Robert De Niro has seven children, but he surprised many people when it was announced that he would be a father for the seventh time in his late 70s.

Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro was born on April 6, 2023, to De Niro and his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen.

Although not much is known about the toddler, it is known that the Taxi Driver actor was thrilled to become a dad again. And according to his Ezra co-star Tony Goldwyn, he makes a great father (despite now being in his 80s).

Goldwyn noted how Gia’s birth coincided with the end of their film. “She was born right literally after he finished filming,” he told People in a recent interview. He also got to meet the actor’s second-youngest daughter, Helen Grace De Niro (she was born on Dec. 23, 2011).

What Has Been Said About Robert De Niro As A Father?

Robert De Niro’s interactions with his daughter Helen Grace De Niro (who was born via surrogate and whom he shares with ex-wife Grace Hightower) stuck out to Tony Goldwyn. Goldwyn met her on the set of the film. “She was around a lot,” he said. “It was really beautiful to see how Bob is with her. She was, I guess, 10 or 11 when we filmed, so now she’s 12 or 13. But they have the most dear relationship.”

He continued, “It was very interesting because he was playing, in our story, a grandfather to the 11-year-old boy Ezra … and so much of [his relationship with Helen], I feel, influenced his relationship with Ezra. It was a very beautiful thing.” In real life, De Niro is not just a father but also a grandfather. He has previously given insight into fatherhood when he discussed the advice he would give to his children about following their dreams.

“For my kids, I tell them, ‘If you want to be an actor, or you want to do this or that, that’s fine as long as you’re happy. Just don’t sell yourself short.’ That’s the most I would say — push yourself a little more and reach for what you really think it is you want to do. Don’t be afraid,” he told People in 2020. “It’s important for them to find their own lane.”

What Has Robert De Niro Said About Fatherhood?

Earlier this year, Robert De Niro gave an interview to People about his daughter. “She’s such an adorable baby. So sweet,” he said at the time. “[When I] look at her, everything else goes away. So it’s a great joy and relief to just be with her in the moment.”

In the same interview, he also admitted that his other six children have embraced their new sibling. “The kids all get a big kick out of her,” he said. “The grandkids even. She’s their aunt — [and] they’re about to be teenagers!” He continued, “The fact that they’d all be together is everything to me.” It is a special time in the actor’s life, and he is enjoying it all. He is also the first to admit that sometimes life can be a little unexpected.

“As things come, you don’t expect them,” he confessed. You got to be ready. I’m ready to take whatever life gives me.”