Childhood and Education Journey of Robert De Niro in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2026

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, considered one of the greatest of his generation. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Kennedy Center, the Screen Actors Guild, and Cannes. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. De Niro's influence extends beyond acting, as he is also a film producer and restaurateur.

Sections (6)

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

August 17, 1943: Robert De Niro's Birth

On August 17, 1943, Robert Anthony De Niro was born in New York City. He later became an acclaimed American actor, director, film producer, and restaurateur.

Others born on this day/year

1976: Marriage to Diahnne Abbott

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

1988: Divorce from Diahnne Abbott

In 1988, Robert De Niro and Diahnne Abbott divorced.

1988: Relationship with Toukie Smith Begins

In 1988, Robert De Niro began a relationship with model Toukie Smith.

1989: Investment in Tribeca Neighborhood

Since 1989, Robert De Niro has been a long-term resident of New York City and has been investing in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.

1995: Birth of Twins Julian and Airyn

In 1995, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith had twins, Julian and Airyn, conceived through in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother.

1996: End of Relationship with Toukie Smith

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

1997: Marriage to Grace Hightower

In 1997, Robert De Niro married actress Grace Hightower.

January 1998: Wag the Dog publicity due to Clinton-Lewinsky scandal

In January 1998, a month after the release of the film Wag the Dog, the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal dominated the headlines, which helped the film generate publicity.

Loading Video...

1998: Birth of Son Elliot

In 1998, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower had a son named Elliot.

1998: Lobbying Against Clinton Impeachment

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

1999: Initial Split from Grace Hightower

In 1999, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower initially split, though a divorce was not finalized.

1999: Threat to Sue Restaurant

In 1999, Robert De Niro threatened to sue the owners of "De Niro's Supper Club" in Vancouver. The restaurant subsequently changed its name to "Section (3)".

October 2003: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

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

December 2003: Prostate Cancer Surgery

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

2004: Renewal of Vows with Grace Hightower

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

2006: Italian Citizenship

In 2006, Robert De Niro received Italian citizenship, despite opposition by the Sons of Italy due to his portrayal of criminals.

December 2011: Birth of Daughter Helen

In December 2011, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower welcomed their daughter, Helen, via surrogate.

2012: Artists Against Fracking

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

2013: Attendance at Shimon Peres's Birthday and Conference

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

2014: Move to 15 Central Park West Apartment

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

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 held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. 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 2023: Welcoming Daughter Gia

In April 2023, at age 79, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a daughter named Gia, with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, becoming 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, through his daughter Drena, died at age 19 from a combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and cocaine.

2024: Support for Joe Biden's Re-election Campaign

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