Robert De Niro, the legendary actor known for his roles in classics such as “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas,” recently celebrated a heartwarming milestone in his family life. The 80-year-old star marked the first birthday of his youngest daughter, Gia, with a special celebration. De Niro welcomed Gia with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, last year, and the past 12 months have been filled with joy for the veteran actor.
To celebrate Gia’s first birthday, De Niro and his family threw a sweet party. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, De Niro revealed that the celebration was a modest affair, complete with a little cake for Gia. He described the event as “very nice” and “sweet,” reflecting the pure joy that his baby daughter brings to his life. “She’s pure joy,” De Niro said, adding that there is no judgment or complication with her, just pure, unadulterated happiness.
As De Niro prepares to turn 81 this summer, he finds himself enjoying fatherhood once again. Gia’s arrival has added a new dimension to his already large family. De Niro is a father to seven children, each bringing their unique dynamic to the family. His eldest, Drena, 51, is his adoptive daughter from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott. His oldest biological son, Raphael, 47, also came from his union with Abbott.
Robert De Niro, 80, with his 10 month old daughter Gia.
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His older six children range from ages 56 to 12. pic.twitter.com/mG2IRhIF50
De Niro’s family further expanded when he welcomed twin sons, Julian and Aaron, 28, through a surrogate with model Toukie Smith. He also has two children with his ex-wife Grace Hightower: son Elliot, 25, and daughter Helen, 12. In addition to his seven children, De Niro is a grandfather to four grandchildren. However, the family faced a tragic loss last year when his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, passed away from combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and cocaine.
Despite the challenges and the sadness of such a loss, De Niro continues to find joy in fatherhood. He recently spoke to The Guardian about his experiences as a parent, noting that every aspect of parenting is “good and mysterious” and filled with uncertainty about what the future holds. De Niro’s approach to parenting his youngest daughter differs from his experiences with his older children and grandchildren, but he embraces each stage with the same enthusiasm.
De Niro is a hands-on dad, but he credits Chen with doing most of the “heavy lifting” when it comes to caring for Gia. “I’m there, I support my girlfriend. But she does the work. And we have help, which is so important,” he explained. The actor acknowledges the importance of having assistance, especially when juggling the responsibilities of an infant at his age.
Having children across different generations has given De Niro a unique perspective on parenting. “With a baby, it’s different than with my 11-year-old. My adult children. My grandchildren. It’s all different,” he said. This wide range of ages in his family allows De Niro to experience the joys and challenges of parenting from various angles, keeping him engaged and connected with his children.
The celebration of Gia’s first birthday is a testament to the enduring spirit and joy that family brings to Robert De Niro’s life. Despite the demands of his illustrious career and the personal losses he has endured, De Niro’s dedication to his family remains unwavering. Gia’s first birthday party, though simple, was filled with love and joy, underscoring the happiness that his youngest child has brought into his life.
As Robert De Niro continues to navigate the complexities of fatherhood at 80, he does so with a sense of wonder and appreciation. His journey as a father, spanning over five decades, is a remarkable testament to his commitment to his family. With Gia’s first birthday behind him, De Niro looks forward to the future, cherishing every moment with his children and grandchildren.
