Robert De Niro is basically the godfather of Hollywood, but his private life is way more complicated than a Scorsese script. Most people know he’s a dad to seven kids—a number that shocked everyone when he announced his youngest, Gia, in 2023 at the age of 79. But honestly, the Robert De Niro grandchildren are where the story gets really human. It’s a mix of immense pride, typical "grandpa" jokes, and a level of tragedy that most families couldn't even imagine.
Being a De Niro means living in a bit of a shadow, but his grandkids seem to be carving out their own lanes. Or, in some cases, staying completely out of the lane to avoid the paparazzi.
Who are the Robert De Niro grandchildren?
So, here’s the breakdown. De Niro has four grandchildren in total. If you’re trying to map this out, it’s not exactly a straight line. His family tree has more branches than a massive oak.
The grandkids come from two of his seven children: his eldest daughter, Drena De Niro, and his eldest son, Raphael De Niro.
- Leandro De Niro Rodriguez: Drena’s only son.
- Nicholas De Niro: Raphael’s son.
- Gabriella De Niro: Raphael’s daughter.
- Alexandria De Niro: Raphael’s youngest daughter.
It’s a bit of a wild dynamic because De Niro’s youngest daughter, Gia, is actually the aunt to these grandkids. And since Nicholas, Gabriella, and Alexandria are currently teenagers, their aunt is literally a toddler. De Niro has joked about this in interviews, saying the kids "get a big kick out of her." Imagine being 15 and your aunt is still learning how to use a spoon. Kinda hilarious, right?
The tragedy of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
You can't talk about the De Niro grandkids without addressing the heartbreak. In July 2023, the family was hit by a massive blow. Leandro De Niro Rodriguez passed away at just 19 years old.
He wasn't just a "grandson" on paper. He was an aspiring actor who had already appeared alongside his mom, Drena, in A Star Is Born (2018). He played the son of Dave Chappelle’s character. He was talented, curious, and by all accounts, the heartbeat of Drena’s world.
The cause was a "toxic" mix of drugs, including fentanyl. It was a nightmare. De Niro later told People magazine he was in "disbelief" and kept thinking about all the things he "could have, should have done" with him.
But there’s a bit of justice in the story now. By late 2025 and early 2026, authorities had actually made significant progress. Five people were eventually charged in connection with the distribution of the drugs that led to Leo's death. Drena has been incredibly vocal about the fentanyl crisis, even launching the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation to help other families. She’s trying to turn that "bleak and lonely" pain into something that saves lives.
Raphael’s kids: Nicholas, Gabriella, and Alexandria
While Leandro was in the spotlight a bit, Raphael’s children live a much more low-key life. Raphael De Niro is a heavy hitter in New York real estate—we’re talking clients like Kelly Ripa and Jon Bon Jovi—so he knows how to keep things professional and private.
He shares his three kids with his ex-wife, Claudine De Matos. They split back in 2015, but they’ve stayed solid on the co-parenting front.
- Nicholas De Niro: He’s the oldest of Raphael’s brood. He's mostly stayed out of the tabloids, appearing only in the occasional "happy birthday" post from his mom or stepmom, Hannah Carnes.
- Gabriella De Niro: Often called "Ella." She’s a bit of a warrior. It came out a while back that she’s been living with Type 1 diabetes since she was three. Her mom, Claudine, has spoken about how Ella’s blood sugar was at a terrifying 800 when she was first diagnosed. She also manages Celiac disease. Despite the "double whammy," she’s a typical teen who loves sports and travel.
- Alexandria De Niro: The youngest of Raphael’s three. Like her siblings, she’s shielded from the "Hollywood" of it all. You might see a photo of her at a Knicks game or a beach vacation, but she isn't chasing fame.
What it's like being a De Niro in 2026
Honestly, Robert De Niro seems more focused on "just being there" these days. He’s 82 now. He’s spent decades being the toughest guy on screen, but when he talks about his grandkids and his toddler Gia, he gets all soft.
He’s mentioned that his main goal is just keeping everyone together. That’s a tall order when you have seven kids and four grandkids spread across five decades. But for him, the "great joy and relief" is just sitting in the moment with them.
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The grandkids aren't all trying to be "The Irishman." Most of them are just trying to get through high school or college without people asking them for Godfather quotes.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you’re following the De Niro family story, there are a few real-world takeaways here that go beyond celebrity gossip:
- Fentanyl Awareness: The tragedy of Leandro is a stark reminder. If you have teens or young adults, the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation is a great resource for learning about the dangers of "laced" pills which are unfortunately everywhere.
- Managing Health: Gabriella’s journey with Type 1 diabetes and Celiac is a masterclass in resilience. If your child is facing a chronic diagnosis, looking at how the De Niro-De Matos family handles it—focusing on empowerment rather than limitation—is actually pretty inspiring.
- Privacy is a Choice: Even if you're the grandchild of an Oscar winner, you don't have to be "public." Raphael’s kids prove that you can have a famous last name and still lead a normal, private life.
The De Niro legacy isn't just about movies anymore. It's about a big, messy, grieving, and growing family trying to navigate the world just like everyone else—just with a slightly more famous grandpa.