Tiffany Chen: The Brilliant Force Behind Their Daughter's Upbringing
Robert De Niro acknowledges Tiffany Chen's significant role in raising their daughter, Gia, crediting her for taking on the majority of the responsibilities
Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Robert De Niro acknowledges girlfriend Tiffany Chen's dedication to their daughter, giving credit where it's due. Reflecting on his experience as a father to seven children, the 80-year-old actor shared with The Guardian on October 15 that it doesn't become easier, but rather embraces the reality and finds solace in that.
De Niro commended Chen, 46, for bearing the major responsibility of raising their six-month-old daughter, Gia. "I don't handle the most challenging tasks. I am present and provide support to my girlfriend; however, she takes care of the daily duties," he acknowledged. "Besides, we have assistance, which is crucial."
When asked about his fondness for being a father, De Niro expressed, "Certainly, I do. I find joy in every aspect of it."
De Niro is the father of multiple children with different partners. He has a son named Raphael, aged 46, with his ex-wife Diahnne Abbott. He also adopted Abbott's daughter Drena, aged 52, from a previous relationship. In 1995, De Niro and Toukie Smith had twins named Julian and Aaron, who are now 27 years old. Additionally, De Niro has a son named Elliot, aged 25, and a daughter named Helen, aged 11, with his ex-wife Grace Hightower.
In 2021, De Niro started dating Chen and expressed his happiness about being a father. He mentioned having a greater understanding and awareness as he grew older, which helps him navigate various family dynamics and challenges.
When speaking to The Guardian, De Niro expressed that his interactions with Gia differ from his experiences with his other children, adult children, and grandchildren. He pointed out that he communicates with them in distinct ways, noting that his conversations with his baby and 11-year-old differ, but emphasizing his baby's intelligence.
De Niro is not the sole actor making headlines for becoming a father in his 80s. Al Pacino surprised the public earlier this year when his girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, gave birth to their first child together. The 83-year-old Oscar winner also has a daughter named Julie Marie, born in 1989, with Jan Tarrant, as well as twins Anton James and Olivia Rose, born in 2001, with Beverly D’Angelo.
Pacino expressed his excitement about the new addition in an interview with the Daily Mail in June, stating, "It's a very special moment. I've had many children, but this one feels truly exceptional given the timing." Alfallah, 29 at the time, welcomed their baby boy, Roman, who is now 4 months old.
Alfallah has recently requested sole physical custody of their son, but has agreed to grant Pacino joint legal custody of the child.
In response to the birth of Roman, De Niro expressed his support and well-wishes for his former costar, stating, "I was informed yesterday morning that Al Pacino has welcomed a new baby, and he's a few years older than me. God bless him, I'm truly delighted for him."
De Niro went on to say that it’s “amazing” he and Pacino are both welcoming new babies, adding, “I’m very happy about it.”
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