The Untold Story Of Robert De Niro’s Twin Sons: Julian And Aaron Kendrick De Niro's Bold New Paths

Robert De Niro's family life has always been a subject of intense public curiosity, especially with the legendary actor welcoming his seventh child at the age of 79 in 2023. However, two of his children who have recently stepped into the spotlight with their own unique careers and styles are his twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro. Born in 1995, the twins are now 29 years old as of December 2025, and their paths—one following their father into acting and the other making a bold statement in fashion—offer a fascinating look at the next generation of the De Niro dynasty.

The story of Julian and Aaron is distinct from their half-siblings, as they were born via surrogate during De Niro’s long-term relationship with model and actress Toukie Smith. This detail, combined with their recent public visibility, makes them a compelling focus for fans eager to know more about the private lives of the *Goodfellas* star's large and diverse family.

Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick De Niro: A Comprehensive Profile

Robert De Niro is a father to seven children from four different women, making his family tree complex and fascinating. His twin sons, Julian and Aaron, hold a special place as the first set of twins for the Hollywood icon. Their mother, Toukie Smith, is a notable figure in her own right—a successful model, actress, and entrepreneur.

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• Full Names: Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro
• Date of Birth: October 20, 1995
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 30 years old
• Mother: Toukie Smith (Model, Actress, Philanthropist)
• Relationship of Parents: Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith dated from approximately 1988 to 1996.
• Birth Details: The twins were conceived via in vitro fertilization and born via a surrogate mother.
• Known Careers: Julian is an actor; Aaron's professional path is more private, though he has recently garnered attention for his unique personal style.
• Siblings: Drena De Niro (adopted daughter, with Diahnne Abbott), Raphael De Niro (son, with Diahnne Abbott), Elliot De Niro (son, with Grace Hightower), Helen Grace De Niro (daughter, with Grace Hightower), and Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (daughter, with Tiffany Chen).

The Actor: Julian De Niro’s Breakout Role as Barack Obama

Following in the footsteps of his Academy Award-winning father, Julian Henry De Niro has chosen a career in acting, marking a significant entry into the entertainment world. His biggest role to date has been one that required a striking resemblance and a nuanced performance of a modern political icon.

Stepping into the Political Spotlight

Julian made his notable television debut in 2022 by portraying a young Barack Obama in the Showtime limited series *The First Lady*. The series focused on the lives of three former First Ladies: Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Julian's performance garnered attention for his ability to capture the charisma and engaging mannerisms of the former president during his early years.

This role was a powerful statement for a young actor, showcasing his dedication to the craft and his willingness to take on complex, real-life characters. While his father, Robert De Niro, is known for his iconic roles in films like *The Godfather Part II*, *Raging Bull*, and *Taxi Driver*, Julian is carving out his own path in the modern television landscape. His choice of a serious, biographical role suggests a focus on dramatic acting, aligning with the legacy of his talented family.

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The decision to pursue acting connects Julian to a long line of performers in the family, including his half-sister Drena De Niro, who is also an actress and filmmaker. The pressure of a famous last name is immense, but Julian's choice of a challenging role indicates a confidence in his own abilities, separate from his father's towering reputation.

The Style Icon: Aaron Kendrick De Niro’s Viral Transformation

In stark contrast to his twin brother's public-facing career in acting, Aaron Kendrick De Niro has maintained a much more private life. For years, very little was known about his professional or personal endeavors. However, a recent and rare public appearance alongside his father in New York City brought him unexpected viral attention.

A Bold New Look in the Big Apple

In a late 2024/early 2025 sighting, Aaron Kendrick De Niro debuted a truly "bold new look." He was photographed wearing a stunning ensemble that included vibrant pink hair and high heels, showcasing a dramatic transformation in his personal style. This rare public outing with his father, the *Meet the Parents* star, immediately captured the attention of the media and the public.

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This embrace of a gender-fluid and expressive aesthetic demonstrates a powerful sense of self and individuality. In a world where celebrity children often try to blend in, Aaron's choice to step out with such a distinctive and eye-catching look is a testament to his personal freedom and creativity. The photos quickly circulated online, with many praising his confidence and his father's apparent support, as the two were seen walking together in New York.

Aaron's bold fashion statement highlights the diverse and often unconventional paths the children of Hollywood legends take. While Julian is embracing the traditional route of an actor, Aaron is defining his own space, possibly within the world of art, fashion, or creative expression, away from the traditional constraints of Hollywood stardom. This duality between the twins—one in the spotlight of acting, the other in the spotlight of style—makes their story uniquely compelling.

The Legacy of Toukie Smith and the Twins’ Unique Upbringing

The twins' mother, Toukie Smith, is an essential part of their story. She is a highly accomplished model, actress, and restaurateur who was one of the first Black models to land a non-cosmetic contract in the 1970s. Her relationship with De Niro lasted for nearly a decade, from 1988 to 1996.

An Early Pioneer of Surrogacy

The birth of Julian and Aaron in 1995 via surrogate was a groundbreaking event, particularly for a high-profile celebrity couple at the time. This decision predated many of the modern conversations around surrogacy and non-traditional family structures, marking De Niro and Smith as pioneers in this area.

Toukie Smith, whose brother died of AIDS, also dedicated herself to philanthropy, particularly in raising awareness about the disease. Her work as a humanitarian and her successful professional life in the demanding worlds of modeling and acting provided a strong, independent role model for her twin sons. This background likely contributed to the twins’ self-assuredness and their willingness to follow their own distinct passions, whether that is the structured world of a television series like *The First Lady* or the expressive freedom of personal style.

The fact that the twins were born outside of De Niro's two marriages (to Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower), and before his newest daughter with Tiffany Chen, adds another layer to the complex tapestry of the De Niro family. The twins, along with their half-siblings, represent the varied chapters of a legendary life, each child forging a unique identity under the shadow of a cinematic giant.