The Mystery of Robert De Niro’s Wife: A Brief Explanation
Robert De Niro is one of the most respected actors of his generation, with a career spanning over five decades. However, his personal life has also been a subject of interest to many of his fans. One question often arises: Who is Robert De Niro’s wife? We will try to solve the puzzle of “Robert De Niro wife” in this article.
De Niro has been married twice in his life. His first wife was Diahnne Abbott, whom he married in 1976. They have two children: a daughter named Drena and a son named Raphael. De Niro also has twin sons, Julian and Aaron, whom he had with his former girlfriend, Toukie Smith.
De Niro’s second wife is Grace Hightower, whom he married in 1997. They have two children: a son named Elliot and a daughter named Helen Grace. However, their marriage has been rocky, with De Niro filing for divorce twice before ultimately reconciling with Hightower. 2018, De Niro filed for divorce again, and the couple has since separated.
Let’s learn more about Robert De Niro’s wife from this article.
Content Highlights
- Robert De Niro has been married twice to Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower.
- De Niro has 7 children from previous relationships, including twin sons with Toukie Smith.
- De Niro’s marriage to Hightower has been rocky, with the couple separating in 2018.
Robert De Niro’s Life- At a Glance
|
Category |
Details |
|
Full Name |
Robert Mario De Niro Jr. |
|
Date of Birth |
August 17, 1943 (age 80) |
|
Place of Birth |
New York City, New York, U.S. |
|
Net Worth |
Estimated $500 million according to Celebrity Net Worth |
|
Wives |
Diahnne Abbott (1976–1988, divorced). Grace Hightower (1997–2018, divorced) |
|
Children |
Drena De Niro (daughter with Abbott). Raphael De Niro (son of Abbott). Twin sons Julian and Aaron (with Toukie Smith). Elliot De Niro (son with Hightower). Helen Grace De Niro (daughter with Hightower). Besides, De Niro has another daughter with Tiffany Chen. |
|
Notable Films |
The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, Meet the Parents, Silver Linings Playbook, The Irishman. |
|
Major Awards |
2 Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Godfather Part II) and Best Actor (Raging Bull). |
Robert De Niro’s Dating History: From Diahnne Abbott to Tiffany Chen
Robert De Niro has had several high-profile relationships throughout his career. De Niro has kept the public guessing about his romantic life, from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott to his current relationship with Tiffany Chen. In addition, you can also read an article on- Who is Adnan Syed’s Wife? The Role of her in Adnan Syed’s Case
Diahnne Abbott
De Niro met Diahnne Abbott in 1976 while filming “Taxi Driver.” The two were married that same year and had a son named Raphael. De Niro adopted Abbott’s daughter from a previous relationship, Drena, and the family lived together in New York City. The couple divorced in 1988.
Helena Springs
Helena Springs was a British singer who dated De Niro in the late 1970s. The two were often seen together at events and parties, but their relationship was short-lived.
Toukie Smith
Toukie Smith is an actress and model who dated De Niro in the 1980s. The two were together for over a decade and were often seen at events and premieres. Smith also appeared in several of De Niro’s films, including “The Last Tycoon” and “Angel Heart.”
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell is a supermodel who briefly dated De Niro in the 1990s. The two were often seen together at events and parties, but their relationship was short-lived.
Grace Hightower
Grace Hightower is De Niro’s second wife. The two were married in 1997 and have two children, Elliott and Helen Grace. The couple separated in 2018 but reconciled later that year.
Tiffany Chen
Tiffany Chen is a producer who has been in a relationship with De Niro since 2021. The couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Nicholas, in 2022.
De Niro has been known for keeping his personal life private throughout his dating history. In interviews, he rarely speaks about his relationships and prefers to keep his romantic life out of the public eye.
Robert De Niro’s Wife, Children from Previous Relationships
Robert De Niro has been married twice and has had several relationships. He has seven children, six of whom were born from previous relationships. Here is a list of Robert De Niro’s children from previous relationships:
- Drena De Niro: Drena is Robert De Niro’s adopted daughter from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott. She was born on September 3, 1971, in New York City. Drena is an actress and has appeared in several movies and TV shows.
