Robert De Niro on the Private Burden of a Public Life

De Niro, now 81, has navigated parenthood through multiple decades and relationships. His children range from three to 54 years old, a span that includes his eldest son, Raphael, and his youngest, Gia, born in 2023 with partner Tiffany Chen. While his filmography remains prolific, the actor concedes that the demands of his profession often collide with his desire to remain a constant presence in his children’s lives.

Despite the professional pressures, his children have publicly lauded his commitment. His daughter Airyn, who came out as transgender in 2025, recently described her father as the standard for parental acceptance, noting his unwavering support throughout her transition. Raphael, now a successful real estate broker, credits his father with instilling a sense of responsibility early on to avoid the pitfalls often associated with growing up in Hollywood. Reflecting on his own philosophy, De Niro remains grounded in a simple goal: ensuring his children feel supported above all else, even as he admits he is still learning the nuances of his most challenging role.