Home Certifiedscandal51

The Seven Lives Of Robert De Niro: A Deep Dive Into His Wives, Girlfriends, And Seven Children

• minute read
Contents
The legendary actor Robert De Niro has always kept his personal life relatively private, but the recent news of his seventh child has brought his complex and decades-long romantic history into the spotlight. As of today, December 21, 2025, De Niro is in a committed relationship with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen, who is the mother of his youngest daughter, Gia. This article provides the most current and comprehensive look at the women who have been central to the life of the *Raging Bull* star, detailing his two marriages, significant long-term relationships, and the mothers of all seven of his children. The public's fascination with De Niro's partners stems from his enduring career and the significant age gap in his most recent relationship, making the details of his family life a compelling topic for fans and media alike. We will explore the full list of his wives and partners, their biographies, and the unique circumstances of their relationships with the iconic screen presence.

Robert De Niro's Complete Relationship Profile and Biography

Robert De Niro, a two-time Academy Award winner and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has had a storied romantic life that spans five decades. He has been married twice and has had two other significant long-term partnerships. Here is a complete list of his major partners and their biographical details:
  • First Wife: Diahnne Abbott
    • Role: Actress, Singer.
    • Relationship Status: Married (1976–1988).
    • Children Together: Drena De Niro (adopted, Diahnne's daughter from a previous relationship) and Raphael De Niro.
    • Notable Works: Appeared with De Niro in *Taxi Driver* (1976), *New York, New York* (1977), and *The King of Comedy* (1982).
  • Significant Partner: Toukie Smith
    • Role: Model and Actress.
    • Relationship Status: Long-term Girlfriend (Late 1980s–1990s).
    • Children Together: Twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, born via surrogate.
    • Notable Works: Known for her modeling career and acting roles, including in *Miami Vice*.
  • Second Wife: Grace Hightower
    • Role: Actress, Philanthropist, and Socialite.
    • Relationship Status: Married (1997–2018; divorce finalized in 2021).
    • Children Together: Elliot De Niro and Helen Grace De Niro (via surrogate).
    • Notable Works: Founder of the coffee company Grace Hightower & Co. She and De Niro had a famously on-again, off-again relationship before their final separation.
  • Current Partner: Tiffany Chen
    • Role: Martial Arts Instructor (Tai Chi).
    • Relationship Status: Girlfriend (Linked since 2021, relationship ongoing).
    • Children Together: Daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro.
    • Notable Works: Met De Niro on the set of the 2015 film *The Intern*, where she played a Tai Chi instructor. She is a highly respected Tai Chi master.

Meet Tiffany Chen: The Martial Arts Instructor Who Stole His Heart

Tiffany Chen is the woman currently at the center of Robert De Niro's life, and their relationship has generated significant media attention due to the recent birth of their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, in 2023. Chen is not a traditional Hollywood figure but a distinguished martial arts professional. Their connection began professionally on the set of the 2015 comedy *The Intern*, where Chen had a small role as a Tai Chi instructor. While they were first romantically linked in August 2021, their bond deepened, leading to the arrival of their child when De Niro was 79 years old. Chen is a highly accomplished athlete and teacher, specializing in Tai Chi Chuan, a traditional Chinese martial art. Her background is rooted in the discipline, as her father, Grandmaster William C.C. Chen, is a famous Tai Chi master. This unique background offers a refreshing contrast to De Niro's previous relationships with actresses and models. Recent reports, as of late 2025, indicate the couple is still going strong, often appearing together at high-profile events, such as the premiere of *Megapolis* in September 2025. However, it has been noted that the octogenarian actor remains cautious about a third marriage, with sources suggesting he would not tie the knot without a prenuptial agreement. The focus of their current life remains on raising their young daughter, Gia, and maintaining their privacy away from the intense Hollywood spotlight.

