The Untold Stories Of Robert De Niro’s Wives: From Diahnne Abbott To Tiffany Chen And His Seven Children

Robert De Niro's enduring legacy in Hollywood is matched only by the complexity of his personal life, a journey marked by two long marriages, a high-profile separation, and a new chapter with a much younger partner. As of December 10, 2025, the legendary actor remains a subject of intense public curiosity, especially concerning the women who have shared his life and the seven children who bear his name. This article dives deep into the private world of the Oscar winner, revealing the full story of his wives, his current relationship, and the expansive De Niro family tree. The narrative of De Niro's romantic life is a fascinating exploration of commitment and change, spanning decades from the set of *Taxi Driver* to recent red-carpet appearances. His relationships have often been kept private, yet they have produced a large, diverse family that is central to the star's life today. We break down the key figures and the timelines that define the actor's romantic history.

Robert De Niro’s Complete Relationship and Marriage History

The famed actor, known for his roles in classics like *The Godfather Part II* and *Raging Bull*, has officially been married twice, with his most recent relationship resulting in the birth of his seventh child at the age of 79.

• First Wife: Diahnne Abbott
• Relationship Status: Married (1976–1988)
• Details: De Niro met actress and singer Diahnne Abbott on the set of *Taxi Driver* (1976), where she had a small but memorable role. The couple married that same year.
• Children: They have two children together: Drena De Niro (born 1971), Abbott's daughter from a previous relationship whom De Niro adopted, and Raphael De Niro (born 1976), a former actor turned real estate broker.
• Separation: The couple divorced in 1988 after 12 years of marriage.
• Second Wife: Grace Hightower
• Relationship Status: Married (1997–Separated 2018)
• Details: De Niro married philanthropist and actress Grace Hightower in 1997. Their marriage was famously tumultuous, including a brief separation and divorce filing in 1999, which they later withdrew, renewing their vows in 2004.
• Children: They share two children: Elliot De Niro (born 1998) and Helen Grace De Niro (born 2011), who was born via surrogate. Elliot's diagnosis with autism has been a key part of the family's public advocacy.
• Separation: The couple separated in 2018 after 21 years of marriage, with their divorce proceedings continuing for several years.
• Current Partner: Tiffany Chen
• Relationship Status: Partner (Since approximately 2021)
• Details: Tiffany Chen is a martial arts instructor who met De Niro on the set of the film *The Intern* (2015). They were first linked romantically in August 2021, following his split from Grace Hightower.
• Children: They welcomed their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, in April 2023, making De Niro a father for the seventh time at age 79.
• Current Status: The couple has been making rare public appearances, including a notable outing at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. Sources have suggested the iconic actor is "madly in love" with Chen.

The Enduring Bond with Diahnne Abbott and the Early Family Years

Diahnne Abbott holds the distinction of being Robert De Niro's first wife and the woman who helped him establish his initial family unit. The couple's relationship blossomed quickly after their meeting on the set of the iconic film *Taxi Driver*. Their marriage in 1976 not only united two artists but also officially brought Drena De Niro into the actor's life through adoption. Drena, who has followed her parents into acting, remains close to her adoptive father. Following Drena, the couple welcomed their son, Raphael De Niro, the same year they married. Raphael has since made a successful career outside of acting, establishing himself as a prominent figure in New York City real estate. The early years of this family were formative for De Niro, setting the stage for his private life as his professional career exploded. Despite their divorce in 1988, the relationship with Diahnne Abbott laid the foundation for his large, interconnected family.

Grace Hightower: A Marriage of Two Decades and a Contentious Split

Robert De Niro's second marriage to Grace Hightower, a former flight attendant and actress, was his longest, lasting over two decades from 1997 until their separation in 2018. This relationship was marked by both deep connection and significant public drama. The couple's bond was tested early on. They filed for divorce just two years into their marriage in 1999, but they ultimately reconciled, renewing their vows in 2004 at their upstate New York home. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Elliot, in 1998, and their daughter, Helen Grace, in 2011. The actor has been vocal about his son Elliot’s autism, often advocating for greater understanding and support for the condition. The final separation in 2018 became a highly publicized and contentious legal battle, particularly concerning their shared assets and the terms of their divorce. Despite the acrimony of the split, Grace Hightower De Niro remains a key entity in the actor's relationship history, representing a significant chapter of his life and career.

Tiffany Chen: The New Chapter and the Birth of Gia Virginia

The newest and most talked-about figure in Robert De Niro's romantic life is Tiffany Chen, a highly respected martial arts instructor specializing in Tai Chi. Their relationship, which began after his separation from Grace Hightower, has brought a new wave of media attention, especially due to the significant age gap between the two. Chen first met De Niro on the set of *The Intern* in 2015, where she taught him martial arts for his role. Their romance became public in 2021, and they have since been notably private, stepping out only for select events. The biggest development in their relationship came in April 2023 with the birth of their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro. The news of De Niro welcoming a child at the age of 79 sparked global conversation, highlighting his commitment to his growing family. In May 2025, the couple made a high-profile appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, confirming their continued and strong partnership. The relationship with Tiffany Chen signifies a fresh, unexpected, and deeply personal new chapter for the legendary actor, further expanding the vast and intriguing De Niro family legacy. This modern partnership, while not a marriage, is a defining element of his current life.