Robert De Niro is currently in a relationship with martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen, with whom he shares his youngest daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro. The 83-year-old actor and Chen made a public appearance together at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening celebration in Los Angeles on September 19, 2026. Although the couple have been together for several years, they have not publicly announced a marriage.
De Niro has been married twice, first to actress Diahnne Abbott and later to philanthropist Grace Hightower. Both marriages ended in divorce. His relationship with Chen began after his separation from Hightower, and the couple welcomed their daughter in April 2023.
Is Robert De Niro Married to Tiffany Chen?
Robert De Niro is not publicly confirmed to be married to Tiffany Chen. She is his longtime girlfriend and the mother of his youngest child.
The couple first met in 2015 while working on the film The Intern. Chen appeared as a tai chi instructor who taught De Niro’s character during a scene in the comedy.
Their romantic relationship became public in August 2021 when they were photographed holding hands during a vacation in the South of France.
Since then, they have attended several major entertainment events together, including the Academy Awards, Cannes Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival.
On June 8, 2026, De Niro and Chen attended the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner in New York City. They were photographed alongside actress Teyana Taylor.
The couple later appeared together at the Lucas Museum celebration in September, continuing their occasional public appearances while keeping much of their relationship private.
Who Is Robert De Niro’s Girlfriend Tiffany Chen?
Tiffany Chen is an American martial artist, instructor, and former competitive athlete. She is the daughter of martial arts grandmaster William C. C. Chen.
Chen began training in martial arts during childhood and developed expertise in tai chi and other competitive disciplines.
She won numerous international martial arts titles before expanding her career into instruction and occasional acting work.
Her professional background led to her appearance in The Intern, where she first encountered De Niro.
Chen attracted additional public attention in 2023 after discussing a medical complication following the birth of their daughter.
During an interview with Gayle King, she revealed that she had developed Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.
Chen explained that De Niro supported her during her recovery and remained involved in caring for their newborn daughter.
Robert De Niro’s First Wife Diahnne Abbott
Robert De Niro married his first wife, actress Diahnne Abbott, in 1976.
Abbott appeared in several films associated with De Niro, including Taxi Driver, New York, New York, and The King of Comedy.
The couple welcomed their son Raphael De Niro in November 1976. De Niro also adopted Abbott’s daughter, Drena, from a previous relationship.
Their marriage lasted approximately 12 years before they divorced in 1988.
Following their separation, De Niro began a relationship with actress and model Toukie Smith. The couple welcomed twins Julian and Airyn in October 1995 but never married.
Smith’s passing on November 4, 2026, was confirmed publicly by their children in a statement reported on November 9. She was 74.
Robert De Niro’s Second Wife Grace Hightower
De Niro married his second wife, Grace Hightower, in 1997.
Hightower previously worked as a flight attendant and later became involved in philanthropy, business, and entertainment.
The couple welcomed their son Elliot in March 1998.
Their relationship experienced difficulties, and De Niro filed for divorce in 1999. However, they reconciled before the divorce was finalized.
They renewed their wedding vows in 2004 and welcomed their daughter Helen Grace through a surrogate in December 2011.
De Niro and Hightower separated again in 2018, ending their long marriage. Their separation led to widely reported legal proceedings involving financial arrangements and property.
Hightower has continued pursuing her own professional and charitable interests.
Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen’s Daughter Gia
De Niro and Chen welcomed their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, on April 6, 2023.
Gia is De Niro’s seventh child and Chen’s first publicly known child.
The actor confirmed her arrival in May 2023 during an interview while promoting About My Father.
Gia weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces at birth. De Niro was 79 when she arrived.
In subsequent interviews, the actor discussed his experiences raising a young child later in life and spending time watching children’s television programs with Gia.
The family has occasionally appeared together at public events, including a performance by The Wiggles in New York in June 2025.
As of November 2026, De Niro and Chen remain publicly identified as partners rather than husband and wife. They continue raising their three-year-old daughter Gia, and no engagement or wedding announcement has been confirmed.
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