The Wondrous Life Of An 80-Year-Old Dad: 7 Shocking Facts About Robert De Niro’s Youngest Child, Gia

Robert De Niro’s announcement that he had welcomed his seventh child in April 2023 instantly captivated the world. The news, which broke when the legendary actor was 79 years old, sparked a global conversation about age, fatherhood, and the nature of modern celebrity families. Now, in late 2025, the life of his youngest daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, continues to be a subject of immense public fascination, with new details emerging about her mother’s challenging postpartum experience and De Niro’s own candid feelings about being an "80-year-old dad."

This article dives deep into the most recent and surprising facts surrounding the newest addition to the De Niro dynasty. From the identity of Gia's accomplished mother to the health struggles she endured and the Goodfellas star’s perspective on the massive age gap among his children, these are the current, up-to-date details you need to know about the De Niro family.

Robert De Niro: Complete Biography and Family Profile

Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. is one of the most celebrated and influential actors in cinematic history. His career, spanning over six decades, is defined by his intense method acting and iconic roles in films like The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, and Raging Bull.

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Robert De Niro Profile:

• Full Name: Robert Anthony De Niro Jr.
• Date of Birth: August 17, 1943
• Current Age (2025): 82
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Notable Awards: Two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II, Best Actor for Raging Bull), Golden Globe Awards, AFI Life Achievement Award.
• Career Highlights: Co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival.

De Niro’s personal life is characterized by a large and diverse family. His seven children span a remarkable age range, from their early 60s down to a toddler.

The Seven Children of Robert De Niro:

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• Drena De Niro (Born 1971): Adopted daughter from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott. She is an actress and filmmaker.
• Raphael De Niro (Born 1976): Son from his marriage to Diahnne Abbott. He is a successful New York real estate broker.
• Julian Henry De Niro (Born 1995): Twin son with former girlfriend Touki Smith, conceived via in vitro fertilization and carried by a surrogate.
• Aaron Kendrick De Niro (Born 1995): Twin son with former girlfriend Touki Smith.
• Elliot De Niro (Born 1998): Son with ex-wife Grace Hightower. Elliot has special needs, and De Niro has been a vocal advocate for autism awareness.
• Helen Grace De Niro (Born 2011): Daughter with ex-wife Grace Hightower, born via surrogate.
• Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (Born April 6, 2023): Daughter with current partner, Tiffany Chen.

The Mother of Gia: Tiffany Chen’s Accomplished Life and Postpartum Struggle

Gia’s mother, Tiffany Chen, is far from a typical celebrity partner. She is a highly respected and decorated figure in the world of martial arts, a fact that speaks volumes about her strength and discipline.

Who is Tiffany Chen?

Tiffany Chen is a celebrated martial arts instructor, specializing in Tai Chi. She comes from a famed martial arts lineage, as the daughter of Grandmaster William CC Chen. Her accomplishments are extensive, including winning dozens of gold medals and world titles in competitions ranging from classical Tai Chi to Chinese martial arts and push hands.

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The couple first met on the set of the 2015 film The Intern, where Chen was hired to teach De Niro martial arts for his role. Their relationship reportedly began around 2019, but they kept it intensely private until the news of Gia's birth.

The Shocking Postpartum Health Complication

The most recent and surprising news related to Gia’s birth centers on Tiffany Chen's health. Shortly after welcoming Gia, Chen faced a terrifying and severe postpartum complication: Bell's Palsy.

Bell's Palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Chen spoke publicly about the ordeal, revealing that she “lost all facial functions” and could not eat normally. The condition was so severe that her face looked "melted."

She recounted the fear of watching her face "just start to fall" and the initial difficulty in getting a proper diagnosis. De Niro, in a rare glimpse into their private life, was described by Chen as being "very supportive" throughout her recovery.

De Niro’s Candid Perspective on Fatherhood at 80 and Age-Gap Parenting

Robert De Niro’s age at the time of Gia’s birth—79—made him one of the oldest celebrity fathers in history, a fact that drew both admiration and intense scrutiny. His subsequent comments on the experience provide a unique insight into his current philosophy on life and family.

"It’s Great. Everything Else Goes Away."

De Niro, who turned 80 shortly after Gia's arrival, has consistently expressed pure joy over his newest daughter. He has called Gia an "adorable baby" and described the experience as "wondrous." He teared up in one interview while discussing her, emphasizing that all his other worries and concerns "go away" when he is with her.

The actor has also been candid about the physical realities of being an older father. He openly admitted that Tiffany Chen does most of the "heavy lifting" in raising their now-toddler daughter.

The Massive Age Gap Among Siblings

Gia Virginia’s arrival created an age gap of over 50 years between her and De Niro's eldest child, Drena. This vast range of ages—from a toddler to a person in their sixties—makes the De Niro family dynamic truly unique.

• Oldest Child: Drena De Niro (Born 1971)
• Youngest Child: Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (Born 2023)
• Age Gap: Approximately 52 years.

This generational span means Gia will grow up with siblings who are closer in age to her own grandparents, a dynamic that highlights the complexity and evolution of the De Niro family lineage. Despite the difference, De Niro maintains a hands-on approach to parenting, valuing the time he has with his young daughter. His desire to "be around as long as I can" for Gia has become a central theme in his recent public statements, reflecting a deep commitment to his youngest child.