Robert De Niro’s Daughter Airyn Opens Up About Coming Out as Trans and Embracing Her Blackness

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Airyn De Niro is sharing a glimpse into her world. 

29-year-old child of Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith openly shared her journey as a person who blossomed later in life when it comes to acknowledging her identity as a transgender woman.

In an interview with Them Magazine, published on April 29th, Airyn expressed that a significant aspect of [her transition] is the impact Black women have had on her. She further explained that embracing this new identity and being more proud of her African-American heritage brings her closer to these women in some sense.

Even though Airyn, who initiated hormone therapy in November 2024, felt more aligned with her true self, she openly acknowledged her apprehensions about her close relationships. She expressed, “I believe there’s a part of me that is fearful they might still see me as the person I was before my transition.

The actress drew inspiration for starting her personal journey from the portrayals of individuals such as Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Jools Lebron in media.

She clarified, “When transgender women are truthful and transparent, particularly online and visible in their achievements, I realized – perhaps there’s still a chance for me as well.

As Airyn, who is a twin with her brother Julian De Niro, simply put it, “Maybe I can start.”

As a lifestyle advocate, I found myself eagerly stepping up to contribute to the transformation I longed to witness, given the underrepresentation, particularly among transgender women, who resemble me in appearance.

She mused, “I aspire to possibly inspire another individual like me – someone who is Black, identifies as queer, and isn’t a petite size. I long to see more transgender women, more Black women who may not conform to the stereotype of being exceptionally slim or have a larger body.

She didn’t only find inspiration in transgender women; rather, her greatest inspiration comes from her mother, who was in a relationship with the “Goodfellas” actor from 1988 to 1996.

At every reunion with my father’s family, folks would often discuss how fond they were of my mother, recalling her as unforgettable and bringing up how content he was in her presence. This is something I aspire to achieve… I long to be cherished just like she was.

Airyn, even though she’s the child of a renowned actor and model, carved out her unique path within the entertainment industry.

She clarified, “I didn’t grow up with experiences like being in one of my father’s films, going to business events, or attending movie premieres. My dad strongly believed in us forging our own unique paths. Success for me is something I strive for on my own merits.

Touki and his Oscar-winning partner have decided to shield their children from public attention until they grow up a bit more. They share Drena, 57, Raphael, 48, with ex Diahnne Abbott, as well as Elliot, 27, Helen, 12, with ex Grace Hightower, and Gia, 2, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.

Airyn mused, “Clearly, no one’s parents are flawless, but I am thankful that mine chose to shield me from the public eye. They valued privacy for me, and shared that their aim was to give me as ordinary a childhood as they could.

For a closer look at the Heat star’s sprawling family tree, keep reading.

Robert De Niro crossed paths with his first spouse, Diahnne Abbott, during the production of Martin Scorsese’s film, “Taxi Driver.” In this iconic 1976 movie, she portrayed a character – the ticket clerk at the adult theater that Travis Bickle frequented.

They tied the knot April 28, 1976.

The pair can be seen sharing the screen in Martin Scorsese’s 1977 film, “New York, New York,” a dramatic portrayal of a troubled romance, as well as his 1982 comedy critique, “The King of Comedy.

The actor adopted Diahnne’s daughter Drena, born Sept. 3, 1971, when they got married.

Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower’s son, Raphael, made his entrance on November 9, 1976. As a young boy of approximately 10 years old, Raphael remembered the family relocating from Los Angeles (where his father was born) to New York City (the city where his dad is most recognized). He shared with The Real Deal that this move was a significant “cultural adjustment.

Raphael’s parents divorced in 1988.

Drena, who posted her first Instagram photo – a black-and-white image of herself dining with her parents and the once-couple Jack Nicholson and Anjelica Huston (she humorously questioned “what on earth was I doing there??”), has continued to work in the entertainment industry as both an actor and producer.

Raised in an atypical family environment, she shared with Everything Zoomer, “it wasn’t the ordinary family life we often see, but it was filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of madness.” She characterized her father as someone who possessed a non-critical and open-minded disposition, always embracing people’s choices in life.

Raphael joined the real estate business, as it’s a tradition in his family. According to his site, he heads up The De Niro Team at Douglas Elliman in Manhattan, and he’s a partner in the Greenwich Hotel located in TriBeCa.

