The Three Women: Robert De Niro's Wives, Current Partner Tiffany Chen, And His Complex Family Life

Robert De Niro's personal life, much like his iconic film career spanning from *The Godfather Part II* to *Killers of the Flower Moon*, has been a subject of intense public fascination for decades. As of late 2024, the legendary actor is not currently married but is in a committed partnership with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen, with whom he welcomed his seventh child in 2023. This dynamic, multi-decade history includes two highly publicized marriages, two complex divorces, and a recent, unexpected journey into fatherhood in his late 70s, making his family structure one of Hollywood's most intriguing.

The question of "Who is Robert De Niro's wife?" is a complicated one, requiring a look back at his two former wives, Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower, and a deep dive into his current relationship with Tiffany Chen. Each woman has played a pivotal role in shaping the actor's life and his large, blended family, which now includes seven children.

Robert De Niro's Wives and Partner: A Full Biography Profile

Robert De Niro has been married twice, first to actress Diahnne Abbott and later to philanthropist Grace Hightower. His current partner is Tiffany Chen. Below is a detailed look at the three women who have been central to the Oscar winner's private world.

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1. Diahnne Abbott: The First Marriage (1976–1988)

• Role: First Wife
• Profession: American Actress and Singer
• Marriage Timeline: 1976–1988 (12 years)
• Shared Children: Raphael De Niro (son), and Drena De Niro (adopted daughter from Diahnne's previous relationship)
• Key Facts:
  • Abbott is an African-American actress who appeared alongside De Niro in some of his most acclaimed early films, including Martin Scorsese's 1976 masterpiece *Taxi Driver*.
  • She also had roles in *New York, New York* (1977), *The King of Comedy* (1982), and *Crime Story* (1986).
  • Their son, Raphael, became a successful real estate broker in New York City.
  • The couple's relationship established the foundational layer of De Niro's extended family.

2. Grace Hightower: The Second Marriage (1997–2018)

• Role: Second Wife
• Profession: American Socialite, Philanthropist, Actress, and Entrepreneur
• Marriage Timeline: 1997–2018 (21 years), with a brief separation in 1999 that led to a renewal of vows in 2004.
• Shared Children: Elliot De Niro (son, born 1998) and Helen Grace De Niro (daughter, born 2011 via surrogate).
• Key Facts:
  • Hightower is a prominent philanthropist and businesswoman who founded the coffee company Grace Hightower & Co.
  • The divorce proceedings were protracted and highly contentious, making headlines for many years after their initial separation in 2018.
  • Their son, Elliot, has been diagnosed with autism, a fact De Niro has publicly discussed.
  • Their two-decade marriage was marked by both public appearances and private struggles, ending in one of the most high-profile Hollywood divorces of the decade.

3. Tiffany Chen: The Current Partner (2021–Present)

• Role: Current Partner/Girlfriend
• Profession: Martial Arts Instructor (Tai Chi)
• Relationship Timeline: Publicly linked since August 2021, though they met years earlier.
• Shared Children: Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (daughter, born April 2023).
• Key Facts:
  • Chen is the daughter of Grandmaster William C.C. Chen, a renowned Tai Chi master.
  • She first met De Niro on the set of the 2015 film *The Intern*, where she played a Tai Chi instructor and helped the actor prepare for his role.
  • The birth of their daughter, Gia, made De Niro a father for the seventh time at the age of 79, generating massive media attention.
  • The couple has been making more frequent public appearances, including a notable red carpet walk at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and the premiere of *Megalopolis* in late 2024.

The Shocking Postpartum Health Battle of Tiffany Chen

One of the most compelling and recent updates surrounding Robert De Niro's current partner, Tiffany Chen, revolves around her challenging postpartum experience. After welcoming their daughter, Gia Virginia, in April 2023, Chen faced a significant and frightening health complication.

She publicly revealed that she developed Bell's palsy, a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of the face. The condition causes a noticeable facial droop and can be distressing.

Chen described the onset of symptoms shortly after giving birth, including a feeling that her face was "melting" and a loss of facial function. She credited De Niro for noticing the symptoms first, saying he told her, "You don't look right." Her candid discussion of her recovery and the emotional toll of the condition has brought significant attention to postpartum health issues. This vulnerability, shared by the usually private couple, offers a fresh perspective on their relationship dynamics and the challenges of parenthood later in life.

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From *Taxi Driver* to Today: De Niro's Complex Family Legacy

Robert De Niro's dating history and marital life are inextricably linked to his film career, often intertwining his personal and professional worlds. His first wife, Diahnne Abbott, appeared in his major films, connecting their lives on and off the screen. The end of this marriage led to a long period of high-profile relationships before he married Grace Hightower.

The continuity of his family life is defined by his six older children, who now range from their 50s to their teens, and the arrival of his seventh child, Gia, in 2023. This blended family includes two adopted children (Drena and Julian), two children from surrogacy (Aaron and Helen), and three biological children (Raphael, Elliot, and Gia). This large and diverse group of children represents a sprawling, modern family structure that defies traditional Hollywood norms.

The current relationship with Tiffany Chen, a martial arts expert with a background in tech and psychobiology, marks a new, quieter chapter for the actor. While there have been persistent rumors in the media about De Niro being ready to "tie the knot for the third time," the couple has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on their new daughter and their shared life. Their age gap—over 40 years—has been a topic of discussion, but their commitment to co-parenting and their frequent public appearances, often holding hands, signal a strong, supportive partnership.

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The legacy of Robert De Niro is not just defined by his Oscar wins or his collaboration with directors like Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, but also by his enduring commitment to family. His former wives, Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower, and his current partner, Tiffany Chen, are crucial entities in understanding the full scope of this Hollywood icon's life, each contributing a unique thread to the tapestry of the De Niro dynasty.

Whether he marries again or continues his partnership with Chen, the focus remains on the well-being of his seven children and the stability of his current relationship, providing a compelling, up-to-the-minute story for fans and the media alike.