Robert De Niro has found himself embarking on the joys and challenges of fatherhood once again at the age of 81, sharing insights about his life with his 22-month-old daughter, Gia, amid the promotion of his new limited series, 'Zero Day'.
During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 2's The Scott Mills Breakfast Show, the acclaimed actor and executive producer detailed how he dedicates much of his time these days to nurturing Gia's interests. "I just want to keep up, but I watch current events, if you will, news [and] stuff likethat. Now I watch, with my little girl, The Wiggles and Ms. Rachel," he shared. The children's programs have become staples of his viewing habits since Gia was born, as the actor admitted, "I didn't know of them until I started seeing them and my daughter loves to watch them. But they’re great!"
Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, De Niro's youngest child, was born in April 2023, marking both the first child for his partner Tiffany Chen and the seventh child for the actor. Despite being busy with his film projects, De Niro expressed how rewarding it feels to be parenting again, stating, "It feels great." His reflections on fatherhood have deepened since welcoming Gia, as he explained the nuances of raising children at his age saying, "When you’re older you have awareness of certain things in life, dynamics, everything, family dynamics."
De Niro's parenting takes on added dimensions as he works to instill appreciation for diverse cultures and languages. He desires for Gia, who is of Chinese descent, to grow up bilingual, stating, "I want to try to teach her Chinese and show her nursery rhymes in English and Chinese. I'm trying to have her learn both." This dedication to Gia’s upbringing reflects his commitment not just to be present, but to enrich her early development with varied cultural influences.
Despite the challenges of balancing family and stardom, De Niro is buoyed by the joy Gia brings him. He remarked, "She’s such an adorable baby. So sweet. [When I] look at her, everything else goes away. So it’s great joy and relief to just be with her in the moment." His focus on family and togetherness even led him to prioritize his Father’s Day celebrations, ensuring quality time with his children.
De Niro’s other six children, from previous relationships, have yet to meet Gia. His parenting approach appears to be filled with optimism, yet he acknowledges the shifts and surprises of fatherhood over the years. During various interviews, he stated, "It doesn’t get easier. It is what it is. It’s okay. I mean, I don’t do the heavy lifting. I’m there, I support my girlfriend. But she does the work. And we have help, which is so important," highlighting both the joys and realities of partnership and parenting.
Simultaneously, De Niro is making waves with his lead role in the Netflix series 'Zero Day', where he takes on the character of former U.S. President George Mullen. The show, produced by Eric Newman, digs deep through themes of political unrest and cyber threats, reflecting the tumultuous nature of reality today. De Niro's character is thrust back to center stage when America experiences devastating cyberattacks, and he must step up to navigate the chaos as the last president able to rally bipartisan support. "Sometimes I don't think people really know what being a good father is, you know you have a responsibility, but it's a mystery, it's exciting but scary and you do your best," he shared, possibly paralleling the challenges faced on-screen with those of fatherhood.
Set against the backdrop of Washington D.C., 'Zero Day' does not shy away from issues surrounding political overreach and the ramifications of power. De Niro's portrayal proves engaging as audiences see him tackle complex issues mirroring societal concerns. Critics note his performance brings both depth and credibility to the role, reinforcing why he remains one of the most respected figures to step onto the screen, even at this stage of his extensive career.
The series aims to resonate with viewers by blending fictional drama with themes relevant to current times. The challenges Mullen encounters through extreme circumstances ring alarmingly close to reality, leaving audiences reflecting on the nature of heroism, responsibility, and the dynamics of modern governance. It's through 'Zero Day' and his recent interviews promoting the show, where De Niro has stepped back onto the collective stage of popular culture with vigor, enveloping the roles of both father and actor with grace.
It's clear the Academy Award winner is dedicated to cherishing every moment with his daughter, even as he navigates the demands of his career. Robert De Niro embodies the classic yet dynamic dualities of being both present as a father and actively contributing to the entertainment industry, all the more inspiring as he champions parenting amid professional responsibilities.