Robert De Niro is a name that carries a gravitational pull in Hollywood. For over six decades, he has defined what it means to be a leading man, transforming from the gritty streets of “Mean Streets” to the boardrooms of “The Intern.” Now, as we move through 2026, De Niro remains not just a relic of cinema history, but an active, evolving force in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
At 82 years old, most actors have long since retired to their estates. De Niro, however, is starring in Netflix hits, producing festivals, and expanding a hospitality empire. From the controversy of becoming a father at 79 to his recent return to the “Meet the Parents” franchise, his life is as dramatic and varied as his filmography.
Quick Bio & 2026 Stats
Before diving into his career, here is a snapshot of De Niro’s current status as of 2026.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. |
| Age (2026) | 82 (Born August 17, 1943) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500 Million – $735 Million (Sources vary) |
| Height | 5′ 9½″ (1.77 m) |
| Spouse/Partner | Tiffany Chen (Partner) |
| Children | 7 (Drena, Raphael, Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen, Gia) |
| Citizenship | United States & Italy (Dual) |
Early Life: The Making of “Bobby Milk”
Robert De Niro was not an overnight success, nor was he a stranger to the arts. Born in Manhattan, he was the son of two Greenwich Village artists, Virginia Admiral and Robert De Niro Sr. His upbringing was immersed in creativity, though his parents separated when he was young.
Interestingly, the man known for playing tough mobsters had a different reputation as a child. He was nicknamed “Bobby Milk” by a local street gang due to his pale complexion and thin frame. However, his intensity was evident early on.
He dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue acting full-time, studying at the prestigious Stella Adler Conservatory and Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio. It was here that he learned the Stanislavski method, a technique that would later define his career.
The Rise to Stardom and The Scorsese Connection
De Niro’s career truly ignited in 1973. While he had been working for a decade, it was his collaboration with Martin Scorsese in Mean Streets that introduced his raw, explosive energy to the world.
Just one year later, he cemented his status as a cinema legend. In The Godfather Part II (1974), De Niro played a young Vito Corleone. He lived in Sicily for months to perfect the dialect, speaking almost entirely in Sicilian during the film. The role earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, establishing a standard of excellence he would chase for the next fifty years.
Key Films of the 1970s
- Mean Streets (1973): The breakout role.
- The Godfather Part II (1974): The first Oscar win.
- Taxi Driver (1976): The cultural phenomenon.
- The Deer Hunter (1978): A harrowing look at the Vietnam War.
Master of Method Acting
De Niro didn’t just play characters; he became them. His dedication to “The Method” is the stuff of Hollywood folklore. He believed in total immersion, often risking his physical health to get the shot.
- Taxi Driver: To play Travis Bickle, De Niro obtained a real taxi driver’s license and drove a cab around New York City for weeks, working 12-hour shifts.
- Raging Bull: Perhaps his most famous transformation involved portraying boxer Jake LaMotta. De Niro trained until he was fit enough to fight professionally, then halted production to gain 60 pounds (approx. 27kg) of fat to play the older, washed-up version of LaMotta. This dedication won him his second Oscar for Best Actor in 1980.
Directorial Ventures and Business Acumen
Many fans know the actor, but fewer know the businessman. In 1989, De Niro co-founded TriBeCa Productions with Jane Rosenthal. This move wasn’t just about making movies; it was about revitalizing a neighborhood.
Following the 9/11 attacks, they launched the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002 to breathe economic life back into Lower Manhattan. The festival was an instant success, generating over $10 million for the local economy in its first year alone.
The Nobu Empire
A significant portion of De Niro’s 2026 net worth comes from his stake in the Nobu hospitality brand. Co-founded with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, what started as a single request to open a restaurant in New York has ballooned into a global empire of over 50 restaurants and hotels.
Evolution into Comedy
In the late 90s, De Niro made a pivot that confused critics but delighted audiences: he started being funny.
It began with Analyze This (1999), where he parodied his own mobster persona. However, the true juggernaut was Meet the Parents (2000). Playing the intense, CIA-operative father-in-law Jack Byrnes, De Niro found a new generation of fans. The franchise became a box office monster, with Little Fockers earning $310 million despite poor reviews.
2026 Update: The franchise continues to have legs. Reports indicate a fourth film, Focker In-Law, is part of his 2026 slate, reuniting him with Ben Stiller.
