Robert De Niro is a legendary actor known for his roles in iconic films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” and “The Godfather Part II.” With a career spanning over five decades, De Niro has become one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. Despite his public persona, De Niro prefers to keep his personal life private. Over the years, he has had several notable relationships, which have occasionally made headlines.
Who Was Robert De Niro’s First Wife, Diahnne Abbott?
De Niro’s first significant relationship was with Diahnne Abbott, whom he met on the set of “Taxi Driver” in 1975. Abbott played a small role in the film, and their off-screen romance quickly blossomed. The couple married in 1976, the same year they welcomed their first child together, a son named Raphael Eugene. De Niro also adopted Abbott’s daughter, Drena, from a previous relationship. Abbott appeared in several films alongside De Niro, including “New York, New York” and “The King of Comedy.” Despite their strong start, the couple divorced in 1988 after more than a decade together.
Did De Niro Have an Affair with Helena Springs?
Amid his marriage to Abbott, De Niro allegedly had an affair with musician Helena Springs. The relationship came to light years later when Springs took De Niro to court for child support, claiming they had an intimate relationship from 1979 to 1982, resulting in the birth of her daughter, Nina. Although De Niro believed he was Nina’s father and provided support, DNA tests later proved otherwise. The judge ultimately dismissed Springs’ claims, ruling De Niro had no obligation to pay child support.
What Was De Niro’s Relationship with Toukie Smith?
After his split from Abbott, De Niro began dating Toukie Smith in 1988. Smith, a model and actress, maintained a private relationship with De Niro. They were together for nearly a decade, and in 1995, they welcomed twin sons, Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick, via surrogate. Despite their long-term relationship, the couple eventually parted ways.
How Did De Niro’s Relationship with Naomi Campbell Influence Him?
During the 1990s, De Niro briefly dated supermodel Naomi Campbell. While their relationship was kept private, Campbell has mentioned that De Niro taught her the value of privacy. She credits him with teaching her that being alone does not equate to loneliness. The pair have remained on good terms, and Campbell spoke fondly of De Niro in interviews, noting their continued friendship.
Who is Grace Hightower, De Niro’s Second Wife?
De Niro met Grace Hightower in 1987 while she was working at Mr. Chow restaurant in London. They maintained a friendship for a decade before marrying in 1997. The couple faced several challenges, including a near-divorce in 1999 and a subsequent custody battle over their son, Elliot. Despite these issues, they renewed their vows in 2004 and welcomed a daughter, Helen Grace, in 2011 via surrogate. However, in 2018, they decided to divorce. De Niro described the period as a “difficult” transition but emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children.
Who is Tiffany Chen, De Niro’s Current Partner?
In 2015, De Niro met martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen on the set of “The Intern,” where she played a Tai Chi instructor. Their relationship did not turn romantic until 2021 when they were spotted vacationing together in the south of France. In May 2023, De Niro revealed that he had welcomed his seventh child with Chen, a daughter named Gia Virginia Chen De Niro. The couple has kept their relationship private but have been seen together at various public events, including the Cannes Film Festival.
What is De Niro’s Approach to Fatherhood?
Robert De Niro is a father to seven children from his various relationships. He shares a strong bond with all his children and has often spoken about the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Despite his busy career, De Niro has always emphasized the importance of being present in his children’s lives. His recent experience with Gia has given him a renewed perspective on parenting, allowing him to relive the joys of raising a young child.
Conclusion
Robert De Niro’s personal life is as multifaceted as his illustrious career. From his early days with Diahnne Abbott to his current relationship with Tiffany Chen, De Niro has experienced love, heartbreak, and the joys of fatherhood. Despite the challenges, he remains a devoted father and partner, navigating the complexities of his personal life with the same dedication he brings to his roles on screen.