Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has voiced his unwavering support for his daughter Airyn De Niro, who recently opened up publicly about her transition and life growing up in a famous family.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Good Morning America, the legendary actor said:
“I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter.”
“I don’t know what the big deal is,” he added. “I love all my children.”
De Niro, a father of seven, has long been known for fiercely guarding his family’s privacy. His public endorsement of Airyn’s transition is being celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates and fans alike as a powerful example of parental acceptance and visibility.
Airyn De Niro Opens Up About Identity, Visibility, and Healing
In a deeply personal interview with Them, Airyn De Niro, daughter of Robert De Niro and actress/model Toukie Smith, reflected on her life growing up as the child of Hollywood icons — and her journey to self-acceptance.
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“Obviously no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight,” she said. “They wanted it very private. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.”
Airyn, who began hormone therapy last year, shared that seeing trans women speak openly about their experiences online helped her find the courage to embrace her identity. Her decision was also deeply influenced by the strength and resilience of Black women, whom she credits with shaping her confidence and identity.
“I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
Navigating Youth as a Biracial, Bigger-Bodied Teen
Airyn spoke candidly about the challenges of growing up biracial and bigger-bodied, sharing that she often felt excluded during her adolescence and struggled to meet conventional beauty standards.
“I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something,” she said. “Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough.”
Even after coming out as gay in high school, Airyn said she didn’t feel truly seen or included, which only deepened her sense of being an outsider.
“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she explained. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Honoring Her Parents, Especially Her Mother Toukie Smith
Airyn expressed gratitude and admiration for both her parents, especially her mother Toukie Smith, who was in a relationship with Robert De Niro from 1988 to 1996. The couple welcomed Airyn and her twin brother Julian via surrogate in 1995.
“Whenever I’m at a family gathering on my dad’s side, people would always talk about how much they love my mom and how memorable she was and how happy my dad was when he was with her,” she said. “I want to be remembered the way that people remember her.”
A Message of Hope and Healing
More than just a personal revelation, Airyn hopes her story inspires others who are navigating their own journeys of identity and self-worth.
“I wish people saw someone who is trying their hardest to heal from growing up not feeling good about themselves,” she said. “[And] in the process of that, trying to make other people feel good about themselves.”
With public support from her father and growing visibility in her own right, Airyn De Niro’s journey is a testament to the power of acceptance, healing, and being truly seen.
For a private family that rarely makes headlines beyond the screen, the De Niros have offered something remarkable: a genuine, public affirmation of love in the face of change — and a reminder that all families are capable of growth, support, and pride.
