Robert De Niro Wife And Partner History: Inside The Legendary Actor’s Relationships And Family Life In 2026
Legendary actor Robert De Niro continues to capture public interest not just for his iconic cinematic roles, but also for his personal life. While the Oscar-winning star is not currently married, his relationship with partner Tiffany Chen and his past marriages to Grace Hightower and Diahnne Abbott remain highly searched topics. As of August 2026, De Niro balances his late-stage Hollywood career with a busy family life, including his youngest daughter born in 2023.
| Relationship Status | Name | Years Active / Married | Children Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Partner | Tiffany Chen | 2021–Present | Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro |
| Former Wife (Second) | Grace Hightower | 1997–2018 | Elliot, Helen Grace |
| Former Wife (First) | Diahnne Abbott | 1976–1988 | Drena (adopted), Raphael |
Decades of Romance: Diahnne Abbott, Grace Hightower, and the Evolution of De Niro's Marital History
De Niro's first high-profile marriage was to actress and singer Diahnne Abbott in 1976. The couple starred together in the classic film Taxi Driver before divorcing in 1988. During their decade-long marriage, De Niro adopted Abbott's daughter, Drena, and the couple welcomed their son, Raphael, who went on to become a prominent real estate broker in New York.
Following his divorce from Abbott and a long-term relationship with model Toukie Smith (with whom he shares twin sons), De Niro married socialite and philanthropist Grace Hightower in 1997. Their turbulent but enduring 21-year marriage saw a brief separation, a subsequent reconciliation, and a formal vow renewal before they permanently split in 2018. The high-profile divorce, finalized amidst intense media coverage, marked the end of De Niro's second marriage and ushered in his current era of companionship.
Meet Tiffany Chen: The Martial Arts Champion Capturing Headlines
Since 2021, De Niro has been in a committed relationship with Tiffany Chen, a highly accomplished martial arts instructor, athlete, and kickboxing champion. The couple met on the set of the 2015 comedy film The Intern, where Chen was hired to teach De Niro and co-star Anne Hathaway tai chi movements. Over the years, their professional acquaintance blossomed into a deep romantic bond, officially confirmed to the public in late 2021.
In April 2023, the couple welcomed their first child together, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro. At the age of 79, De Niro became a father for the seventh time, a milestone that brought renewed public spotlight to Chen. She has since been a frequent presence by his side at major global events, including the Cannes Film Festival and various state dinners.
De Niro’s Seven Children: A Modern Family Tree
- Drena De Niro (Adopted daughter with Diahnne Abbott)
- Raphael De Niro (Son with Diahnne Abbott)
- Julian De Niro (Twin son with Toukie Smith)
- Aaron De Niro (Twin son with Toukie Smith)
- Elliot De Niro (Son with Grace Hightower)
- Helen Grace De Niro (Daughter with Grace Hightower)
- Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (Daughter with Tiffany Chen)
Tiffany Chen details how she, Robert De Niro fell in love
Looking Ahead: De Niro's 2026 Family Dynamic and Career Balance
Entering late 2026, De Niro continues to split his time between high-profile film projects and his thriving family. The actor has frequently spoken about the unique joys of late-in-life fatherhood, praising Chen's support and maternal dedication in various media appearances. Despite his filming schedules, sources close to the actor indicate that his home life with Chen and young Gia remains his primary focus.
While there are currently no public plans for De Niro and Chen to wed, their partnership represents one of the most stable and discussed chapters of the actor's personal life. Fans can expect to see Chen accompanying De Niro as he promotes his upcoming late-2026 film slate, solidifying her role as his primary support system.
