Robert De Niro Speaks Out After Child Airyn Comes Out as Transgender: “This Is What I’m Supposed to Be Doing”
Robert De Niro has shared his heartfelt reaction after one of his children, 29-year-old Airyn De Niro, publicly came out as transgender.
In a recent interview with Them, Airyn—who was born in 1995 during De Niro’s relationship with actress Toukie Smith—spoke openly about her journey, reflecting on the challenges of growing up with a famous last name while navigating her own identity.
“It just felt right,” Airyn said of her transition in the feature titled Airyn De Niro Is Ready to Be Seen on Her Own Terms. “I feel that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Though her father has long been one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Airyn has largely lived out of the public eye. She credits both her parents for intentionally keeping her childhood private.
“I’m grateful that both of my parents agreed to keep me out of the spotlight,” she shared. “They wanted me to have as normal a childhood as possible. Of course, no parent is perfect, but I know they meant well.”
De Niro, 81, has seven children with four different women and welcomed his youngest child with partner Tiffany Chen in April 2023. In response to Airyn’s announcement, he has expressed quiet but supportive sentiments, choosing to honor her truth with grace and respect.
Airyn De Niro Steps Into the Spotlight After Coming Out as Transgender: “Maybe I Still Have Time”
After years of living privately, Airyn De Niro is embracing her truth — and the world is finally learning her name. At 29, the daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro recently came out as transgender in a heartfelt interview with Them, marking a deeply personal milestone in her life.
Airyn shared that seeing other trans women openly share their stories, particularly on social media, helped her find the courage to begin her own journey. “Seeing trans women succeed and being open and honest, particularly in public places like social media… I thought, ‘You know what? Maybe I still have time. Maybe I can start,’” she recalled. In November 2024, she began hormone therapy.
Coming from a famously private family, Airyn admitted that parts of her identity may still be unfamiliar to some loved ones. “They may still think of me as the person I was before the transition,” she said.
Naturally, the public turned to her father for a response. Robert De Niro, known for his intense screen presence and fierce loyalty to family, responded with characteristic calm and warmth. “I love and support Airyn as my daughter,” he told People. “I’m not sure what the big deal is about. I cherish each and every one of my kids.”
Airyn’s announcement comes at a time of increasing political tension, with a recent executive order in the U.S. restricting the public expression of so-called “gender ideology.” Undeterred, Airyn is pursuing a degree in mental health counseling and hopes to empower others through her journey.
“I want to succeed on my own merit,” she said. “And I hope I can be an inspiration to at least one other Black person who is queer and not a size too small.”
She added, “I’d love to see more transgender women and Black women who aren’t super thin, or heroin chic — who might have bigger bodies — be seen, be celebrated, and be heard.”
