Robert De Niro on becoming a father at 80 to 7th child: 'Want to be around...'

Robert De Niro became father to Gia at 80.

Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, known for his stoicism, revealed a seldom-seen emotional side as he delved into the joys of fatherhood at the age of 80 in an interview with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

The legendary actor, whose career spans seven decades and includes an illustrious partnership with Martin Scorsese, opened up about the "wondrous" experience of parenting his newborn daughter, Gia, with film producer Tiffany Chen.

In a departure from his usual affable yet solid demeanour, De Niro's eyes welled up with tears as he shared the profound impact Gia has had on his life. "I'm an 80-year-old dad, and it's great," he confessed.

He added: “Everything that I’m consumed with or worried about… this and that… just goes away when I look at her.”

De Niro, known for guarding his private life, peeled back the curtain to discuss the unique connection he shares with Gia and how it compares to his earlier experiences as a father.

He reflected on the distinctive qualities of each daughter, drawing parallels between Gia and his daughter with ex-wife Grace Hightower, Helen.

"She has a very sweet, kind of... way of looking at you. And just taking you in. And my other daughter, Helen, had that too," he mused.

The Oscar-winning star, celebrating his 10th collaboration with Scorsese in "Killers of the Flower Moon," proudly shared details about his blended family. Gia, born in April to De Niro and 65-year-old Chen, is the seventh child the actor has fathered over 47 years and the first with Chen.

“So, I don’t know where it’s gonna go with her later on — when she gets older. But she’s thinking, she’s observing everything and watching. It’s really interesting. I want to be around for as long as I can, to enjoy it. Enjoy her,” he said.

De Niro met Chen on the sets of “The Intern” in 2015, and reportedly began dating in 2021. He also has four grandchildren.