- Raphael De Niro: Raphael is Robert De Niro’s son from his relationship with Toukie Smith. He was born on November 9, 1976, in New York City. Raphael is a real estate broker and has worked with several high-profile clients.
- Julian Henry De Niro: Julian is Robert De Niro’s son from his relationship with Toukie Smith. He was born on October 20, 1995, in New York City. Julian is an actor and has appeared in several movies and TV shows.
- Aaron Kendrick De Niro: Aaron is Robert De Niro’s son from his relationship with Toukie Smith. He was born on October 20, 1995, in New York City. Aaron is an actor and has appeared in several movies and TV shows.
- Elliot De Niro: Elliot is Robert De Niro’s son from his relationship with Grace Hightower. He was born on March 18, 1998, in New York City. Elliot is a student and has kept a low profile.
- Helen Grace De Niro: Helen Grace is Robert De Niro’s daughter from his second marriage to Grace Hightower. She was born on December 20, 2011, in New York City. Helen Grace is still a child and has not yet entered the entertainment industry.
Robert De Niro has been a father figure to his children and is actively involved in their lives. Despite his busy schedule as an actor and producer, he has always made time for his family. Additionally, you can also read about- Whistlindiesel Wife: Meet the Woman Who Can Keep Up with the King of Diesel
Relationship with Tiffany Chen
Robert De Niro has been in a relationship with Tiffany Chen since 2018. They met on the “The Irishman” set in 2015, where Chen worked as a producer. However, they did not start dating until a few years later.
Meeting on a Movie Set in 2015
De Niro and Chen first met on the “The Irishman” set in 2015. Chen was working as a producer on the film, which starred De Niro. They reportedly hit it off but did not start dating until a few years later.
First linked in 2021
De Niro and Chen were first romantically linked in 2021 when they were spotted together in New York City. At the time, Chen was working as De Niro’s assistant. They first appeared as a couple at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.
Supportive of De Niro’s Career
Chen has been a supportive partner for De Niro, one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. She has been seen at many of his film premieres and other events. In 2021, Chen defended De Niro in court when his former assistant accused him of gender discrimination.
Welcomed a Baby Girl
In November 2023, De Niro and Chen welcomed their first baby girl. This is De Niro’s seventh child and Chen’s first. They have not yet revealed their daughter’s name or any other details.
The Career of Grace Hightower, Robert De Niro’s Previous Wife
Grace Hightower is an American socialite and philanthropist. She married Robert De Niro in 1997, and they separated in 2018. Before marrying De Niro, Hightower worked as a flight attendant and a hostess at Mr. Chow, a famous Chinese restaurant in New York City.
As a philanthropist, Hightower launched Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda in 2013 to improve Rwandan livelihoods by marketing their products internationally. The company sells coffee beans grown by Rwandan farmers and provides them with fair wages and better living conditions.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Hightower has also acted in several films, including “Precious” and “The Paperboy.” She has also appeared on television shows such as “The Real Housewives of New York City” and “The View.”
Hightower is known for her activism and has been involved in various social causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight against human trafficking. She also supports the LGBTQ+ community and has worked with organizations such as GLAAD and the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
Overall, Grace Hightower has had a successful career as a philanthropist, actress, and activist. Her work has positively impacted many people’s lives, and she continues to be an influential figure in philanthropy and social justice.
Legal Issues and Separation with Grace Hightower
Robert De Niro’s separation and divorce from his wife, Grace Hightower, has been a contentious and public legal battle. The couple married for 21 years before De Niro filed for divorce in 2018. They had been married for 20 years before a brief separation from 1999–2003.
One of the main issues in the divorce proceedings has been the division of assets, with Hightower reportedly seeking half of De Niro’s estimated $500 million net worth. In April 2021, a judge ruled that Hightower would receive $1 million per year in the divorce settlement, and the couple is expected to sell their $20 million home.
