Robert De Niro’s Six Biracial Children Have Changed How He Views The World

Even today, references to Robert De Niro’s legendary roles in the “Godfather” film trilogy and the cult masterpiece “Taxi Driver” can be found in pop cultural references. Generations of actors have been inspired by the older star’s natural acting talent to break out of their comfort zones and follow in his bold footsteps. De Niro is still a generous figure in the entertainment business, even though he has been out of the spotlight for a few years.

De Niro has built a solid reputation for himself over the years, despite the successes and failures of his different partnerships. After all, long marriages are uncommon in Hollywood because the spotlight can be harsh on celebrities’ personal lives. Despite the difficulties that each of De Niro’s three failed marriages brought, he has made it a priority to raise his six children as best he can.

Today, the 77-year-old veteran actor’s children have chosen a quieter life away from the spotlight rather than following in their father’s footsteps. Because most children’s lives have been notoriously secretive, little is known about them. De Niro, on the other hand, has spoken to a number of publications about his role as a parent and his children.

On an episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in June 2020, De Niro discussed his experiences raising biracial children. He expressed some of his concerns and asked for reform in the United States. Continue reading to learn more about Robert’s children and see how he is not only a fantastic actor but also a fantastic father.

While Robert is proud of his long and illustrious acting career, he values his role as a father even more. Robert has previously been married twice. His first marriage lasted 12 years, from 1976 to 1988, and he was married to singer Diahnne Abbot. During this time, Robert and Abbot had one son, Raphael De Niro, and Robert also adopted Abbot’s former relationship’s daughter Drena De Niro.

Rapahel worked as an actress for a while before deciding to pursue a career in real estate, according to Mindfood.

According to PEOPLE, after Abbot, he had a long-term relationship with model Toukie Smith from 1988 until 1996, during which time he produced twin boys Aaron and Julian with Smith via surrogate.

His final marriage was to Grace Hightower, an actress with whom he had a tumultuous relationship. The pair married in 1997 and had a son named Eliot in 1998 before splitting up in 1999. According to PEOPLE, the couple had a custody battle for a while but eventually worked things out and even had a vow renewal ceremony in 2004 before permanently splitting in 2018. Eliot, the couple’s son, and Helen, the couple’s surrogate daughter, were born in 2011.

Robert is known for having notoriously tight lips when it comes to interviews and speaking honestly about any of his experiences. He has revealed very little about his likes, dislikes, and ideas over the years, but he has opened up about his family during that period.

Because Robert’s children are of diverse ages and have had different upbringings, there are sometimes difficulties. He told Us Weekly, “I love my children, just being with them.” “It isn’t easy.” It’s fun sometimes, and you love your kids, and other times, you just want to murder them!” “Then, when you have the wonderful times, you forget about the bad ones,” the actor continued. Many parents will likely understand his point of view.

The actor also discussed how he makes an effort to be present for his children. In 2014, Robert told MindFood, “I strive to be open and honest with my children and encourage them to confide in me. I explained to them that what they’re going through is similar to what I went through as a kid.”

While certain things haven’t changed since he was a child, Robert has acknowledged that his children are all multiracial, whereas he is not. On “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” he discussed the topic. Robert gave the following information:

“Even though all of my children are half-black and I don’t have, I take certain things for granted. You realize what people mean when they say to their children, “Keep your hands (out) when you’re stopped by any cops, keep your hands on the steering wheel, don’t make a sudden move, don’t put your hands below, don’t do this.” That’s terrifying. This must change.”

Robert is constantly attempting to guide his children in the correct course. “For my kids, I tell them, ‘If you want to be an actor or do this or that, that’s fine as long as you’re happy,” he told PEOPLE in January 2020. ‘Just don’t short yourself.'”