The Fascinating Contrast: Where Are Robert De Niro's Twin Sons, Julian Henry And Aaron Kendrick, Now?

The world's focus on Robert De Niro’s expansive family has never been higher, especially as his youngest child, Gia Virginia, approaches her second birthday. However, two of his children, the twin sons Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, represent a unique and fascinating contrast within the legendary actor’s brood. Born in 1995, these biracial twins—whose mother is the accomplished actress and model Toukie Smith—are currently approaching their 30s, and their lives have diverged dramatically. This article, updated in late 2025, delves into the latest news and career paths of the twins, one of whom is embracing the Hollywood spotlight while the other has chosen a path of striking privacy.

The lives of Julian and Aaron are a perfect reflection of the dual challenges faced by celebrity children: the pressure to pursue a career in the arts versus the desire to forge a life away from the public eye. Their story is a captivating chapter in the De Niro family saga, highlighting the different ways the next generation handles a legacy of unparalleled fame.

Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick De Niro: A Comprehensive Biography

Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro hold a special place in the De Niro family tree as the only set of twins and the children from Robert De Niro’s long-term relationship with Toukie Smith. Their birth was a significant moment in the 1990s, utilizing advanced reproductive technology.

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• Names: Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro
• Date of Birth: October 20, 1995
• Current Age: 29 (Approaching 30)
• Mother: Toukie Smith (Actress, Model, Restaurateur)
• Father: Robert De Niro (Academy Award-winning Actor)
• Birth Method: Born via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and a surrogate mother.
• Siblings: Drena De Niro (Half-Sister), Raphael De Niro (Half-Brother), Elliot De Niro (Half-Brother), Helen Grace De Niro (Half-Sister), Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (Half-Sister).
• Ethnicity: Biracial (African-American and Italian-American heritage).

Their mother, Toukie Smith, is an accomplished figure in her own right. Born Doris A. Smith, she rose to prominence as a fashion model in the late 1970s and 1980s, working for high-profile brands such as Chanel and Versace. She also pursued an acting career, notably playing Eva Rawley on the sitcom *227*. Her successful career provided a strong, independent foundation for the twins' upbringing, alongside their iconic father.

Julian Henry De Niro: Stepping Into the Spotlight as an Actor

Of the two twins, Julian Henry De Niro has made the most public foray into the entertainment industry, following directly in the footsteps of his father, Robert De Niro, and his half-siblings, Drena and Raphael, who also have careers in Hollywood. Julian’s choice to pursue acting has drawn inevitable comparisons, but he has begun to carve out his own identity on screen.

The Breakthrough Role: Playing a Young President Obama

Julian’s most significant role to date showcased his talent and ability to handle a high-profile character. In 2022, he received considerable attention for portraying a young Barack Obama in the Showtime series *The First Lady*. The series, which focused on the lives of three First Ladies (Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt), gave Julian a platform to demonstrate his dramatic range.

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This role was a powerful statement for a young actor, especially one with a famous surname. It proved that Julian was not shying away from challenging roles and was willing to take on characters of significant cultural importance. His performance was a subtle nod to the acting lineage he inherited while also asserting his own presence in the industry.

While Julian tends to keep his private life out of the public eye, his professional choices indicate a serious commitment to the performing arts. The influence of growing up around a cinema legend like Robert De Niro, one of the greatest method actors of all time, has clearly shaped Julian's interest in performance.

Aaron Kendrick De Niro: The Choice of Privacy and a Life Away from Hollywood

In stark contrast to his twin brother, Aaron Kendrick De Niro has made a definitive choice to live a life away from the relentless scrutiny of Hollywood and the celebrity machine. Information regarding Aaron’s professional life, education, or public appearances is extremely limited, making him one of the most private of Robert De Niro’s seven children.

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This decision for a highly private life is a common, yet often overlooked, path for the children of global icons. While the public is naturally curious about the offspring of a two-time Academy Award winner, Aaron has successfully maintained a low profile, suggesting a desire for a normal existence unburdened by his famous heritage.

The Power of a Private Life

The lack of information about Aaron Kendrick is, in itself, a significant detail. It confirms that he has not pursued a career in acting, modeling, or any other public-facing role that would require media presence. His choice highlights the different ways that siblings, even identical twins, can react to being born into a world of immense fame and privilege. For Aaron, the value of anonymity appears to outweigh the benefits of a spotlight career.

This privacy is a strong indicator of a life dedicated to personal pursuits, which may include a career in a non-entertainment field, or simply a deep commitment to maintaining a quiet, civilian existence. In a world saturated with social media and constant updates, Aaron Kendrick De Niro represents a rare and successful effort to remain an enigma.

The De Niro Family Legacy and the Twins’ Unique Place

Julian and Aaron's story is intertwined with the broader narrative of the De Niro family, a complex and sprawling dynasty that spans generations and multiple relationships. Robert De Niro’s seven children—Drena, Raphael, Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen Grace, and Gia Virginia—each have a unique background and relationship with their father.

The twins were born during De Niro's relationship with Toukie Smith, which lasted from 1988 to 1996. Their birth via surrogacy was a pioneering move for a high-profile couple at the time, underscoring the determination of De Niro and Smith to have children together.

Their biracial heritage is another defining element, connecting them to a rich cultural tapestry that includes their father’s Italian-American roots and their mother’s African-American background. This diversity is a hallmark of the modern De Niro family, which includes children from relationships with Diahnne Abbott, Grace Hightower, and Tiffany Chen.

As Julian Henry continues his acting journey, potentially joining the ranks of Hollywood's "nepo babies" who forge their own paths, and Aaron Kendrick maintains his private life, the twin sons of Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith will always be a point of fascination. Their divergent paths offer a compelling look at legacy, choice, and the true meaning of carving out an individual life under the shadow of a cinematic giant.