The Seven Lives And Three Wives: Unpacking Robert De Niro's Complex Romantic History And His New Chapter With Tiffany Chen

Robert De Niro's private life has always been as compelling as his on-screen roles in cinematic masterpieces like The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull. While the public often focuses on his two official marriages, the full scope of his romantic history is a complex tapestry woven with long-term partnerships, a high-stakes $500 million divorce, and, most recently, the birth of his seventh child at the age of 80. As of December 2025, the legendary actor is not currently married, but his relationship with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen has captured global attention, especially following their rare public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the women who have shared Robert De Niro's life, detailing the biographies of his two ex-wives, his significant long-term partners, and the fresh details surrounding his current relationship with Tiffany Chen, the mother of his youngest daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro.

Robert De Niro's Complete Relationship & Family Biography

Robert De Niro, born August 17, 1943, has had two official marriages and two significant long-term partnerships that resulted in children, making him a father of seven. His romantic history spans five decades and includes actresses, socialites, and a martial arts expert.

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Diahnne Abbott (First Wife)

• Relationship Type: Marriage
• Dates: 1976–1988 (12 years)
• Children: Two
  • Drena De Niro (b. 1971): De Niro adopted Drena, Abbott's daughter from a previous relationship. She is an actress and filmmaker.
  • Raphael De Niro (b. 1976): A former actor who is now a successful New York real estate broker.
• Biography: Diahnne Abbott is an American actress and singer who frequently appeared in De Niro's early films. She is known for her roles in Taxi Driver (1976), New York, New York (1977), and The King of Comedy (1982).
• Status: Divorced.

Toukie Smith (Long-Term Partner)

• Relationship Type: Long-Term Partnership (not married)
• Dates: Late 1980s–1990s
• Children: Two (via surrogate)
  • Julian Henry De Niro (b. 1995): Twin son.
  • Aaron Kendrick De Niro (b. 1995): Twin son.
• Biography: Toukie Smith is an American model, actress, and restaurateur. She and De Niro used a surrogate to have their twin sons, Julian and Aaron.

Grace Hightower (Second Wife)

• Relationship Type: Marriage
• Dates: 1997–2018 (21 years, separated in 2018)
• Children: Two
  • Elliot De Niro (b. 1998): De Niro and Hightower’s first son.
  • Helen Grace De Niro (b. 2011): Daughter, born via surrogate.
• Biography: Grace Hightower is an American socialite, philanthropist, and occasional actress. Their marriage was tumultuous, including a brief separation and a near-divorce in 1999, before they renewed their vows.
• Status: Separated in 2018. Their divorce proceedings were lengthy and "tortuous," involving a legal battle over De Niro's estimated $500 million fortune and arguments over her spending habits, which a Manhattan court eventually ruled in De Niro's favor regarding the bulk of his earnings.

Tiffany Chen (Current Partner)

• Relationship Type: Current Partner/Girlfriend
• Dates: Publicly linked since 2021
• Children: One
  • Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (b. May 2023): De Niro's seventh and youngest child.
• Biography: Tiffany Chen is a highly respected martial arts instructor, specializing in Tai Chi. She met De Niro on the set of the 2015 film The Intern, where she played a Tai Chi instructor.
• Status: In a committed relationship.

The Age Gap and The Newest De Niro: Tiffany Chen's Impact

The relationship between Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen has been a major headline generator, largely due to the significant age difference between the two. De Niro, who is in his 80s, is approximately 35 to 36 years older than Chen, who is reported to be in her mid-40s. This gap has sparked considerable public curiosity, but the couple has maintained a notably private and low-key presence, only occasionally making public appearances.

The most significant development in their relationship came in May 2023 with the birth of their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro. De Niro confirmed the news casually during an interview, correcting a reporter who stated he had six children by saying, "Seven, actually." The actor has expressed joy about this new chapter of late-life fatherhood, often speaking about his love for his children and his current partner.

Tiffany Chen is a professional in her own right, coming from a family of martial arts masters. Her expertise in Tai Chi is what initially brought her into De Niro's orbit during the filming of The Intern. She is not a typical Hollywood socialite, which has added to the intrigue surrounding the couple.

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From High-Profile Divorce to Cannes 2025: De Niro's Current Chapter

The transition from his second marriage to his current partnership was marked by a protracted and often dramatic divorce from Grace Hightower. The legal proceedings, which began in 2018, dragged on for years, with financial details of De Niro's massive fortune—estimated to be around $500 million—becoming public knowledge. The legal wrangling focused heavily on the prenuptial agreement and the financial support Hightower would receive, highlighting the high stakes involved in the separation of a Hollywood titan.

In stark contrast to the drama of his divorce, De Niro's relationship with Tiffany Chen appears to be one of quiet commitment. The couple has successfully kept their life largely out of the tabloid spotlight, focusing on their new family. However, a major public sighting occurred at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, where the 81-year-old actor and Chen, 45, walked the red carpet together. This rare, high-profile appearance signaled the enduring strength of their bond and confirmed their status as a committed couple in the public eye.

Sources close to the actor have indicated that De Niro is "madly in love" with Chen, with some speculation that he may be considering a third marriage. Whether they decide to formalize their union remains to be seen, but their presence at major industry events like Cannes 2025 clearly shows Tiffany Chen is the central female figure in Robert De Niro's life today.

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The Legacy of De Niro's Partners and Topical Authority

The women in Robert De Niro's life are more than just footnotes to his career; they are accomplished individuals who have shaped his personal and professional world. Diahnne Abbott’s contributions to films like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy cemented her place in his early career narrative. Grace Hightower, through her philanthropic work and long marriage, was a major figure in his life for over two decades, navigating the intense scrutiny of Hollywood.

The introduction of Tiffany Chen, a Tai Chi master, represents a new, quieter, and perhaps more grounded phase for the actor. The birth of Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, alongside his six older children—Drena, Raphael, Julian, Aaron, Elliot, and Helen—further solidifies his legacy as a devoted, albeit complicated, family man across multiple generations. The combination of his professional achievements and his dynamic, decades-spanning personal life ensures that the topic of "Robert De Niro's wife and partners" will remain a subject of enduring fascination for fans and topical authority writers alike.