Later Career: From Netflix to The Oscars
De Niro has refused to fade away. His recent years have been defined by a mix of prestige projects and streaming hits.
- The Irishman (2019): A reunion with Scorsese that utilized de-aging technology.
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023): Another Scorsese epic where he played the villainous William King Hale, earning yet another Oscar nomination.
- Zero Day (2025): De Niro took his first starring TV role in this Netflix limited series, playing a former U.S. President investigating a cyberattack. The show premiered in February 2025 to high viewership.
Personal Life, Advocacy, and Controversy
De Niro’s personal life is as complex as his characters. He holds dual American and Italian citizenship and has been a vocal critic of American politics, particularly regarding Donald Trump.
The De Niro Family Tree
De Niro is a father to seven children across different relationships.
| Mother | Children | Notes |
| Diahnne Abbott | Drena, Raphael | Married 1976-1988 |
| Toukie Smith | Julian, Aaron | Long-term relationship (Twins via surrogate) |
| Grace Hightower | Elliot, Helen | Married 1997-2018 |
| Tiffany Chen | Gia | Partner (Baby born 2023) |
In 2023, the world was stunned when De Niro announced the birth of his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, at the age of 79. He shares Gia with his partner, martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen.
Tragedy struck the family in July 2023 with the passing of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. More recently, in May 2025, reports highlighted De Niro’s support for his child Airyn coming out as transgender, showcasing his dedication to his family.
Lifetime Achievements
De Niro’s shelf is heavy with hardware. His cultural impact has been formally recognized by the highest institutions in film and government.
- Academy Awards: 2 Wins, multiple nominations.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded by Barack Obama in 2016.
- National Film Registry: Taxi Driver (Inducted 1994) and Raging Bull (Inducted 1990) are preserved for all time.
- Honorary Palme d’Or: Received at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
Conclusion
Robert De Niro in 2026 is a testament to longevity. He navigated the gritty New Hollywood of the 70s, the blockbuster era of the 2000s, and the streaming revolution of today without losing his relevance. Whether he is generating millions through Nobu, fighting for democracy in political speeches, or delivering nuanced performances on Netflix, De Niro remains a singular force in American culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which actor had a baby at 79 years old?
Robert De Niro made headlines in May 2023 when he revealed he had welcomed his seventh child, Gia, at the age of 79.
Who is the mother of De Niro’s new baby?
The mother of De Niro’s seventh child is Tiffany Chen, a martial arts instructor. The couple met on the set of the film The Intern in 2015.
Why did Jennifer Lawrence ask De Niro to leave her wedding?
At Jennifer Lawrence’s rehearsal dinner in 2019, she noticed De Niro wandering around and looking uncomfortable as he didn’t know anyone. Stressed about her guests having a good time, she politely whispered to him, “Go home,” which he happily obliged. Lawrence later clarified he was polite and she did it to relieve his social awkwardness.
What is Robert De Niro’s net worth in 2026?
Estimates for Robert De Niro’s net worth in 2026 range between $500 million (Parade) and $735 million (FilmThreat). A significant portion of this wealth is attributed to his ownership stake in the Nobu restaurant and hotel chain.
Does Robert De Niro speak Italian?
Yes, Robert De Niro speaks Italian. He famously learned to speak Sicilian dialect for The Godfather Part II. He also holds dual citizenship with Italy.
What happened to Robert and Airyn?
In May 2025, news surfaced regarding De Niro’s support for his child, Airyn, coming out as transgender. De Niro has publicly supported his children’s choices and identities.
What is Robert De Niro’s role in the Netflix series “Zero Day”?
In the Netflix limited series Zero Day (released February 2025), De Niro plays George Mullen, a popular former U.S. President who is pulled out of retirement to head a commission investigating a massive cyberattack.
Why is Robert De Niro so famous?
De Niro is famous for his intense “method acting” style, his transformative roles in films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, his long collaboration with director Martin Scorsese, and his successful transition into blockbuster comedies like Meet the Parents.
What are Robert De Niro’s most recent movies?
As of 2026, his recent credits include Zero Day (Netflix Series), Killers of the Flower Moon, Ezra, and the upcoming comedy Focker In-Law.
How tall is Robert De Niro?
Robert De Niro stands at approximately 5 feet 9½ inches (1.77 meters) tall.
