The Seven Children Of Robert De Niro: A Deep Dive Into His Sons, Tragic Loss, And The Newest Baby

Robert De Niro’s family life is as complex and fascinating as his filmography, spanning decades and generations. As of December 18, 2025, the legendary actor is a father to seven children, a journey that has seen him navigate the worlds of real estate, acting, and special needs parenting, alongside the recent joy of welcoming a new daughter and the profound grief of losing a grandson to tragedy. The public's curiosity surrounding the De Niro lineage, especially his sons, remains high, as they forge their own paths outside the shadow of their iconic father.

The "son Robert De Niro" search often leads to questions about their careers, mothers, and recent headlines. The most recent and impactful events surrounding the family involve the birth of his youngest child, Gia Virginia, in 2023, and the heartbreaking death of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, with recent legal action being taken against the alleged drug dealers involved in the overdose. This article provides a fresh, comprehensive look at all of De Niro's children, focusing on the lives and latest updates concerning his sons.

The Complete De Niro Family Tree: Sons, Daughters, and Their Mothers

Robert De Niro's family is a testament to his long and varied personal life, with seven children from four different relationships. While the initial focus is on his sons, understanding the full family structure provides essential context for their interconnected lives and the recent events that have made headlines.

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• Drena De Niro (Daughter): Born in 1971 (Age 54). Adopted by Robert De Niro when he married her mother, Diahnne Abbott. Drena is an actress and filmmaker. She is the mother of the late Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.
• Raphael De Niro (Son): Born in 1976 (Age 49). Shared with first wife, Diahnne Abbott. Raphael has chosen a path far from Hollywood, becoming a highly successful luxury real estate broker in New York City.
• Julian Henry De Niro (Son): Born on October 20, 1995 (Age 30). Twin to Aaron Kendrick De Niro, shared with former girlfriend Toukie Smith via in-vitro fertilization and a surrogate. Julian has pursued acting, appearing in projects like The First Lady.
• Aaron Kendrick De Niro (Son): Born on October 20, 1995 (Age 30). Twin to Julian Henry De Niro, shared with Toukie Smith. Aaron recently made news for a rare public appearance alongside his father, debuting a bold new look that included pink hair and heels, signaling a unique personal style.
• Elliot De Niro (Son): Born in 1998 (Age 27). Shared with second wife, Grace Hightower. Elliot has special needs, as he is on the autism spectrum. Robert De Niro has been very open about the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism, making him an advocate for the community.
• Helen Grace De Niro (Daughter): Born in 2011 (Age 13). Shared with Grace Hightower via a surrogate.
• Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (Daughter): Born on April 6, 2023 (Age 2). Shared with current partner, Tiffany Chen. Gia is the actor's youngest child and the subject of immense public and media interest due to her father's age.

The Tragic Loss of a Grandson and the Latest Legal Developments

The De Niro family was struck by profound tragedy in July 2023 with the death of Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the son of Drena De Niro. This event brought the family into a harsh spotlight, highlighting the devastating impact of the opioid crisis. Leandro was only 19 years old.

The cause of death was officially ruled an accidental overdose, resulting from a toxic combination of drugs, including fentanyl-laced pills. Drena De Niro publicly stated that her son had purchased the pills from someone who knew they were laced with fentanyl, underscoring the lethal danger of street drugs.

In the months following the tragedy, authorities took significant action. In a major development as of late 2024, five individuals were federally indicted and arrested in connection with selling the drugs that led to Leandro's death. The arrests were a critical step in seeking justice for the family and sending a clear message about accountability in drug-related fatalities. The legal proceedings continue to be a fresh and ongoing story for the De Niro family.

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The Next Generation: What Robert De Niro's Sons Are Doing Now

While their father is an Oscar-winning screen legend, Robert De Niro's sons have largely chosen paths that keep them out of the constant glare of Hollywood, though each has a unique connection to the arts or business world.

Raphael De Niro: The Real Estate Mogul

Raphael De Niro, the eldest son, has become arguably the most publicly successful of the sons outside of the entertainment industry. He is a highly respected and top-producing luxury real estate broker in New York City. His firm, Douglas Elliman, consistently ranks him among its top agents, handling high-profile, multi-million dollar properties. Raphael's career demonstrates a complete departure from his father's profession, establishing a powerful legacy in the competitive Manhattan property market. He is also a father himself, making Robert De Niro a grandfather several times over.

Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick: The Twin Artists

Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, the 30-year-old twins, have maintained a much more private life. Julian has dipped his toes into the acting world, most notably appearing in the Showtime series The First Lady as a young Barack Obama. This role suggests a potential continuation of the family's acting legacy.

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Aaron Kendrick, on the other hand, has recently garnered attention for his personal style. In a rare public sighting with his father in New York City, Aaron debuted a significant transformation, featuring bright pink hair and wearing heels. This bold public display offers a rare glimpse into the life of the usually very private twin, suggesting a strong sense of individuality and artistic expression that resonates with the broader De Niro family's creative spirit.

Elliot De Niro: Living with Autism

Elliot De Niro's life is perhaps the most personal and influential on his father. Robert De Niro revealed that Elliot is on the autism spectrum, a fact that has led the actor to become a quiet but firm advocate for autism awareness and research. The actor has spoken about the challenges and the unique love that comes with raising a special needs child, noting that his primary goal is to ensure Elliot is cared for and supported throughout his life. Elliot's condition has kept him largely out of the public eye, allowing him to lead a private life supported by his parents.

The Youngest De Niro: Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro

The biggest update to the De Niro family tree in recent years is the arrival of Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro on April 6, 2023. At 80 years old, Robert De Niro became a father again with his partner, martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen.

The news of Gia's birth was initially a quiet affair until De Niro corrected an interviewer who referred to him as a father of six, stating, "Seven, actually." The actor later shared the first photo of his baby girl on television, confirming her name and birth details. Gia's arrival has brought new joy to the family and has sparked widespread public discussion about late-life parenting and the actor's commitment to his ever-growing family. The youngest De Niro represents a new chapter for the veteran star, underscoring the theme of family that has run through his life for over five decades.

The Enduring Legacy of the De Niro Name

The children of Robert De Niro, particularly his sons Raphael, Julian, Aaron, and Elliot, each navigate a world where their last name carries immense weight. From the high-stakes world of New York real estate to the quiet pursuit of acting, and the personal journey of living with special needs, their lives are diverse and complex. The recent tragedies and triumphs, including the tragic loss of a grandson and the joy of a new baby, serve as a reminder that behind the iconic film roles is a man deeply devoted to his large, evolving family. The De Niro name is not just a Hollywood brand; it is an enduring, multi-generational story of love, loss, and legacy.