7 Shocking Facts About Tiffany Chen: The Martial Arts Master Who Stole Robert De Niro’s Heart At 80

Robert De Niro’s love life has always been a subject of intense public fascination, but in recent years, one relationship has captured global attention: his partnership with the highly accomplished martial arts instructor, Tiffany Chen. As of December 2025, the couple continues to make headlines, not only for their significant age difference but also for the joy they share as parents to their young daughter. This article dives deep into the life of Tiffany Chen, offering the freshest, most up-to-date details about the woman who became the mother of De Niro's seventh child.

The legendary actor, now 82, and Chen, reportedly in her mid-40s, maintain a relatively private life, but their public appearances—including a recent sighting at the 2024 Oscars—confirm their enduring bond. Beyond the headlines, Tiffany Chen boasts an impressive career and a deep family lineage in the world of Tai Chi, making her a formidable and fascinating figure in her own right. Get ready to uncover the most surprising and essential facts about Robert De Niro's partner.

Tiffany Chen: A Comprehensive Biography and Martial Arts Lineage

Tiffany Chen is far more than just "Robert De Niro's girlfriend." She is an internationally recognized martial arts expert with a world-class pedigree. Her life has been dedicated to the discipline of Tai Chi, following in the footsteps of her renowned family.

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• Full Name: Tiffany Chen
• Estimated Age: Mid-40s (Reportedly 45-46 as of late 2024)
• Occupation: Professional Martial Arts Instructor, Tai Chi Master, and occasional actress.
• Marital Status: Partner of Robert De Niro.
• Parentage: Daughter of Grandmaster William C. C. Chen.
• Child with Robert De Niro: Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro.
• Date of Birth for Daughter: April 6, 2023.
• Relationship Start: First sparked dating rumors in August 2021.
• How They Met: On the set of the 2015 film, The Intern, where Chen served as a martial arts coach.
• Notable Achievements: Winner of dozens of gold medals and world titles in Tai Chi competitions across the USA and Europe.

The Unexpected Origin of Their Romance: From Set to Parenthood

The foundation of Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen’s relationship is rooted in a professional collaboration that blossomed into romance years later. Their initial meeting took place in 2015 on the set of the comedy film The Intern, starring De Niro and Anne Hathaway.

Chen was hired as a martial arts coach to prepare De Niro for a specific Tai Chi sequence in the movie. This professional interaction laid the groundwork for a connection that would eventually become romantic. For years, the two maintained a private friendship, but speculation about a romantic link began to surface in August 2021 when they were photographed holding hands in France.

The relationship gained global attention in May 2023 when De Niro casually confirmed he had "just had a baby." The child, a daughter named Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, was born on April 6, 2023. This news instantly made headlines, not only because of De Niro's age (he was 79 at the time) but also because it confirmed the seriousness and longevity of his relationship with Chen, which had been kept largely out of the public eye. The couple's decision to name their daughter Gia Virginia is a beautiful blend of both their names, symbolizing their union.

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Tiffany Chen has been open about the challenges of new motherhood, revealing in interviews that she suffered from Bell's Palsy shortly after giving birth, a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis. She has shared her journey of recovery, which underscores the personal and intimate details of their life together that the public is only now beginning to learn.

Tiffany Chen’s Impressive Martial Arts Career and Family Legacy

To understand Tiffany Chen is to appreciate her deep roots in the world of Tai Chi. Her father, Grandmaster William C. C. Chen, is a globally respected figure in martial arts, known for his contributions to the popularization and teaching of Tai Chi Chuan.

Growing up in a family dedicated to this discipline, Chen began her training early, eventually becoming a world-class competitor. Her resume is decorated with dozens of gold medals and world titles from competitions across the United States and Europe. Her specialization is in the Yang-style Tai Chi, a soft, flowing, and deeply meditative form of martial art.

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This background is a testament to her discipline, focus, and strength, qualities that undoubtedly appeal to a dedicated professional like Robert De Niro. Her expertise is not just theoretical; she actively teaches and promotes Tai Chi, often traveling for demonstrations and workshops. This shared passion for a disciplined, focused life is a subtle but strong thread in their relationship, contrasting sharply with De Niro's high-profile Hollywood career.

The Latest Public Appearances and Relationship Milestones (2024-2025)

Despite their desire for privacy, Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen have made several high-profile appearances in 2024 and late 2023, showcasing their committed partnership:

• The 2024 Academy Awards: In a rare public display, De Niro and Chen attended the 96th Academy Awards in March 2024. De Niro was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, and Chen was by his side for the prestigious event.
• The Cannes Film Festival: The couple made an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, attending the premiere of *Killers of the Flower Moon* in May 2023. They were also seen at the exclusive Vanity Fair x Prada party, marking one of their first major red-carpet outings as new parents.
• The *Megalopolis* Premiere: In September 2024, the couple turned heads again, holding hands on the red carpet for the premiere of Francis Ford Coppola's film *Megalopolis*. This appearance confirmed their continued presence at major industry events and their supportive partnership.

These recent sightings emphasize that their relationship is stable and integrated into De Niro's professional life, cementing Tiffany Chen's role as his long-term partner and the mother of his youngest child. Their story is a modern Hollywood romance—a private connection between two highly accomplished individuals from vastly different worlds, united by a shared life and a new family.

The De Niro Family: A Blended Legacy of Seven Children

Gia Virginia is Robert De Niro’s seventh child, making the legendary actor a father of seven with four different women. This large, blended family forms a crucial context for Tiffany Chen's role in his life. De Niro has always been a protective and dedicated father, and Chen has seamlessly integrated into this complex family dynamic.

The other children in the De Niro family include Drena and Raphael (with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott), twin sons Julian and Aaron (with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith via surrogacy), and son Elliot and daughter Helen (with his second wife, Grace Hightower). Tiffany Chen and Gia Virginia represent the newest chapter in this sprawling, multi-generational family, adding another layer to the actor's enduring legacy both on and off-screen.