Robert De Niro remains one of Hollywood’s most recognized actors, with a career spanning more than six decades and two Academy Awards. The 83-year-old actor has also maintained a strong connection to his family’s artistic history, particularly the work of his late father. His parents, Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral, were accomplished painters who belonged to New York’s influential art community during the 1940s.
Born on August 17, 1943, in Manhattan, New York, De Niro was the only child of the two artists. His parents separated when he was two years old, leaving his mother primarily responsible for his upbringing. Despite their separation, both remained influential figures in his childhood and creative development.
Who Were Robert De Niro’s Parents?
Robert De Niro’s father was Robert De Niro Sr., an American painter, sculptor and poet known for his expressive paintings. His mother, Virginia Admiral, was also a painter and poet who became associated with New York’s artistic community.
The couple met while studying painting under German-American artist Hans Hofmann in Provincetown, Massachusetts. They married in 1942 and settled in Greenwich Village, where they became part of a community of writers, painters and other creative figures.
Their acquaintances included writers Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller, along with playwright Tennessee Williams.
However, their marriage did not last. They separated in 1945, when their son was approximately two years old, and later divorced.
De Niro grew up primarily with his mother in Manhattan but maintained a relationship with his father throughout his life.
His Father Robert De Niro Sr. Was a Respected Painter
Robert De Niro Sr. was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1922. He developed an interest in painting at an early age and studied under influential artists Josef Albers and Hans Hofmann.
His paintings combined elements of abstract expressionism with traditional subjects and strong colors.
In 1946, he held his first solo exhibition at Peggy Guggenheim’s Art of This Century gallery in New York. His work later appeared in exhibitions alongside artists including Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline and Philip Guston.
He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1968, although his commercial success declined as artistic trends changed during the 1960s.
De Niro Sr. died in 1993 at the age of 71 after battling cancer.
His son later helped preserve his artistic reputation through exhibitions and a documentary titled Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr., which premiered on HBO in June 2014.
The documentary explored the painter’s career, personal struggles and relationship with his son.
His Mother Virginia Admiral Raised Him in New York
Virginia Admiral was born in Oregon in 1915 and became an established painter during the 1940s.
She studied at the University of California, Berkeley, before pursuing art in New York. Like her husband, she received training from Hans Hofmann.
Following her separation from De Niro Sr., Admiral raised their son in Greenwich Village and Little Italy.
She supported the household through typing, editing and other professional work while continuing her involvement in the arts.
Admiral also worked for Maria Picator’s Dramatic Workshop, where her employment helped provide young Robert with opportunities to attend acting classes.
These early experiences introduced him to theater and eventually influenced his decision to pursue acting professionally.
Admiral died in 2000 at the age of 85.
Robert De Niro’s Childhood and Relationship With His Father
De Niro spent much of his childhood surrounded by artists, writers and performers. His parents’ professional interests exposed him to creative work from an early age.
At approximately 10 years old, he performed as the Cowardly Lion in a school production of The Wizard of Oz.
He later attended several schools in Manhattan before leaving high school at 16 to pursue acting.
De Niro maintained a close emotional connection with his father, although their relationship was sometimes complicated.
In a 2023 interview, he reflected on his father’s feelings about his success.
“I think he was proud of me,” De Niro said. “At the same time, a little jealous, or envious, and so on.”
The actor also discussed his father’s sexuality in connection with the 2014 documentary, explaining that he regretted not having more conversations about his personal experiences.
“I wish we had spoken about it much more,” he said.
Robert De Niro Continues Preserving His Parents’ Artistic Legacy
De Niro became internationally recognized for performances in The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and The Irishman.
He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II in 1975 and Best Actor for Raging Bull in 1981.
Despite his success in film, he has continued supporting exhibitions and preservation efforts connected to his father’s paintings.
His father’s artwork is represented in major American museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
De Niro has also spoken about wanting his seven children to understand their grandfather’s artistic achievements.
As of November 2026, the actor continues to maintain his family’s connection to the arts through his film career and efforts to preserve Robert De Niro Sr.’s work.
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