Another legal issue about De Niro’s personal life is a lawsuit filed by his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson. Robinson has accused De Niro of gender discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. She alleges that De Niro made sexually charged comments and subjected her to unwanted physical contact. The lawsuit also accuses De Niro of using company funds for personal expenses, including paying Hightower’s bills.
De Niro’s legal team has denied the allegations and countersued Robinson for $6 million, claiming she embezzled money from the company. The case is ongoing.
Throughout the legal battles, De Niro has remained relatively tight-lipped about his personal life. Following his split from Hightower, he said, “Grace and I have two beautiful children together. We are entering a transition period in our relationship, a difficult but constructive process.”
Despite the legal issues, De Niro has continued to work in the entertainment industry and has several upcoming projects, including a role in the Martin Scorsese film “Killers of the Flower Moon.” If you want you can also read- Dana White Wife: The Story of Dana and Anne White [Latest Updates]
The Personal Life of Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is a legendary American actor, producer, and director, best known for his iconic roles in movies like “The Godfather Part II,” “Raging Bull,” and “Goodfellas.” Apart from his successful career in the entertainment industry, De Niro is also known for his colorful personal life.
| Full Name | Robert Mario De Niro Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1943 (age 80) |
| Place of Birth | Manhattan, New York City |
| Parents | Robert De Niro Sr. (father), Virginia Admiral (mother) |
| Spouse | Diahnne Abbott (1974–1988), Grace Hightower (1997–2018) |
| Children | Drena De Niro, Raphael De Niro, Elliot De Niro, Helen Grace De Niro, Aaron Kendrick De Niro |
| Education | Actors Studio, Stella Adler Conservatory |
| Film Debut | 1963 – The Wedding Party |
| Breakthrough Role | 1973 – Mean Streets |
| Notable Films | The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, Meet the Parents |
| Awards | 2 Academy Awards, 1 Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award |
Early Life and Education
Robert De Niro was born on August 17, 1943, in Greenwich Village, New York City, to parents who were both artists. He grew up in a bohemian environment and was exposed to acting and filmmaking from an early age. De Niro attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he developed his passion for acting.
After completing high school, De Niro studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory and later at Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio. His training at these prestigious institutions helped him hone his craft and prepare him for a successful career in acting.
Business Interests
Besides his acting career, Robert De Niro is also a successful businessman. He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival, established in 2002 to promote New York City as a major filmmaking destination. De Niro also owns several restaurants, including the famous Nobu chain of Japanese restaurants.
In addition, De Niro is a vocal supporter of political causes and has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout his career. He has also been a strong advocate for environmental causes and has worked to raise awareness about climate change and other environmental issues.
Overall, Robert De Niro’s personal life is as colorful and varied as his career in the entertainment industry. His business interests, philanthropic work, and political activism have made him a respected and influential Hollywood figure.
Acting Career and Collaborations with Martin Scorsese
Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor known for his roles in iconic films such as The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas. He has collaborated with legendary director Martin Scorsese on multiple occasions, creating some of the most memorable films in cinema history.
Breakthrough in the 1970s
De Niro’s breakthrough role came in the 1973 film Mean Streets, directed by Scorsese. This began a long and fruitful collaboration between the two artists. De Niro’s performance as Johnny Boy was widely praised, and he went on to star in Scorsese’s Taxi Driver in 1976, for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
Acclaim and Award Success in the 1980s
In the 1980s, De Niro continued to work with Scorsese on several highly acclaimed films, including Raging Bull (1980), The King of Comedy (1982), and Goodfellas (1990). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for portraying Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull and received nominations for his roles in The King of Comedy and Awakenings.
Directorial Debuts and Crime Dramas in the 1990s
De Niro made his directorial debut in 1993 with the film A Bronx Tale, which he also starred in. He continued to act in crime dramas, including Casino (1995), Heat (1995), and Ronin (1998).
