Robert De Niro emphasizes unwavering support for his children as the most important lesson he has learned while raising his seven kids, sharing this insight during a recent appearance at the Tribeca Festival. The celebrated actor, now 81, spoke candidly about the guiding principle that shapes his approach to fatherhood and the significance of supporting his children’s individual paths.
De Niro Shares His Approach to Fatherhood
At the Tribeca Festival—a film event De Niro helped co-found in 2001—the Oscar winner discussed his ongoing work in film alongside co-founder Jane Rosenthal. When asked about his parenting philosophy, De Niro outlined the one rule he always follows as a dad.
“There’s certain things you can do and certain things you can’t do, but the main thing is to support your kids,”
he explained.
“As long as they’re not hurting themselves, doing anything destructive or anything like that, you have to support them. Period.”
—Robert De Niro, Actor
Emphasizing the emotional aspect, he added,
“And they have to know that you support them, always.”
—Robert De Niro, Actor. This message comes as De Niro has publicly reinforced his support for each of his children in different ways, reflecting his belief in steadfast backing regardless of their life circumstances.
Support for Airyn De Niro: A Personal Example
The actor’s recent remarks follow his public support for his daughter Airyn De Niro, after she came out as trans in April. Airyn spoke with Them about the impact of being outed by paparazzi and the challenges she faced with her identity growing up.
“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,”
she said.
“I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
—Airyn De Niro, Daughter
Airyn further described the complicated feelings of never quite fitting into prescribed roles.
“I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough,”
she recalled.
“It was never just, ‘You’re just right, just the way you are.’”
—Airyn De Niro, Daughter.
She also explained her journey toward self-acceptance and a sense of connection with her background, noting,
“I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
—Airyn De Niro, Daughter.
De Niro’s Statement of Parental Support
After Airyn’s interview with Them, De Niro shared his feelings with Variety, expressing solidarity and love for his daughter.
“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is,”
he said in a public statement. “I love all my children.” —Robert De Niro, Actor.
The Broader De Niro Family
Robert De Niro’s commitment to parental support extends to all seven of his children: Drena De Niro, Raphael De Niro, Julian De Niro, Elliot De Niro, Helen Grace De Niro, Airyn De Niro, and his youngest, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro. Gia, whom De Niro welcomed with his partner Tiffany Chen in April 2023, brings added joy to his life. The actor spoke tenderly about the experience, describing Gia as “pure joy,” and although she is quickly growing, he says that
“raising a child is still always wonderful.”
Lasting Impact of De Niro’s Parenting Philosophy
Robert De Niro’s unwavering support for all his children stands as a core value, shaping how he navigates both public and private challenges as a father. By voicing a clear and consistent approach, he offers a model for accepting and embracing his children as they are, regardless of external pressures. This philosophy continues to influence his family and resonates in the broader conversations around parenting, acceptance, and support.
