it or think that they… you have to support them. And they have to know that you support them. Always.”
It’s a simple rule, but for De Niro, it’s everything, especially now.
A Father’s Unwavering Support
De Niro’s parenting comments come on the heels of publicly supporting his child Airyn, who came out as transgender earlier this year. The actor didn’t flinch when asked about it.
“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is, I love all my children.”
It was a quiet but powerful show of support from a man who rarely seeks the spotlight off-screen.
Meet the De Niro Kids
Robert De Niro has seven children from four different relationships. And each has played a role in shaping his off-camera legacy.
- With Diahnne Abbott, his first wife, he became a father to Drena (57) and Raphael (48).
- He shares twins Julian and Airyn (29) with actress Toukie Smith.
- With Grace Hightower, he welcomed Elliot (27) and Helen (14).
- And with Tiffany Chen, he’s now dad to little Gia, the toddler keeping his mornings playful and his routines filled with bottles and nursery rhymes.
Still Present, Still Proud
Whether it’s bottle feedings or heartfelt interviews, Robert De Niro is proving that fatherhood doesn’t come with an age limit, only a commitment. And at 81, he’s still showing up.
His message is clear: you don’t have to be perfect to be present. You just have to love your kids and let them know
