His life has been filled with subtle, complex, and at times deeply emotional moments—especially when it comes to family. The recent news that one of De Niro’s sons has come out as a woman made waves not only in Hollywood but far beyond the industry. While his films have long been considered cinematic classics, he has never dwelled in the past continuing to search and evolve—starring in comedies, experimenting with directing, and constantly pushing creative boundaries.
One standout role from the 1980s remains his unforgettable performance in Once Upon a Time in America. To fully understand De Niro’s life fully, it’s impossible to ignore the women with whom he shared it. He is the father of several children, each with their own unique story. His first two—Drena and Raphael—came during his marriage to actress and singer D. Abbott. Drena was her daughter from a previous relationship, but after their marriage, he adopted her as his own. She later took his last name.
In 1997, he married G. Hightower. The couple was together for over two decades, and in 1998 they welcomed a son, Elliott—his fifth child and youngest son.
In 2011, their daughter Helen was born via surrogacy. Her parents have kept her largely out of the public eye, continuing to protect her privacy to this day. Between marriages, he was in a long-term relationship with model T. Smith. In 1995, they welcomed twin boys—Julian and Aaron.
For many years, Aaron maintained a low public profile. He was rarely seen outside of occasional formal events. But in the spring of 2025, he appeared in a bold new look: heeled boots, long pink dreadlocks. He began hormone therapy, adopted a new name, and introduced her true self to the world—with makeup, a bold wardrobe, and a confident gaze.
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