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Comic Roles and Slump in the 2000s
In the 2000s, De Niro took on more comedic roles, such as in Meet the Parents (2000) and Analyze That (2002). However, he also experienced a slump in his career with a string of critically panned films.
Resurgence and Scorsese Reunion in Recent Years
De Niro experienced a resurgence in his career in recent years, with roles in films such as Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and The Irishman (2019), which reunited him with Scorsese. He received critical acclaim for his performance in The Irishman, earning nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Overall, De Niro’s collaborations with Martin Scorsese have produced some of the most iconic films in cinema history, and his career has spanned several decades with a range of acclaimed performances.
Legacy and Impact of Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. He has had a significant impact on the film industry and has left a lasting legacy.
De Niro’s performances have been praised for their intensity and authenticity. He is known for his ability to fully immerse himself in a role and bring a character to life. His performances in films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” and “The Godfather Part II” are considered some of the best in cinematic history.
In addition to his acting, De Niro has also made a significant impact as a filmmaker and producer. He founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002, which has become a significant event in the film industry. He has also produced and directed several films, including “A Bronx Tale” and “The Good Shepherd.”
De Niro has used his platform to speak out on political and social issues. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, and gun control. He has also been vocal about his opposition to President Donald Trump.
Robert De Niro’s legacy and impact on the film industry and society cannot be overstated. He has left an indelible mark and will remain remembered as one of the greatest actors ever.
Takeaway
Robert De Niro has been in the public eye for many years, and recently, his personal life has been the subject of much speculation. His current girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, has been by his side through much of this, and the couple has faced several legal battles together.
In November 2023, Chen testified on De Niro’s behalf in a federal court case against his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson. Chen defended De Niro against claims of gender discrimination and retaliation, stating that Robinson was “crazy” and had made false accusations against the actor.
Despite the legal battles, De Niro and Chen have remained together and seem to be going strong. The couple was first spotted together in August 2021, shortly after De Niro’s split from his ex-wife Grace Hightower in November 2018.
While the details of De Niro and Chen’s relationship are primarily kept private, it is clear that the couple has a strong bond and supports each other through thick and thin. As of November 2023, they continue to be a fixture in the entertainment world and are often seen together at events and on the red carpet.
Overall, De Niro and Chen seem happy together and focused on building a life together despite their challenges. As always, fans and the media will keep a close eye on this Hollywood power couple and eagerly anticipate any updates on their relationship. Additionally, you can also read about- 8 Unknown Facts about Donald Trump’s Ex-Wife Marla Maples
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check the answers to some common questions about Robert De Niro’s wife here.
1. Who is the mother of Robert De Niro’s new baby?
Robert De Niro’s latest child is a son named Alexander. His mother is Grace Hightower, De Niro’s ex-wife. Alexander was born via surrogate in 2011.
2. Did Tiffany Chen have a baby with Robert De Niro?
There is no evidence that Tiffany Chen, Robert De Niro’s girlfriend, has had a baby with him.
3. How many wives has Robert De Niro had?
Robert De Niro has been married twice. His first wife was Diahnne Abbott, an actress and singer. They were married for 12 years and have two children together. De Niro’s second wife was Grace Hightower, whom he married for over 20 years and had two children with. They divorced in 2018.
4. What are some of Robert De Niro’s most famous movies?
Robert De Niro has had a long and illustrious film career. Some of his most famous movies include “The Godfather Part II,” “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” “Cape Fear,” “Casino,” and “Meet the Parents.”
5. What is Robert De Niro’s net worth?
As of 2023, Robert De Niro’s net worth is around $500 million. He has earned his wealth through his acting career and various business ventures.
6. Who are some of Robert De Niro’s past girlfriends?
Robert De Niro has had several high-profile relationships throughout his career. Some of his past girlfriends include models Toukie Smith and Helena Springs, actress Uma Thurman, and singer Whitney Houston.
7. Who is Robert De Niro’s Wife now?
Robert De Nero doesn’t have any wife now. His current girlfriend is Tiffany Chen.
