Veteran actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have faced a wave of criticism after welcoming children at an advanced age, with many calling their decisions “selfish” and “creepy.” Both stars, regarded as Hollywood legends, now hold the distinction of being among the oldest celebrity fathers in the industry.
Hollywood Legends and Lifelong Friendship
Pacino and De Niro share a friendship that has spanned decades, dating back to the late 1960s. The duo, celebrated for their iconic roles in films like The Godfather and Heat, have remained close while achieving unparalleled success in Hollywood. However, their recent decisions to expand their families in their later years have sparked widespread debate.
De Niro’s Growing Family
At 79 years old, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, a baby girl named Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with his partner Tiffany Chen in May 2023. Gia is more than 50 years younger than De Niro’s eldest child, who was born in 1971. Now 81, De Niro will be 97 years old when Gia celebrates her 18th birthday.
Despite the criticisms, De Niro has expressed nothing but joy over his youngest daughter. In an interview with ABC, he described Gia as “pure joy,” explaining:
“There’s no judgment, no complexity with her—just the simple, innocent joy of a child. It’s a beautiful experience.”
Pacino Breaks the Record
Not long after De Niro became a father again, Al Pacino surpassed him as Hollywood’s oldest dad. In June 2023, at the age of 83, Pacino welcomed a baby boy, Roman, with then-29-year-old girlfriend Noor Alfallah. The couple had been dating since April 2022, and Roman’s arrival was announced shortly after news of the pregnancy became public.
Pacino, now 84, will be 101 when his youngest son turns 18. Reflecting on his experience of fatherhood, the Scarface actor shared with People:
“Having children has been a life-changing experience for me. It’s not just about raising them; it’s about the love and focus they bring into your life. It’s something I’ve cherished deeply.”
Backlash Over Late Fatherhood
While both actors have been celebrated for their illustrious careers, their decisions to have children later in life have not been universally well-received. Social media has been abuzz with criticisms, with many questioning the ethics and practicality of such choices.
One commenter, speaking about Pacino’s son, remarked:
“This is incredibly selfish. The child will grow up without really knowing his father. It’s unfair.”
Regarding De Niro’s daughter, another individual pointed out:
“He’s already in his 80s. It’s heartbreaking to think that she’ll likely lose her father while she’s still so young.”
Others expressed concerns about the emotional toll on the children:
“This is just cruel. These kids will experience loss far too early, and that trauma will stay with them for life.”
Media and Expert Opinions
Journalist Jaci Stephen joined the chorus of criticism, describing the situation as “creepy” and “sad.” Writing for the Daily Mail, Stephen highlighted the harsh realities faced by children of older fathers, stating:
“The hard truth is that these men will barely live long enough to leave lasting memories for their young children. It’s a somber thought.”
Stephen also pointed out the double standard in how society views older parenthood, noting that women who have children later in life often face far harsher judgment than their male counterparts.
Adding to the debate, Stephen highlighted the irony in Pacino’s situation, as the actor has previously spoken about the pain of his own father’s absence. Critics argue that his advanced age makes it likely that Roman will face a similar experience.
Risks of Late Fatherhood
While men can biologically father children well into their senior years due to continued sperm production, the risks associated with late fatherhood are well-documented. The National Institutes of Health has reported an increased likelihood of congenital conditions such as heart defects and cleft palate in children born to older fathers. Additionally, mental health disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD are statistically more prevalent in such cases.
However, there is no indication that either De Niro’s or Pacino’s children have experienced health issues linked to their fathers’ ages.
A Controversial Debate
The debate over older parenthood, particularly in the case of Hollywood icons like Pacino and De Niro, underscores a broader societal discussion about ethics, responsibility, and the emotional well-being of children. While their decisions have divided public opinion, both actors remain unapologetically proud of their roles as fathers, cherishing the joy their youngest children have brought into their lives.