Childhood and Education Journey of Robert De Niro in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Robert De Niro. A timeline of key moments.

Robert De Niro is a highly acclaimed American actor and film producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. His distinguished career has earned him numerous awards, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. He has also received prestigious lifetime achievement awards such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2016, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, solidifying his significant contributions to the world of entertainment.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1976: Marriage to Diahnne Abbott

In 1976, Robert De Niro married Diahnne Abbott.

1988: Divorce from Diahnne Abbott and Relationship with Toukie Smith

In 1988, Robert De Niro divorced Diahnne Abbott. Afterwards, he began a relationship with model Toukie Smith.

1989: Investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood since 1989

Since 1989, Robert De Niro has been investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood and owns properties on the east and west sides of Manhattan.

1990: Opened Tribeca Grill

In 1990, Robert De Niro opened Tribeca Grill in Tribeca, Manhattan.

1995: Birth of Twin Sons Julian and Aaron

In 1995, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith had twin sons, Julian and Aaron, conceived via in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother.

1996: End of Relationship with Toukie Smith

In 1996, Robert De Niro's relationship with model Toukie Smith ended.

1997: Marriage to Grace Hightower

In 1997, Robert De Niro married Grace Hightower.

January 1998: Clinton-Lewinsky scandal boosting Wag the Dog

In January 1998, one month after the release of *Wag the Dog*, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal broke, generating publicity for the film, which was well-received as a result.

1998: Birth of Son Elliot

In 1998, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower's son, Elliot, was born.

1998: Lobbied against Clinton's impeachment

In 1998, Robert De Niro lobbied U.S. Congress against impeaching President Bill Clinton.

1999: First Split with Grace Hightower

In 1999, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower initially split.

1999: Threat to Sue 'De Niro's Supper Club'

In 1999, Robert De Niro threatened to sue the owners of "De Niro's Supper Club" in Vancouver under section 3 of the BC Privacy Act, leading to the restaurant changing its name to "Section (3)".

October 2003: Diagnosed with prostate cancer

In October 2003, Robert De Niro was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

December 2003: Underwent surgery for prostate cancer

In December 2003, Robert De Niro underwent surgery at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for prostate cancer.

2004: Renewal of Vows with Grace Hightower

In 2004, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower renewed their vows after their initial split.

2006: Received Italian citizenship

In 2006, Robert De Niro received Italian citizenship, despite opposition by the Sons of Italy.

December 2011: Birth of Daughter Helen via Surrogate

In December 2011, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower's daughter, Helen, was born via surrogate.

2011: Attendance at Cannes Film Festival

In 2011, Robert De Niro traveled to France for the Cannes Film Festival despite previously stating he would not return to France.

2012: Joined Artists Against Fracking

In 2012, Robert De Niro joined the anti-fracking campaign Artists Against Fracking.

2013: Attended Shimon Peres's birthday celebration and conference

In 2013, Robert De Niro attended Israeli President Shimon Peres's 90th birthday celebration and the Israeli Presidential conference, praising Peres.

2013: First Nobu Hotel opened in Las Vegas

In 2013, the first Nobu Hotel opened inside Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

2014: Move to 15 Central Park West

In 2014, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower moved into a 6,000-square-foot apartment at 15 Central Park West.

2015: Partnered with James Packer in Nobu and Nobu Hotel opened in Manila

In 2015, Robert De Niro partnered with James Packer in Nobu, and the second Nobu Hotel opened at City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines.

2016: Attendance at Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Gala

In 2016, Robert De Niro attended the annual celebrity gala for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, where the event successfully raised $38 million for the organization.

2018: Separation from Grace Hightower

In 2018, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower separated after 20 years of marriage.

April 19, 2021: Divorce Hearing and Financial Disputes

On April 19, 2021, during a virtual divorce hearing, Robert De Niro's lawyer claimed that De Niro was "working at an unsustainable pace" to support Grace Hightower and pay off back taxes. Hightower's lawyer alleged that De Niro had been "unfairly decreasing" agreed-upon payments to her since they filed for divorce in 2018.

April 2023: Welcoming Daughter Gia

In April 2023, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a daughter named Gia, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen.

July 2023: Death of Grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez

In July 2023, Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, through his daughter Drena, passed away at the age of 19. The cause of death was determined to be a combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and cocaine.

2024: Support for Joe Biden and Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2024, Robert De Niro supported President Joe Biden for re-election and backed Kamala Harris' campaign after Biden withdrew. Previously, De Niro criticized President Donald Trump, comparing his politics to fascism and labeling him a "buffoon".