Robert De Niro Reflects on Fatherhood at 80: Navigating Seven Children and Praising Partner Tiffany Chen

In a recent candid interview with The Guardian, legendary actor Robert De Niro offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, specifically addressing the joys and challenges of fatherhood at 80. Published on Sunday, October 15, the interview saw the Killers of the Flower Moon star reflect on his extensive experience as a parent, an experience that now spans an impressive range from 52-year-old adult children to a 6-month-old infant. When questioned about whether fatherhood becomes “easier” over time, De Niro, known for his stoic on-screen presence, admitted with characteristic honesty, “It doesn’t.” However, he was quick to shower praise upon his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, for her exceptional mothering skills and for shouldering much of the “heavy lifting” in raising their youngest daughter, Gia, who is now six months old. This latest chapter in De Niro’s life has captivated public interest, highlighting the timeless nature of family bonds and the enduring commitment of a parent, regardless of age.

De Niro’s admiration for Tiffany’s dedication to their newborn daughter was palpable throughout the discussion. He openly acknowledged the demanding nature of caring for an infant and emphasized the significant role Tiffany plays. “It is what it is. It’s OK,” he stated, referring to the realities of new parenthood. “I mean, I don’t do the heavy lifting. I’m there, I support my girlfriend. But she does the work. And we have help, which is so important.” This statement underscores not only his respect for Tiffany’s primary caregiving efforts but also highlights the practical understanding that raising a child, especially at their stage of life, necessitates a robust support system. For De Niro, whose career demands often place him in the public eye and across various film sets, having a capable and devoted partner like Chen ensures that Gia receives the constant, nurturing care she needs during these crucial early months. Their shared commitment to Gia’s well-being is evident, with De Niro taking on a supportive role while acknowledging the immense effort his partner invests daily.

When probed about what aspects of fatherhood he enjoys most, De Niro’s response was simple yet profound: “All of it!” He elaborated on the diverse experiences of parenting children across different age groups, illustrating the multifaceted nature of his family life. “With a baby, it’s different to with my 11-year-old. My adult children. My grandchildren. It’s all different,” he explained. This sentiment speaks volumes about the continuous evolution of parental roles. Engaging with a six-month-old like Gia involves tender care, playful interactions, and witnessing first milestones, a stark contrast to the intellectual and emotional guidance offered to an 11-year-old. Similarly, conversations with his adult children, some of whom are older than Gia by half a century, involve discussions of their own careers, families, and life choices. Even his relationships with his grandchildren add another layer to his expansive family dynamic. De Niro further highlighted these distinctions, noting, “I don’t talk to the adult children the way I talk to my baby, or the way I speak to my 11-year-old, though she’s pretty smart.” This demonstrates a deep understanding of individualized parenting, tailoring his approach and communication style to suit each child’s stage of development and personality. The richness of these varied relationships, he suggests, is precisely what makes fatherhood so rewarding and engaging for him.

De Niro’s journey as a dad of seven is remarkable, encompassing a vast spectrum of life stages within his immediate family. His children range from Gia, the youngest at six months, to his eldest, who is 52 years old. This extraordinary span means that De Niro has been a father for over five decades, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of parenthood across generations. His diverse family includes two children, Drena and Raphael, with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott; twin sons, Julian and Aaron, born via surrogate with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith; and a son, Elliot, and daughter, Helen, with his second wife, Grace Hightower. Gia’s arrival marked a new chapter, bringing the profound joys and responsibilities of newborn care back into his life at a time when many might expect to be solely enjoying grandparenting. After Tiffany gave birth, De Niro shared his initial excitement about becoming a father again. In an interview with Access Hollywood, he articulated the profound sense of duty that accompanies parenthood: “You have a responsibility but look, it’s a mystery, it’s a lot of excitement, but it’s scary and you do your best.” This quote encapsulates the universal experience of new parents – a mix of profound joy, immense excitement, and a healthy dose of apprehension, regardless of how many times one has been through it before. For De Niro, this renewed responsibility has brought a fresh perspective on life, grounding him amidst his celebrated career.

The revelation of Gia’s birth came in a May interview when De Niro casually mentioned their first child together, surprising many and quickly becoming a major news story. Following the joyous announcement, Tiffany Chen courageously spoke out about her health complications following the pregnancy in a July interview with CBS Mornings. She revealed a frightening experience involving Bell’s Palsy, a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the facial nerves. Chen described experiencing unusual sensations leading up to the diagnosis: “My face just felt weird. I didn’t know what the feeling was that I was having.” The symptoms rapidly escalated, culminating in a complete loss of facial function shortly after her hospitalization. “I lost all facial function the minute I got into the hospital,” she shared, recounting the distressing onset of the condition. Bell’s Palsy, while typically temporary, can cause significant distress and impact daily activities, including eating, speaking, and expressing emotions. Tiffany’s brave decision to share her postpartum journey shed light on an often-unspoken aspect of childbirth recovery, reminding the public that even seemingly straightforward pregnancies can be followed by unexpected medical challenges. Her openness also serves to raise awareness about postpartum health and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for unusual symptoms, normalizing conversations around the physical and emotional toll that childbirth can take on a mother’s body.

De Niro’s statements about his partner’s dedication and his own evolving experience with fatherhood highlight a personal side to the usually private actor. His willingness to discuss the demanding nature of parenting, especially with an infant, and his appreciation for Tiffany’s unwavering commitment to Gia, resonate deeply. It underscores the universal truth that parenting is a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and loving, one that requires immense effort and support, regardless of how many children one has or how many years one has lived. For Robert De Niro, at 80, this new chapter with Tiffany Chen and baby Gia is not just a continuation of his legacy but a vibrant testament to the enduring power of family, love, and the boundless capacity of the human heart to embrace new beginnings.