'The Godfather' star Robert De Niro has expressed his support for his daughter Airyn after she publicly came out as transgender on April 29.
The 81-year-old actor told TMZ: "I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don't see a big deal about it. I love all my children."
Airyn De Niro, 29, is the daughter of Robert De Niro and his ex-wife, actress and model Toukie Smith. In an interview with Them magazine published on April 29, Airyn opened up about her transition. She began hormone therapy in November 2024 and had previously come out as gay in high school.
Despite her family accepting her differences, Airyn still worries about fitting in. Growing up, Airyn says she felt like she was "too much or not enough" of something: too big, not thin, not black or white enough, too feminine, not masculine enough.
Airyn is now pursuing an acting and modeling career like her mother. The beauty hopes to be an inspiration for those like her: black, queer, non-thin. She wants to see more transgender women and women of color in the fashion industry, in particular, and the entertainment industry in general.
Actor Robert De Niro has seven children from four relationships. His children are now aged between 2 and 53. His youngest daughter is Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen, a model in her 30s.
Robert De Niro was born in 1943 in New York, USA, and is one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. He is famous for his ability to deeply transform into his roles. De Niro began to make his mark through films co-directed by Martin Scorsese such as Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), and Goodfellas (1990). He won two Oscars: Best Supporting Actor (The Godfather Part II) and Best Actor (Raging Bull). De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival and the production company Tribeca Productions. In addition to acting, he runs a restaurant and hotel business.