The Women in Robert De Niro’s Life: A Journey Through His Marriages

At 79 years old, Robert De Niro continues to embrace life to the fullest, embracing new chapters of personal happiness. From dating a woman younger than himself to becoming a father for the seventh time, the Hollywood icon’s life is a testament to vitality. Yet, as he steps into a promising future, it’s worth taking a glance back at the women who have been part of his past.

While De Niro has had numerous affairs and fathered children outside of wedlock, he has been married only twice. Let’s delve into the stories of these remarkable women who have played pivotal roles in his life.

Dianne Abbott

Dianne Abbott, an actress and singer born in New York on January 1, 1945, had a notable career during the 1970s and 1980s. Her impressive body of work included a cameo role in the film “Taxi Driver,” where she met Robert De Niro. Their connection blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1976.

Their union bore fruit with the birth of their son, Rafael De Niro, in the first year of marriage. While Rafael remains their only biological child together, Robert adopted Drena, Abbott’s daughter from a previous relationship, who also ventured into acting alongside her illustrious father. However, Rafael took a different path, pursuing a career in real estate.

Dianne and Robert’s marriage endured until 1988, marking the end of this chapter in De Niro’s personal life.

Grace Hightower

Grace Hightower, an actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist born in Mississippi on April 7, 1955, brought a different dynamic to De Niro’s life. Their paths crossed almost a decade before they married in 1997, following an initial meeting at a London nightclub.

In March 1998, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Elliot. However, just a year later, De Niro filed for divorce, initiating a contentious custody battle. The couple ultimately reconciled and renewed their vows in 2004. Their second child, a daughter named Helena, was born via surrogate in 2011.

Unfortunately, their marriage faced its final test seven years later, resulting in a divorce. The separation process was not without its share of controversies. Grace requested that the limit on her credit card, linked to De Niro’s account, remain at $100,000 per month, while De Niro reduced the amount by half, citing financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic.

De Niro’s lawyer, Caroline Krauss, underscored the actor’s ongoing financial obligations, stating, “These people, despite his decent earnings, always spent more than he earned,” during proceedings in 2020.

As Robert De Niro continues to embrace new beginnings, his past relationships and marriages remain significant chapters in his storied life, reflecting the complexities and intricacies of love, family, and fame.