Robert De Niro, the 83-year-old two-time Oscar winner, has voiced concerns that his considerable fame can negatively impact his children's acting careers. De Niro, who has seven children with four different women, stated that while he supports his children's aspirations in show business, it is not an easy path.
“It’s a commitment,” De Niro told People magazine. “And you have to show, especially if you're a kid in a situation like mine… people, no matter what [the kids] say, how they behave, what they do, they're saying: ‘Show me.’ And if you don't look like you're really sincere about it and busting your a** and working hard, it'll have a negative impact.”
De Niro emphasized that a strong work ethic and genuine commitment are paramount. "If you really can, over time, cumulatively impress people that you really are sincere about it and will go the distance, then it'll work the other way 10 times," he added. He believes the most crucial element is a desire to act stemming from personal commitment rather than external pressure.
Two of De Niro's children, Drena, 54, and Julian, 30, have pursued careers in acting. Drena has appeared in films such as A Star Is Born (2018), The Intern (2015), and Joy (2015). She has also ventured into directing and production, working on projects like the documentary Girls & Dolls (2001) and producing HBO’s Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr., a film about his father. Julian has acted in the miniseries Zero Day (2025) and The First Lady (2022), where he portrayed a young Barack Obama. He also made his Broadway debut in The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window in 2023.
De Niro noted that despite the increased opportunities in the entertainment industry today compared to when he started, the challenge of securing acting jobs remains significant. "I remember when I was younger, there were less opportunities... And now, there's so much more, it seems, but it still is just as difficult for people to get jobs as actors as is," he remarked.
He also shared his philosophy on fatherhood, stating that the most important thing a parent can do is support their children's decisions, as long as they are not harmful. "The main thing is to support your kids," he told Entertainment Tonight. "As long as they're not hurting themselves, doing anything destructive or anything like that, you have to support them - period."
De Niro, who stars in the recently released Netflix movie The Whisper Man, acknowledged the complexities of raising a family and juggling a demanding career. He stated that he tries his best to meet his children's different needs and hopes they will be happy. "Family is so complex. I try my best, that's all. I hope they'll be happy," he said.
Regarding fatherhood, De Niro reflected that there is no secret formula, but rather a process of managing and adapting. "It's just managing it all. And there's no way around not feeling a little guilty about not being there at times you should or you think you should," he previously told People. He added that becoming a parent is a new experience that requires jumping in and adapting to new life circumstances.
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