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From First Love To New Motherhood: Unpacking Robert De Niro's Three Most Significant Partners And His Current Girlfriend, Tiffany Chen

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Robert De Niro's private life, much like his iconic filmography, has been a subject of continuous public fascination, especially concerning the women who have shared his life. As of December 2025, the legendary actor’s primary partner is the accomplished martial arts professional, Tiffany Chen, with whom he recently welcomed his seventh child. This latest chapter is just one part of a complex and decades-long romantic history that includes two marriages, a long-term partnership, and a total of seven children.

The Goodfellas star, now in his 80s, has consistently kept his personal relationships out of the spotlight, but recent high-profile appearances, including their walk on the Cannes 2025 red carpet, have brought his current relationship into sharp focus. This article offers a deep dive into the three most significant women in Robert De Niro’s life—his two ex-wives and his current partner—detailing their biographies, their time with the actor, and their enduring legacies.

Robert De Niro: A Brief Biography and Complete Family Profile

Robert De Niro is one of the most celebrated and influential actors in cinematic history. Born in New York City on August 17, 1943, he became a central figure in the New Hollywood movement, known for his intense method acting and long-standing collaborations with director Martin Scorsese.

  • Full Name: Robert Anthony De Niro Jr.
  • Born: August 17, 1943 (Age 82 as of late 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Greenwich Village, New York City, U.S.
  • Parents: Robert De Niro Sr. (painter and sculptor) and Virginia Admiral (painter and poet)
  • Notable Awards: Two Academy Awards (for *The Godfather Part II* and *Raging Bull*), a Golden Globe, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  • Spouses:
    • Diahnne Abbott (m. 1976; div. 1988)
    • Grace Hightower (m. 1997; sep. 2018)
  • Current Partner: Tiffany Chen (since 2021)
  • Children (7 Total):
    • Drena De Niro (b. 1971, adopted daughter with Diahnne Abbott)
    • Raphael De Niro (b. 1976, son with Diahnne Abbott)
    • Julian Henry De Niro (b. 1995, twin son with Toukie Smith)
    • Aaron Kendrick De Niro (b. 1995, twin son with Toukie Smith)
    • Elliot De Niro (b. 1998, son with Grace Hightower)
    • Helen Grace De Niro (b. 2011, daughter with Grace Hightower, born via surrogate)
    • Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (b. 2023, daughter with Tiffany Chen)

The First Chapter: Diahnne Abbott—An Artistic Partnership

Robert De Niro’s first wife, Diahnne Abbott, was a fellow artist whose career was closely intertwined with his early rise to fame. Abbott is an American actress and singer, known for her powerful presence in films of the 1970s and 80s.

Who is Diahnne Abbott?

Diahnne Abbott was born on May 1, 1945, in New York. She is an African American actress who began her career in the early 1970s. Her artistic collaboration with De Niro began before their marriage, most notably with her memorable role as the concession stand girl in Martin Scorsese’s 1976 masterpiece, *Taxi Driver*.

  • Relationship Timeline: Married in 1976 and divorced in 1988.
  • Shared Children: They have two children. De Niro adopted Diahnne’s daughter from a previous relationship, Drena De Niro, and they later welcomed a son, Raphael De Niro.
  • Career Highlights: In addition to *Taxi Driver*, Abbott appeared alongside De Niro in *New York, New York* (1977), *The King of Comedy* (1982), and *Verna: U.S.O. Girl* (1978).
  • Post-Divorce Life: Following their split, Abbott continued to pursue acting, with credits in films like *Joanne* (1984) and *Before and After* (1996), maintaining a relatively private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Their marriage lasted 12 years and established a foundation for De Niro’s family life, with both Drena and Raphael growing up to pursue careers in the film and real estate industries, respectively.

The Second Marriage: Grace Hightower—Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy

Robert De Niro’s second marriage to Grace Hightower was a turbulent yet enduring relationship that spanned over two decades, marked by a brief separation and a subsequent renewal of their vows. Hightower is a multifaceted American socialite, actress, singer, and notable philanthropist.

Who is Grace Hightower?

Grace Hightower is known not only for her acting roles, such as in *Precious* (2009), but also for her significant entrepreneurial and humanitarian work. She is the founder of Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda, a company dedicated to supporting Rwandan coffee farmers and promoting fair trade practices.

  • Relationship Timeline: Married in 1997. They briefly separated in 1999 but reconciled and renewed their vows in 2004. The couple separated again in 2018 after over 20 years of marriage.
  • Shared Children: They share two children: son Elliot De Niro (born 1998) and daughter Helen Grace De Niro (born 2011 via a surrogate).
  • Philanthropic Focus: Hightower is a dedicated philanthropist, serving on the boards of various organizations and focusing her efforts on global development, particularly in Africa, through her coffee company.
  • Legal Battle: Their separation in 2018 led to a protracted and highly publicized divorce battle over finances, which was finalized in the years that followed.

The relationship with Grace Hightower was De Niro’s longest, demonstrating a deep commitment despite the public and private challenges they faced. Their son, Elliot, has been diagnosed with autism, and the family has been vocal in their support and advocacy for the autism community.

The Current Chapter: Tiffany Chen—Martial Arts and New Motherhood

The most recent and widely discussed chapter in Robert De Niro’s romantic life involves his current partner, Tiffany Chen. Their relationship has captured global attention, especially following the announcement of the birth of their daughter, Gia Virginia, in 2023.

Who is Tiffany Chen?

Tiffany Chen is a highly respected martial arts professional and Tai Chi instructor. She is the daughter of Grandmaster William C.C. Chen, a renowned Tai Chi master. Her expertise led her to a small role in the 2015 film *The Intern*, where she played a martial arts instructor and first met De Niro.

  • Relationship Timeline: They were first publicly linked in August 2021, though their connection dates back to the filming of *The Intern*.
  • Shared Child: Daughter Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, born in April 2023. De Niro became a father for the seventh time at the age of 79, a fact that surprised many but was met with warm wishes.
  • Public Appearances: The couple maintains a low-key profile, but they have made rare, significant public appearances, including attending the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
  • Age Gap: Chen is reportedly in her mid-40s, making her approximately 36 years De Niro’s junior. Despite the significant age difference, sources close to the couple indicate the iconic actor is "madly in love" with Chen.
  • Future Plans: While they have not married, there has been speculation in the media that De Niro may be ready to "tie the knot for the third time" with his new partner.

Tiffany Chen represents a new phase of life for Robert De Niro, characterized by a focus on family and a quiet, supportive partnership. Her professional background as a Tai Chi instructor offers a unique contrast to his previous partners, bringing a calm, grounded presence to the legendary actor's life.

In summary, Robert De Niro's romantic journey is a tapestry woven with deep, long-lasting connections. From the artistic synergy with Diahnne Abbott and the philanthropic partnership with Grace Hightower, to the new chapter of parenthood with Tiffany Chen, each woman has played a pivotal role in shaping the family life of one of Hollywood’s most private and celebrated stars. The recent 2025 public sighting of De Niro and Chen confirms that this latest relationship is a serious and significant commitment for the veteran actor.

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