Robert De Niro’s family life is arguably as complex and fascinating as any of his on-screen characters, with the legendary actor being a father to seven children across six decades. As of late 2025, the De Niro lineage is a sprawling network of diverse talents and private individuals, spanning from a successful luxury real estate mogul to an aspiring actor and a baby girl who has just celebrated her second birthday. The sheer age difference and varied career paths of the De Niro children—Drena, Raphael, Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen, and the newest addition, Gia—make for one of Hollywood's most intriguing family stories.
The latest and most significant update to the De Niro family tree is the birth of his youngest child, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, in April 2023, which made headlines globally, emphasizing the enduring nature of De Niro's commitment to fatherhood. This article dives deep into the lives of all his children, with a special focus on his sons, uncovering their current endeavors, from high-stakes New York property deals to carving out their own space in the competitive world of acting.
The Complete De Niro Family Biography & Profile
Robert De Niro's children come from four different relationships, creating a dynamic and varied family structure. Here is a quick look at the seven De Niro children:
- Drena De Niro (Daughter)
- Date of Birth: September 3, 1971
- Mother: Diahnne Abbott (De Niro adopted Drena during their marriage)
- Profession: Actress and Filmmaker
- Notable Fact: Her son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, was De Niro's grandson and also an actor.
- Raphael De Niro (Son)
- Date of Birth: November 9, 1976
- Mother: Diahnne Abbott
- Profession: Luxury Real Estate Broker (Founder of The De Niro Team)
- Notable Fact: Consistently ranked as a top broker at Douglas Elliman.
- Julian Henry De Niro (Son)
- Date of Birth: 1995 (Twin)
- Mother: Toukie Smith (via in-vitro fertilization and a surrogate)
- Profession: Actor
- Notable Fact: Studied drama at NYU Tisch and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
- Aaron Kendrick De Niro (Son)
- Date of Birth: 1995 (Twin)
- Mother: Toukie Smith (via in-vitro fertilization and a surrogate)
- Profession: Highly Private
- Notable Fact: Rarely seen in public, maintaining a very low profile.
- Elliot De Niro (Son)
- Date of Birth: March 18, 1998
- Mother: Grace Hightower
- Profession: Private
- Notable Fact: Diagnosed with autism, which Robert De Niro publicly revealed in 2016.
- Helen Grace De Niro (Daughter)
- Date of Birth: December 2011
- Mother: Grace Hightower (via surrogate)
- Profession: Student
- Notable Fact: The family has kept her life extremely private.
- Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (Daughter)
- Date of Birth: April 6, 2023
- Mother: Tiffany Chen
- Profession: N/A
- Notable Fact: Robert De Niro’s youngest child, born when the actor was 79 years old.
Raphael De Niro: The Real Estate Mogul Who Shuns the Spotlight
While most assume the children of a cinematic icon would follow their father into Hollywood, Raphael De Niro, Robert's son with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott, chose a decidedly different, yet equally high-stakes, career path: luxury real estate. Raphael is a dominant force in the New York City property market, operating as the founder of The De Niro Team at the prestigious firm Douglas Elliman.
His success is not merely a product of his famous name; he has spent nearly two decades building a reputation for closing multi-million dollar deals on some of Manhattan's most exclusive properties.
Current Projects and Business Acumen
In 2025, Raphael and his team remain highly active, focusing on major residential developments across the city. His portfolio includes high-profile projects like 111 Murray Street and 108 Leonard Street, solidifying his status as an expert in the luxury sector.
Raphael’s business extends beyond brokerage. He has been involved in development projects, including a multi-use project in Shanghai, partnering with his father, Ira Drukier, and Richard Born of BD Hotels, showcasing a global and entrepreneurial spirit that moves far beyond the shadow of the silver screen.
He is a clear example of a celebrity child who leveraged his inherent knowledge of New York's elite circles and his own sharp business sense to forge a distinct and highly lucrative career, demonstrating that the De Niro drive is not limited to acting.
Julian and Aaron Kendrick De Niro: The Twins' Divergent Paths
Robert De Niro's twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, born in 1995 via a surrogate during his relationship with model Toukie Smith, have taken two completely opposite approaches to public life.
Julian: The Aspiring Actor
Julian has embraced the family legacy, choosing to pursue a career in acting. He is a formally trained artist, having studied drama at NYU Tisch as an undergraduate and further honing his craft at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
His early filmography includes roles in notable productions, proving his dedication to the craft. He has appeared in films such as *The Intern* (2015), *The Wizard of Lies* (2017), and even had a role in the 2016 film *In Dubious Battle*, alongside James Franco and Selena Gomez.
As of 2025, Julian continues to build his career, often taking roles that allow him to step out from his father's considerable shadow, focusing on independent and compelling projects that speak to his dramatic training. His commitment to both his studies (he double-majored in math and computer science) and his art highlights a disciplined approach to a difficult industry.
Aaron: The Private Life
In stark contrast, Aaron Kendrick De Niro has maintained an almost complete media blackout, choosing to live a life far removed from the public eye. He is arguably the most private of all the De Niro children.
However, he made a rare public appearance with his father in New York City recently, where he debuted a notable physical transformation, sparking brief but intense media interest.
Elliot De Niro and the Newest Addition: Gia Virginia
The other children of Robert De Niro also represent a wide spectrum of life experiences, which the actor has often discussed with a deep sense of paternal pride and protectiveness.
Elliot De Niro's Condition and Family Support
Elliot De Niro, born in 1998 during De Niro's marriage to Grace Hightower, has been a source of deep personal reflection for the actor. In 2016, Robert De Niro publicly revealed that Elliot was diagnosed with autism at a young age.
De Niro has been an advocate for raising awareness, even attempting to screen a controversial documentary about the disorder at his Tribeca Film Festival, which highlighted his commitment to understanding and supporting his son.
Elliot's life is kept private, but his father has spoken about how his son’s condition has profoundly affected his perspective on life and fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of family support and love above all else.
Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro: The New Generation
The most recent and attention-grabbing chapter in the De Niro family story is the birth of Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro in April 2023. She is the daughter of Robert De Niro and his partner, martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen.
De Niro announced her birth to the world when he was promoting his film *About My Father*, and the first photo of the infant was shared on *CBS Mornings*, cementing her place as the seventh De Niro child.
Gia's arrival ensures that the De Niro family legacy will continue to evolve, with the actor embracing fatherhood once again in his later years, a testament to his enduring love for his children and family. The diverse paths of his sons—from the high-powered world of New York City luxury real estate to the quiet pursuit of an acting career—underscore the complex, multi-faceted, and often very private lives of the De Niro children.
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