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The Seven Lives And Two Wives: Robert De Niro's Complete Relationship Timeline And Current Partner (Updated 2025)

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Robert De Niro's private life has been as complex and storied as his legendary filmography, spanning decades of high-profile relationships, two marriages, and a growing family. As of December 2025, the iconic actor is not currently married, but his romantic history is marked by two significant marriages to actresses Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower, both of which ended in divorce, and his current partnership with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen.

The latest updates on De Niro's personal life are centered on his ongoing, complex divorce proceedings with his second wife, Grace Hightower, and his public appearances with Tiffany Chen, with whom he welcomed his seventh child in 2023. This article dives into the full, detailed timeline of the women who have shared the spotlight with one of Hollywood's most private stars, providing the most current details available.

Robert De Niro: Full Biography & Relationship Profile

  • Full Name: Robert Anthony De Niro Jr.
  • Born: August 17, 1943
  • Age (as of 2025): 82
  • Birthplace: Greenwich Village, New York City, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actor, Producer, Director
  • Net Worth (Estimated): Approximately $500 million
  • Wives:
    • Diahnne Abbott (m. 1976; div. 1988)
    • Grace Hightower (m. 1997; separated 2018; divorce ongoing)
  • Current Partner: Tiffany Chen
  • Children: 7 (Drena, Raphael, Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen Grace, Gia Virginia)
  • Notable Films: The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, The Irishman.

Wife 1: Diahnne Abbott and the Start of a Dynasty

Robert De Niro's first marriage was to actress and singer Diahnne Abbott, a relationship that began during his early rise to fame. Abbott is an accomplished artist herself, known for her roles in films like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, often appearing alongside De Niro.

The couple married in 1976. This union was significant as it marked the beginning of De Niro's large family. He adopted Abbott's daughter, Drena De Niro, from a previous relationship, and the couple later welcomed their son, Raphael De Niro.

Diahnne Abbott and Robert De Niro's marriage lasted for 12 years before they divorced in 1988. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, they maintained a connection through their children, Drena and Raphael, who have both pursued careers in the entertainment and real estate industries, respectively.

Following his divorce from Abbott, De Niro had a long-term relationship with model and actress Toukie Smith. Although they were never married, they had twin sons, Julian Henry and Aaron Kendrick, via a surrogate in 1995. This period further expanded the actor's family and complex relationship history.

Wife 2: Grace Hightower and the Decade-Long Divorce Battle

De Niro's second marriage was to philanthropist and actress Grace Hightower. They first met in 1987 in London and married ten years later, in 1997. Their relationship was famously tumultuous, marked by a brief separation and a divorce filing just two years into their marriage in 1999, though they later reconciled and renewed their vows in 2004.

During their two decades together, the couple welcomed two children: a son, Elliot De Niro, and a daughter, Helen Grace De Niro, who was born via surrogate.

In 2018, De Niro and Hightower officially separated, beginning what has become a protracted and high-stakes divorce battle. The core of the dispute centered on the division of De Niro's substantial wealth, estimated to be around $500 million.

The Grace Hightower Divorce Settlement Update (2025)

The legal proceedings have provided significant, recent updates. A Manhattan court has ruled against Hightower's claim for half of De Niro's $500 million fortune, which was primarily earned from his acting career and business ventures like the Nobu restaurant chain. The court determined that a prenuptial agreement (PNA) signed by the couple limited Hightower's entitlement.

Under the PNA, it was agreed that the couple would sell their $20 million marital residence and split the net proceeds. However, the ruling clarified that Hightower is not entitled to half of the income De Niro earned throughout his career, a major point of contention in the ongoing separation. This complex settlement continues to be a major LSI entity related to De Niro's relationships, highlighting the financial ramifications of his marital history.

The Current Partner: Tiffany Chen and the Seventh Child

Following his separation from Grace Hightower, Robert De Niro began a relationship with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen. Chen is a professional Tai Chi master who first met De Niro on the set of the film The Intern in 2015.

Their relationship became public in 2021, and in 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, making De Niro a father of seven at the age of 79.

Tiffany Chen has been a prominent figure in De Niro's life, often accompanying him to high-profile events. In a significant, recent public appearance, the couple was spotted together at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for the opening ceremony, demonstrating the stability and public nature of their current partnership. Chen, who is significantly younger than De Niro, has been a key part of his life as he continues his prolific career into his eighties, despite reports of strain due to his intense work schedule.

A Complete Look at Robert De Niro's Seven Children

The unifying thread across De Niro's complex romantic timeline is his large, diverse family. He has children with four different women, establishing a unique family dynamic that is a central part of his life story.

  • Drena De Niro (b. 1971): Adopted daughter with Diahnne Abbott. An actress and filmmaker.
  • Raphael De Niro (b. 1976): Son with Diahnne Abbott. A successful Manhattan real estate broker.
  • Julian Henry De Niro (b. 1995): Twin son with Toukie Smith (via surrogate).
  • Aaron Kendrick De Niro (b. 1995): Twin son with Toukie Smith (via surrogate).
  • Elliot De Niro (b. 1998): Son with Grace Hightower.
  • Helen Grace De Niro (b. 2011): Daughter with Grace Hightower (via surrogate).
  • Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro (b. 2023): Daughter with current partner Tiffany Chen.

From his first wife, Diahnne Abbott, to his current partner, Tiffany Chen, Robert De Niro's relationships have consistently drawn public attention, not just for the women involved but for the enduring legacy of family they have helped create.

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robert de niro wives

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