Robert De Niro Speaks About Transgender Daughter: ‘I Don’t Know What the Big Deal Is’

Robert De Niro is known for many different movie roles. Some fans know him as Jimmy Conway in Goodfellas, while others will remember him for his part in Raging Bull. Some fans may even connect him more to his recent work in Killers of the Flower Moon. For seven people, though, Robert De Niro isn’t a movie star; he is their father. De Niro has discussed parenthood a lot over the years. Recently, when asked to comment on his transgender daughter’s recent announcement, he offered a short and to-the-point statement. He doesn’t know what the big deal is.

Robert De Niro comments on Airyn De Niro’s recent announcement

Robert De Niro, at 81, isn’t slowing down. He’s been busy working and raising his family. Even now that most of his children are adults, he’s navigating new moments in parenthood and answering questions about them. Recently, De Niro was asked for his thoughts about his daughter, Airyn De Niro, announcing her transition. The 29-year-old came out as a transgender woman just a few days ago in an interview for Them.

Variety got in touch with De Niro and asked him for his thoughts. He said, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is.” De Niro went on to say that he loves all of his children. Airyn spoke about her parents’ support in her interview with Them.

How many children does Robert De Niro have

While De Niro is well known for his acting career, he’s made it clear, over the years, that he takes his role as a father very seriously. De Niro is the father of seven children. His children range in age from their mid-50s to their toddler years. He became a father in 1976 when he adopted his daughter, Drena, after marrying her mother, Diahnne Abbott. De Niro and Abbott welcomed a second child, Raphael, together in 1976. They broke up in 1988. De Niro had crushes and dated plenty throughout his career. Still, he often found himself in serious relationships. That was the case after his marriage to Abbott ended.

Following his split from Abbott, De Niro dated Toukie Smith. They welcomed twins Julian and Airyn in 1995. In 1997, De Niro married Grace Hightower. Together, they had two children. Their son, Elliot, was born in 1998. In 2011, they welcomed a daughter, Helen, via surrogate. De Niro and Hightower called it quits in 2018.

In 2023, Robert De Niro became a father for the seventh time. He welcomed his daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. De Niro was 79 at the time of her birth. The announcement spurred conversation and some criticism, though the A-lister is thrilled with his family life.