A Look Back at De Niro's Two Marriages: Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower

De Niro's romantic history is defined by two long and complex marriages, both of which resulted in children and extended family ties.

The First Marriage: Diahnne Abbott (1976–1988)

De Niro's first wife was the actress and singer Diahnne Abbott. They met early in his career and married in 1976. Abbott was a frequent collaborator, appearing in several of De Niro's seminal films, including his Oscar-winning performance in *Taxi Driver*. Their family began with the adoption of Diahnne's daughter from a previous relationship, Drena De Niro. They later welcomed their son, Raphael De Niro. Both Drena and Raphael have followed their parents into the entertainment and real estate industries, respectively. The couple divorced in 1988 after 12 years of marriage. The entities Diahnne Abbott and Raphael De Niro are key figures in the actor's early family life.

The Second Marriage: Grace Hightower (1997–2018)

Grace Hightower was De Niro's second wife, and their relationship proved to be the most public and tumultuous. They first married in 1997, but their union was marked by a brief separation and divorce filing in 1999, which they later withdrew, reconciling and renewing their vows. Hightower, a philanthropist and businesswoman, and De Niro share two children: their son, Elliot De Niro, born in 1998, and their daughter, Helen Grace De Niro, born in 2011 via surrogate. The couple separated for good in 2018, with their protracted divorce proceedings finally concluding in 2021. The longevity and public nature of this relationship, which lasted over two decades, cemented Grace Hightower's status as a central figure in the actor's life.

The De Niro Dynasty: All Seven Children and Their Mothers

One of the most remarkable aspects of Robert De Niro's personal life is his role as a father to seven children, each born from four different relationships. This large, blended family structure underscores the complexity and depth of his personal connections. The De Niro children, spanning five decades in age, are:
  1. Drena De Niro (b. 1971): Daughter with Diahnne Abbott (adopted).
  2. Raphael De Niro (b. 1976): Son with Diahnne Abbott.
  3. Julian Henry De Niro (b. 1995): Twin son with Toukie Smith (via surrogate).
  4. Aaron Kendrick De Niro (b. 1995): Twin son with Toukie Smith (via surrogate).
  5. Elliot De Niro (b. 1998): Son with Grace Hightower.
  6. Helen Grace De Niro (b. 2011): Daughter with Grace Hightower (via surrogate).
  7. Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (b. 2023): Daughter with Tiffany Chen.
The use of surrogacy for his children with Toukie Smith and his youngest daughter with Grace Hightower highlights a modern approach to family building that was ahead of its time for many Hollywood figures. The recent addition of Gia De Niro with Tiffany Chen emphasizes the enduring vitality of the *Godfather* star and his commitment to fatherhood across his entire adult life. The generational gap between his eldest daughter, Drena, and his youngest, Gia, is nearly 52 years, making the De Niro family a truly unique and diverse Hollywood dynasty.
robert de niros wife
robert de niros wife

Detail Author:

  • Name : Julian Thiel
  • Username : elnora.bogan
  • Email : lyric49@christiansen.com
  • Birthdate : 1976-07-29
  • Address : 70918 Labadie Corner Elmoreland, WI 79207
  • Phone : +1.251.892.5883
  • Company : Kulas, Beatty and Anderson
  • Job : Tax Examiner
  • Bio : Facilis perferendis quibusdam voluptas beatae rerum quo recusandae. Dolore illo sed et veniam perferendis. Eaque cum repellat doloribus impedit eum.

Socials

instagram:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@conroyc
  • username : conroyc
  • bio : In distinctio deleniti cumque id fugiat culpa aut. Porro dolores laborum quia.
  • followers : 4797
  • following : 2552

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/candelario_conroy
  • username : candelario_conroy
  • bio : Reiciendis consequatur at voluptas magnam. Dolores ipsa inventore officiis sit vitae ipsum. Iste laudantium voluptas qui itaque autem incidunt.
  • followers : 360
  • following : 2604

facebook:

Random Posts