Robert De Niro, the iconic actor known for his roles ranging from mob bosses to sensitive fathers, is shaping up for another chapter of fatherhood at the age of 81. Though he may be one of Hollywood's most recognized figures, De Niro revealed the very relatable aspects of parenting his 19-month-old daughter, Gia, whom he welcomed with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
De Niro is embracing his role as a father, lying down some of his daily rituals. "I’m an early riser," he said. "I spend my mornings watching Ms. Rachel with her, and I give her her bottle." Ms. Rachel refers to the popular children’s programming hosted by Rachel Accurso, which aims to engage toddlers with educational content. This activity has become part of his bonding time with Gia.
Despite his involvement, there’s one well-known parenting chore De Niro has stepped back from: changing diapers. He candidly admitted, "No, no, but I used to," when asked if he still partakes in this task. His reluctance has sparked mixed reactions from the public, especially as he highlighted the division of labor between himself and Chen, stating, "Most of the heavy lifting is done by my girlfriend, Tiffany." After making these comments, social media erupted with criticisms about his approach to parenting.
De Niro's remarks ignited debates online, with some users calling him "selfish" and questioning his commitment as a father. Nevertheless, he remains focused on his priorities. "I’m trying my best," De Niro asserted during his appearance on Who's Talking to Chris Wallace? He expressed hope his children feel how much he cares for them, explaining, "Family is so complex. Each of my kids would say something different about me as their father." This truth reflects his extensive family, which includes six other children from previous relationships, ranging from Drena, 57, to Raphael, 48, to Julian and Aaron, 29, and Elliot, 26, down to Helen Grace, 12. The stark 50-plus year age difference between his eldest and youngest offers insight not just about his life but also about the increasingly diverse family dynamics he navigates.
At this stage of his life, De Niro has provided little insight on the strain of parenting at such an advanced age but instead embraces its joys. "When I look at Gia, everything else goes away. It’s wondrous," he said during another interview with AARP. He cherishes moments spent with her, believing they provide added richness to his already storied life.
The essence of parenting does not appear to be lost on him, as he expresses gratitude for the time he gets to share with Gia. While the demands of parenthood appear to be as plentiful as they were for him with previous children, there’s no hiding the truth when he admitted, "It doesn’t get easier. It is what it is. I adore her, but you know, they all give me grief at times." This quote reflects his humorous perspective on parenting woes, ensuring he doesn't take himself too seriously.
His partner Tiffany Chen, 45, also plays a pivotal role at this time, having described the challenges of their new life. Chen faced personal trials, including Bell’s Palsy, during their transition to parenthood, and has openly shared her emotional struggles, fearing how her daughter might perceive her changing appearance, echoing the vulnerability many new parents feel.
Notably, De Niro's view of parenting typically remains hopeful, expressing his desire for his children to be happy. He admitted, "I hope they’ll be happy," reflecting his commitment to learning from the complex array of experiences he encounters as he raises them through the varying stages of their lives.
What sets De Niro apart is not just his celebrity status but also his deep reflections on family, love, and balancing responsibilities. With three generations of his family participating, he seeks to create memorable moments with each child, considering the different approaches required. This diversity is something many parents can relate to, regardless of age.
Robert De Niro, amid balancing his illustrious acting career with fatherly responsibilities, continues to embrace the joys of raising Gia. He shines as another reminder of how fatherhood persists across generations, imparting its own unique blend of happiness and challenges. No matter how many children he has, one thing remains consistent: he's doing his best to rise up to the occasion, even if it means admitting some tasks are best left to others.