At 81, Robert De Niro is a father across eras—his eldest child is 57, while his youngest, baby Gia, just turned two. Yet despite the generational gaps, the legendary actor says one parenting principle remains timeless: unconditional support.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Oscar winner opened up about his parenting philosophy with striking clarity.
“The main thing is to support your kids,” De Niro said. “As long as they’re not hurting themselves or doing anything destructive, you have to support them. Period. They have to know that you support them. Always.”
His heartfelt words come shortly after his 29-year-old daughter, Airyn, publicly came out as transgender in a candid interview with Them magazine.
“I feel like I’m meant to be doing this,” Airyn shared, describing the relief of living openly, even after a media outlet outed her without consent and misgendered her in the process. She also addressed being labeled a “nepo baby,” saying, “Most people really don’t know anything about me.”
Raised largely out of the spotlight, Airyn credits both her parents for giving her the space to grow up with a sense of normalcy. “I’m grateful they agreed to keep me out of the limelight,” she said. “They wanted me to have as normal a childhood as possible.”
Despite her nerves about how her family might respond to her transition, De Niro’s reaction was nothing short of loving and affirming. In a time when acceptance still isn’t guaranteed, his unwavering support sends a powerful message—not just to Airyn, but to families everywhere.
I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he said simply. “I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.”
The Oscar winner’s calm, no-nonsense response reflects a deeper truth: for De Niro, love isn’t conditional—it’s constant.
He also opened up about his youngest child, two-year-old Gia, whom he shares with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. His voice softened as he spoke about her:
“She’s just pure joy,” he said. “She’s two now, so as they get older and older then… you know? But it’s always wonderful. Pure joy, what can I say?”
Whether guiding a grown daughter through her transition or delighting in the wonder of a toddler, De Niro’s approach to parenting radiates through a single, unwavering message: love them, support them—always.
