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, director, and producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. He has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Kennedy Center. De Niro was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Honorary Palme d'Or, marking his significant contributions to film.

Sections (6)

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

1955: Henry Hill's life started

From 1955 to 1980, Goodfellas narrates the life of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his friends and family.

1976: Marriage to Diahnne Abbott

In 1976, Robert De Niro married actress Diahnne Abbott. They had a son, Raphael, and De Niro adopted Abbott's daughter Drena.

1980: Henry Hill's life ended

From 1955 to 1980, Goodfellas narrates the life of mob associate Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his friends and family.

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: Invested in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood

Since 1989, Robert De Niro has been investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, where he is a long-term resident.

1995: Birth of Twins with Toukie Smith

In 1995, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith's twins, Julian and Airyn, were born via in vitro fertilization and a surrogate mother.

1996: End of Relationship with Toukie Smith

In 1996, Robert De Niro's relationship with model Toukie Smith ended. The couple had twins, Julian and Airyn, who were conceived by in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother in 1995.

1997: Marriage to Grace Hightower

In 1997, Robert De Niro married actress Grace Hightower.

January 1998: Publicity boost for 'Wag the Dog' due to Clinton-Lewinsky scandal

In January 1998, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal gained prominence, which inadvertently helped 'Wag the Dog', starring Robert De Niro, generate publicity. As a result, 'Wag the Dog' was well-received and made the list of Roger Ebert's ten best films of 1997.

February 1998: Questioning by French Police

In February 1998, Robert De Niro was held for questioning by French police in connection with an international prostitution ring. He denied any involvement and later filed a complaint.

1998: Birth of Son Elliot

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

1999: Initial Split from Grace Hightower

In 1999, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower initially split, though the divorce was never finalized.

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 the BC Privacy Act. The restaurant subsequently changed its name to "Section (3).".

2004: Renewal of Vows with Grace Hightower

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

2004: I Heard You Paint Houses

In 2004, the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt was published, which would serve as the basis for the 2019 film The Irishman starring Robert De Niro.

I Heard You Paint Houses

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2006: Received Italian citizenship

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

2006: Lawsuit Over Property Tax Assessment

In 2006, the trust owning Robert De Niro's Gardiner estate sued the town to reduce its property tax assessment, arguing that $6 million was too high. The town won in State Supreme Court.

December 2011: Birth of Daughter Helen

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 after being questioned by French police in 1998.

2013: Attended Israeli Presidential Conference

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

2014: Move to Apartment at 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.

2014: Withdrawal of Property Tax Lawsuit and Reimbursement of Legal Bills

In 2014, Robert De Niro directed his lawyer to withdraw the lawsuit over his Gardiner estate's property tax assessment and reimburse the town's legal bills of $129,000 due to negative publicity. The trust's accountants had filed the suit without his knowledge.

2014: Promotion of Anti-Vaccination Film

In 2014, Robert De Niro promoted the anti-vaccination film Trace Amounts and stated that he doubted the scientific consensus that there was no link between autism and vaccines.

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2016: Attendance at Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Gala

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

2016: Defense and Subsequent Withdrawal of "Vaxxed" Documentary

In 2016, Robert De Niro initially defended the inclusion of the controversial documentary "Vaxxed" at the Tribeca Film Festival, citing personal experience with his autistic son. The film was directed by Andrew Wakefield and echoed his discredited claims about the MMR vaccine. After consultation, the film was withdrawn. Later in the year, De Niro expressed regret for the withdrawal and promoted the 2014 film "Trace Amounts", also doubting the link between autism and vaccines.

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February 2017: Joint Presentation on Vaccine Safety Concerns

In February 2017, Robert De Niro participated in a joint presentation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss their concerns with vaccine safety. De Niro stated that he is not anti-vaccination but questions their efficacy.

October 2018: Targeted by Explosive Device

In October 2018, Robert De Niro was targeted by an explosive device found at the Tribeca Grill in Manhattan, which also houses his production company. Similar devices were sent to other high-profile politicians.

2018: Separation from Grace Hightower

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

August 2019: Lawsuit Against Former Employee Graham Chase Robinson

In August 2019, Robert De Niro's company, Canal Productions, filed a $6 million lawsuit against former employee Graham Chase Robinson for allegedly misusing company funds and watching hours of Netflix during work hours.

October 2019: Counter-Lawsuit Filed by Graham Chase Robinson

In October 2019, Graham Chase Robinson, a former employee of Robert De Niro's company, filed a lawsuit against De Niro, claiming harassment and gender discrimination.

May 2020: Apple TV+ To Co-Finance and Co-Distribute Killers of the Flower Moon

In May 2020, it was announced that Apple TV+ would co-finance and co-distribute Killers of the Flower Moon with Paramount.

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April 19, 2021: Divorce Hearing Reveals Financial Disputes

On April 19, 2021, during a virtual divorce hearing, Robert De Niro's lawyer argued that he was working at an unsustainable pace to support Grace Hightower and pay off back taxes. Hightower's lawyer claimed that De Niro had been unfairly decreasing agreed-upon payments.

April 2023: Welcomed Seventh Child

In April 2023, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a daughter named Gia, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen. At age 79, De Niro became one of the oldest fathers on record.

July 2023: Death of Grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez

In July 2023, Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, passed away at age 19 due to a combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and cocaine.

November 2023: Jury Verdict in Harassment and Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

In November 2023, a jury found Robert De Niro not personally liable for gender discrimination in the lawsuit filed by his former employee, Graham Chase Robinson. However, his production company was ordered to pay her $1.2 million in damages.

2024: Support for Joe Biden's Re-election

In 2024, Robert De Niro supported President Joe Biden's re-election and backed Kamala Harris's campaign after Biden dropped out of the race. He had previously criticized Donald Trump, comparing his politics to fascism.