Robert De Niro's Wives And Partners: A Complete Timeline Of His Three Loves, Seven Children, And New Life With Tiffany Chen

Robert De Niro's romantic life has been as storied and complex as his iconic film career, marked by two marriages and a recent, high-profile partnership that has brought him a seventh child. As of December 10, 2025, the legendary actor is in a committed relationship with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen, a union that has garnered significant public interest following the surprise announcement of their daughter's birth in 2023. This article provides a deep dive into the women who have shared his life, the timeline of his relationships, and the complete family he has built across four decades. The current focus remains firmly on his life with Chen, a relationship that began after his contentious separation from second wife Grace Hightower. From his early marriage to actress Diahnne Abbott to his current chapter as a father in his 80s, De Niro’s personal journey is a testament to his enduring commitment to family, even as his private life is often scrutinized. The most recent news, including his appearances with Chen at film festivals like Cannes, confirms the strength of their bond and their shared focus on raising their young daughter, Gia Virginia.

The Women Who Captured Robert De Niro's Heart: A Full Biography Profile

Robert De Niro has been married twice and has had two significant long-term partners, resulting in seven children. Each woman has a unique background and career, from acting and philanthropy to martial arts mastery.

Tiffany Chen: Current Partner and Mother of Gia Virginia

• Role: Partner (since 2021)
• Occupation: Highly decorated Martial Arts Instructor, Tai Chi expert, and fitness professional.
• Family Background: Daughter of Grandmaster William CC Chen, a renowned figure in the world of Tai Chi Chuan.
• Career Highlights: Undefeated national and international T'ai Chi Push-Hands Champion; 2003 San-Shou (Chinese kickboxing) Champion.
• How They Met: They met in 2015 on the set of the film *The Intern*, where Chen was hired to teach De Niro martial arts for his role.
• Child: Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (born 2023).

Grace Hightower: Second Wife (1997–2018)

• Role: Second Wife (Married 1997, Separated 2018)
• Occupation: Actress, Socialite, and Philanthropist.
• Marriage Timeline: They married in 1997, separated briefly in 1999 (filing for divorce but reconciling), and officially separated in 2018. The divorce proceedings were contentious, focusing on the division of De Niro's substantial fortune.
• Children: Elliot De Niro (born 1998) and Helen Grace De Niro (born 2011, via surrogate).

Diahnne Abbott: First Wife (1976–1988)

• Role: First Wife (Married 1976, Divorced 1988)
• Occupation: Actress, known for roles in films like *Taxi Driver*, *New York, New York*, and *The King of Comedy*, often appearing alongside De Niro.
• Children: Raphael De Niro (born 1976) and Drena De Niro (adopted daughter from Diahnne's previous relationship, whom Robert adopted).

Toukie Smith: Former Long-Term Girlfriend

• Role: Long-Term Girlfriend (Late 1980s to Mid-1990s)
• Occupation: Actress and model.
• Children: Twin sons Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro (born 1995, via surrogate).

The New Chapter: Tiffany Chen and the Birth of Gia Virginia

The relationship between Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen became a global headline in May 2023 when the actor casually corrected an interviewer, stating he was a father of seven, not six. This revealed the birth of his youngest daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, whom he shares with Chen. The news highlighted the actor's private nature and his commitment to his growing family. Chen, a highly respected figure in the martial arts community, is the daughter of Grandmaster William CC Chen, making her a natural fit for De Niro's grounded lifestyle. Her background is one of discipline and achievement, having been the undefeated national and international T'ai Chi Push-Hands Champion. The couple’s first public appearances together were in August 2021, and they have since been seen enjoying romantic trips to Europe and attending high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. The dynamic of their relationship is reportedly strong, with sources suggesting De Niro is "madly in love" with Chen. Despite the significant age gap, their connection is described as working well, although the intense work schedule of the octogenarian actor has been a reported source of tension.

The Complete De Niro Family Tree: Seven Children and Four Mothers

Robert De Niro is a dedicated father to seven children, each having a unique story and connection to their famous parent. The full list of his children and their mothers demonstrates a complex and evolving family structure that spans decades.

1. Drena De Niro (Daughter, with Diahnne Abbott)

Drena, born in 1971, is Diahnne Abbott's daughter from a previous relationship, whom De Niro adopted shortly after their marriage in 1976. She has followed in her parents' footsteps as an actress and filmmaker.

2. Raphael De Niro (Son, with Diahnne Abbott)

Raphael, born in 1976, is De Niro's first biological child. He is a successful real estate broker in New York City, known for handling high-end properties.

3. Julian Henry De Niro (Twin Son, with Toukie Smith)

Julian is one of the twin sons born via surrogate in 1995 during De Niro's relationship with actress Toukie Smith. He has pursued a career in acting, appearing in projects like *The First Lady*.

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4. Airyn De Niro (Twin Child, with Toukie Smith)

Airyn, formerly Aaron Kendrick, is Julian's twin sibling. Airyn came out as transgender in 2025 and has openly discussed her journey, with De Niro expressing his support. This is one of the most recent and personal family updates.

5. Elliot De Niro (Son, with Grace Hightower)

Elliot, born in 1998, is the first child of De Niro and Grace Hightower. He was diagnosed with autism, and De Niro has been a vocal advocate for autism awareness and research.

6. Helen Grace De Niro (Daughter, with Grace Hightower)

Helen Grace, born in 2011 via a surrogate, is the second child from his marriage to Hightower. Her birth came years after the couple's initial separation and reconciliation.

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7. Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (Daughter, with Tiffany Chen)

Gia Virginia, born in 2023, is De Niro's youngest child. Her birth has brought a wave of renewed attention to the actor's personal life and his commitment to fatherhood in his later years.

From Contention to Contentment: The End of the Grace Hightower Marriage

The marriage to Grace Hightower was De Niro's longest, spanning over two decades, but was also marked by significant turbulence. The couple first filed for divorce in 1999, only two years after their wedding, but ultimately reconciled and renewed their vows in 2004. The final separation in 2018 led to a protracted and highly publicized legal battle. The core of the divorce dispute revolved around the interpretation of their prenuptial agreement, specifically concerning the actor's considerable wealth, estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars. A Manhattan court eventually ruled in De Niro's favor, allowing him to retain his half-billion-dollar fortune, which was a critical legal development in the divorce proceedings. Despite the legal complexities, De Niro and Hightower remain co-parents to their two children, Elliot and Helen Grace. The end of this long-term marriage paved the way for the actor's unexpected and happy new relationship with Tiffany Chen.