Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of Robert De Niro, has sadly passed away. Born in 2004 to Drena De Niro and artist Carlos Mare, Leandro began his acting career with minor, unnamed roles in the films "The Collection" (2005) and "Cabaret Maxime" (2018). However, his most notable role was alongside his real-life mother, Drena De Niro, in the star-studded film "A Star Is Born" (2018), where they portrayed the mother-son duo Leo and Paulette Stone. Paulette is married to Dave Chappelle's character Noodles in the movie.
The news of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez's passing was announced by his mother, Drena De Niro, in an Instagram post. Robert De Niro also expressed his response to the tragic news in a statement to Variety. No further details about Rodriguez's death have been disclosed at this time. Please refer to the post and statement below from the De Niro family.
I’m filled with deep sorrow in light of the loss of my beloved grandson, Leo. We are profoundly grateful for the condolences extended by each and every one. We kindly request that our family be granted privacy during this time of mourning for the loss of Leo.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez's Family & Hollywood React To His Tragic Passing
Following the announcement of Rodriguez's tragic demise, his family and the Hollywood community have been flooded with reactions. Alongside an emotional Instagram post, Drena De Niro, in a statement to Variety, expressed, "With immeasurable shock and sadness, we bid farewell to our beloved son Leo. We deeply appreciate the overwhelming love and support during this time and kindly request privacy to mourn this insurmountable loss." Notably, Rodriguez shared the screen with his mother, Drena De Niro, in all three of his on-screen appearances. Drena De Niro is the daughter of Diahnne Abbott, renowned for her role in Taxi Driver.
The passing of Rodriguez has prompted the Hollywood community to express their condolences through comments on Drena De Niro's heartfelt Instagram tribute to her son. Celebrities such as Leslie Bibb, Lenny Kravitz, Debi Mazar, Naomi Campbell, and Victoria Gotti have all left messages. Victoria Gotti, in particular, shared a touching message reminiscing about Rodriguez's childhood. Robert De Niro, like his adopted daughter, also shared a statement in response to the devastating news. He expressed gratitude for the condolences and requested privacy for the family as they mourn the tragic loss of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.