Last year, Robert De Niro, at the age of 79, made headlines when he welcomed a new child into his life.
Understandably, the news stirred quite a reaction, especially after he revealed that he had remarried film producer Tiffany Chen. This was confirmed by De Niro himself at a red carpet event in May of last year, leaving many fans genuinely surprised.
Despite being 80 now, the star of film classics like Goodfellas seems to be relishing his role as a new parent, even at this stage in his life. In a recent interview, the actor became emotional while talking about his baby daughter, Gia.
Speaking warmly to AARP for their upcoming February/March issue, De Niro shared, “I am an 80-year-old father, and it is wonderful.”
He added, “When I look at her, all my worries and troubles just melt away. It’s fantastic.”
Robert De Niro, who received an Oscar nod for his recent role in Flowers of the Killer Moon, mentioned that Gia brings back memories of his daughter Helen, who he had with Grace Hightower in 2011.
De Niro expressed his desire to remain present for as long as possible, saying, “I want to be around to enjoy it and enjoy her.”
Reflecting on fatherhood, De Niro emphasized the importance of showing affection to his children, even though he sometimes needs to be firm. He modestly added, “I don’t think I’m a cool dad.”
“With kids, you can’t avoid setting rules and boundaries. I’m not a fan of having to lay down the law and all that, but sometimes you just have to make those calls, and I think any parent can relate to that.”
“You always want to do what’s best for your children and give them the benefit of the doubt, but there are moments when that’s just not possible.”
The Academy Award-winning actor, who was married to Grace Hightower for 20 years before they separated in 2018, seems to have found happiness again with Tiffany Chen.
Robert De Niro has a large family: two children with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott—Raphael, 46, and Drena, 1951. He also has two children with his second wife, Grace—Elliot, 25, and Helen, 11. Additionally, De Niro has twin sons, Aaron and Julian, who are 27 years old, with Toukie Smith.
It’s clear that Robert De Niro has shown time and time again that he can be a loving and dedicated father.