46-years old individual has three children with his former spouse, Claudine de Matos, and has been in a marital relationship with stylist Hannah Carnes since March 2020.

Recognized solely by his last name, Raphael shared with The Real Deal, “I simply aim to stay low-key and protect my personal life from public scrutiny.

Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the son of artist Carlos Rodriguez and Drena, tragically passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 19. The cause of his death is suspected to be an overdose.

Approximately twenty years old, a female was detained about fortnight later under federal accusations of distributing narcotics, allegedly related to Leandro’s demise. Initial suspicion of fentanyl-tainted pills had been expressed by his mother regarding the cause of his death.

On August 11, 2023 – what would have been her son’s 20th birthday – Drena posted on Instagram saying, “Thank you for the last 20 years that brought me the most happiness and depth, my dear angel. I wish your soul is at rest, and your spirit is overflowing with joy today and forever.

Robert De Niro expressed his shock over the death of his grandson, sharing with People magazine, “I found myself reflecting on all the moments we could have shared together. I can’t help but wonder if there was something more I could have done for him. Perhaps it would have made a difference, though I’m not sure. The fact that this should never have happened continues to haunt me.

 

In the realm of celebrity encounters and ventures, I was once privileged to be part of a dynamic duo with actor Smith. We not only shared the limelight but also ran a catering business that graced the tables at Sean Penn and Madonna’s anniversary celebration back in the day. However, after eight years together, our paths diverged in 1996.

Robert De Niro and model-actress Toukie Smith are the proud parents of twin boys, Julian and Airyn, who were born on October 20, 1995.

In the month of April, 2025, Airyn publicly identified as a transgender woman. She shared with Them Magazine that this personal journey had additionally deepened her understanding and connection to her ethnic identity.

She mentioned that a significant aspect of her transformation is the impact Black women have had on her. She feels that embracing this new identity and being more proud of her African-American heritage brings her closer to these women in a unique sense.

As for who the actress aspires to be like? Her mother, of course.

Whenever we gather as a family on my father’s side, there’s always talk about my mother – the love they had for her, the impact she made, and the joy my dad found in her company. These stories resonate deeply with me, and I aspire to leave an impression similar to hers. I yearn to be remembered in a way that reflects the warmth and significance she holds in everyone’s hearts.

 

While Airyn keeps his life private, Julian is a stage actor who was last seen on Broadway in the award-nominated play “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window“. In 2022, he took on the role of a young Barack Obama for the Showtime limited series “The First Lady“.

In a conversation with People in January 2020, De Niro expressed, “I encourage my children by saying, ‘Go ahead if you wish to become an actor or pursue any other dream, just make sure you’re content. But never undervalue yourself.’ In essence, I advise them to strive a bit further and aim for what truly resonates with your heart. Don’t let fear hold you back.

Robert De Niro became a father to his son Elliot, who was born on March 18, 1998, and his daughter Helen Grace, who came into the world through a surrogate on December 23, 2011, with his second wife, Grace Hightower.

On June 17, 1997, he wedded the esteemed actress. However, De Niro sought a divorce just two years into their marriage, yet they reconciled prior to the finalization of the divorce, reaffirming their commitment by renewing their vows in 2004.

They again began divorce proceedings in 2018.

When discussing the film “Silver Linings Playbook”, where he portrayed a father of an adult son with bipolar disorder, De Niro spoke candidly about his own experience raising a child with special needs in an interview with Katie Couric in 2013, stating, “I don’t usually get emotional, but I know exactly what my character goes through.” In 2016, he disclosed that his son Elliott has autism.

De Niro’s seventh child was born April 6, 2023.

On her morning show on May 11th, Gayle King from CBS Mornings had the pleasure of unveiling the name. She exclaimed, “How adorable is this baby!” referring to a one-month-old named Gia. Robert De Niro and his partner Tiffany Chen are absolutely thrilled over their new little girl.

The two-time Academy Award winner, it should be noted, doesn’t handle the major responsibilities, but expresses great joy and enthusiasm when speaking about having a baby around.

He shared with AARP, “When I gaze upon her, everything that troubles me seems to vanish, and it feels magical.

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2025-04-29 18:19