Robert De Niro has opened up in a rare and heartfelt interview about the “golden rule” that has guided him through fatherhood — just weeks after his 29-year-old daughter, Airyn De Niro, came out publicly as transgender.
The legendary actor, known for his roles in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, told People that he’s “more proud of Airyn than words can express,” and revealed the parenting philosophy that has defined how he approaches each of his seven children: “Let them lead.”
Robert De Niro on daughter Airyn: “She’s brave. She’s honest. And she’s exactly who she’s supposed to be.” #DeNiroFamily— PEOPLE (@people) June 4, 2025
Airyn, who has kept a low profile for much of her life, announced her transition in a quiet yet emotional Instagram post last month, writing: “This is who I’ve always been. I’m finally living it out loud.” The post featured a smiling portrait and the simple caption: “Airyn. She/her. 29.”
The comment section flooded instantly with love — but what stood out most was a comment from her father, Robert: “Always with you. Always proud. Love, Dad.”
Robert De Niro publicly supporting his daughter Airyn’s transition is beautiful. That’s how you parent. #LGBTQFamily— Zach Stafford (@ZachStafford) June 4, 2025
In his interview, De Niro described how Airyn came out to the family privately about two years ago. “She told me in the kitchen,” he said. “It was simple. Just — ‘Dad, I’m not who you think I am.’ And I said, ‘Then tell me who you are. I’ll follow.’”
That moment, he said, clarified everything. “My job isn’t to mold them. It’s to hold them while they become.”
The 80-year-old actor has always guarded his family’s privacy, but this moment, he said, called for something different. “The world is loud. Sometimes the only thing louder is love.”
Robert De Niro saying ‘Let them lead’ is the parenting advice every parent of a trans child needs to hear. #TransRightsAreHumanRights— Ashlee Marie Preston (@AshleeMPreston) June 4, 2025
Airyn is one of De Niro’s seven children, born during his relationship with model and actress Toukie Smith. She holds a degree in environmental science and works in the nonprofit sector, focusing on climate resilience in underserved communities.
Since coming out, she has remained largely offline but recently attended a gala for the Trevor Project with her father, where they were photographed arm in arm. De Niro wore a black pin on his lapel that read simply: “Proud Dad.”
Seeing Robert De Niro walk a red carpet with his trans daughter, smiling and glowing — it’s a moment I’ll never forget. #Pride2025— Kristen Meinzer (@kristenmeinzer) June 4, 2025
His comments have sparked a wave of appreciation, especially among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis called De Niro’s stance “a beacon of how public figures can make a private act of love into a public force for change.”
Meanwhile, right-wing critics have already begun targeting De Niro online, accusing him of “virtue signaling” and “pushing an agenda.” The actor, known for his unapologetic political stances, brushed it off.
De Niro says he doesn’t care what the haters say: “You think I care what some troll on the internet thinks? I care what my daughter thinks.” #LetThemLead— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) June 4, 2025
He also shared how some of his older children, including actor Raphael De Niro, embraced Airyn’s announcement without hesitation. “They hugged her. They listened. They showed up. That’s what family looks like,” he told Vanity Fair.
De Niro’s statement comes at a moment when trans rights in the U.S. are under increasing political attack. Over 450 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across states this year, according to data from the ACLU.
Airyn’s courage — and her father’s public support — have now become part of a broader movement.
When a legend like Robert De Niro openly defends his trans daughter, it sends a message bigger than a movie role ever could. #Fatherhood— Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 4, 2025
Asked what advice he’d give to other parents, De Niro paused before answering.
“Listen to them. Believe them. Love them out loud. That’s it.”
