Aaron Kendrick De Niro: 1 The Private Life of Robert De Niro’s Twin Son
May 29, 2025Updated: May 25, 2025 8 min read
Aaron Kendrick (left) with his twin brother, Julian (right) and a friend (center). Photo: @goldenboyjulio
Table of Contents
It’s impossible to discuss Hollywood royalty without mentioning Robert De Niro, the legendary actor known for his roles in classics like “Taxi Driver,” “The Godfather Part II,” and “Raging Bull.” While his professional achievements are well-documented, his son Aaron Kendrick De Niro has remained largely out of the spotlight. Born into fame but choosing privacy, Aaron represents a different path than what might be expected of a celebrity child.
This comprehensive article explores the life of Aaron Kendrick De Niro, from his unique birth circumstances to his relationship with his famous father, offering readers insights into one of Hollywood’s most private celebrity children.
Who is Aaron Kendrick De Niro?
Aaron Kendrick De Niro is an American celebrity child best known as the son of iconic Hollywood actor Robert De Niro and former actress and model Toukie Smith. Born on October 20, 1995, in New York City, Aaron is now 29 years old (as of 2025).
Unlike many celebrity children who choose to follow in their parents’ footsteps, Aaron has opted for a life away from the cameras and public scrutiny. He maintains an extremely private lifestyle with very little information available about his personal or professional endeavors.
“I believe in letting my children find their own lane. They can be what they want as long as they’re happy.”
— Robert De Niro on raising his children
What makes Aaron’s story particularly interesting is not only his famous parentage but also the circumstances of his birth. He and his twin brother Julian Henry De Niro were conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and born via surrogate, making their entry into the world notable even before their connection to Hollywood royalty was established.
Early Life and Birth
Aaron Kendrick De Niro’s birth story is as unique as his heritage. Born on October 20, 1995, in New York City, Aaron and his twin brother Julian were welcomed into the world through a surrogate mother after being conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This reproductive technology approach was relatively uncommon in the mid-1990s, especially among celebrities, making the twins’ birth somewhat groundbreaking for the time. Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith, who were in a relationship from 1988 to 1996, chose this path to parenthood while maintaining significant privacy around the process.
1988
Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith begin their relationship
October 20, 1995
Aaron and Julian are born via surrogate in New York City
1996
Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith separate when Aaron is just one year old
Aaron was only one year old when his parents separated in 1996. Following their split, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith maintained a co-parenting relationship, with both parents actively involved in raising the twins despite no longer being together.
Family Background and Heritage
Aaron Kendrick’s parents, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith. Photo: @RobinPlatzer / Getty Images
Robert De Niro: A Hollywood Legend
Robert De Niro, born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, is considered one of the greatest actors of all time. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in more than 100 films and received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for his performances in “The Godfather Part II” (1974) and “Raging Bull” (1980).
Of Italian and Irish descent, Robert De Niro brings a rich cultural heritage to Aaron’s background. His Italian ancestry comes from his father’s side, while his Irish heritage comes from his mother’s lineage. This European ancestry forms an important part of Aaron’s cultural identity.
Robert’s Notable Films
- The Godfather Part II (1974)
- Taxi Driver (1976)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- Goodfellas (1990)
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Robert’s Accolades
- 2 Academy Awards
- 1 Golden Globe Award
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)
- Cecil B. DeMille Award (2011)
Toukie Smith: Model and Actress
Doris “Toukie” Smith, born on April 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an African-American former model and actress who gained recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. She is best known for her role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom “227” and has appeared in films such as “Goosed” and “Joe’s Apartment.”
Toukie comes from a creative family background. She is the sister of the late Willi Smith, a renowned fashion designer who founded the brand WilliWear Limited before his untimely death in 1987. This connection to the fashion industry likely influenced Aaron’s early exposure to creative fields.
Through his mother’s African-American heritage and his father’s European ancestry, Aaron Kendrick De Niro embodies a rich multiracial identity that reflects America’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Siblings and Family Relationships
Aaron Kendrick De Niro is part of a large blended family. As one of Robert De Niro’s seven children from multiple relationships, Aaron has grown up with diverse sibling connections. His father’s approach to family has created a unique dynamic where all his children maintain relationships with each other despite having different mothers.
Twin Brother: Julian Henry De Niro
Julian Henry De Niro is Aaron’s identical twin brother, born alongside him on October 20, 1995. Unlike Aaron, Julian has shown some interest in the entertainment industry. He has pursued acting and appeared in projects including portraying a young Barack Obama in the series “The First Lady.” Julian maintains a more public profile than Aaron, with an active presence on Instagram under the handle @goldenboyjulio.
Aaron Kendrick with his twin brother Julian and their mother when they were little boys. Photo: @Mario Magnani / Getty Images
Other Siblings
| Name | Birth Year | Mother | Notable Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drena De Niro | 1971 | Diahnne Abbott | Adopted by Robert; actress and filmmaker |
| Raphael De Niro | 1976 | Diahnne Abbott | Real estate broker and former actor |
| Elliot De Niro | 1998 | Grace Hightower | Has autism; Robert speaks about autism awareness |
| Helen Grace De Niro | 2011 | Grace Hightower | Born via surrogate |
| Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro | 2023 | Tiffany Chen | Robert’s youngest child, born when he was 79 |
Despite the complex family structure and different maternal relationships, Robert De Niro has reportedly worked to maintain a unified family. According to sources close to the family, all siblings maintain connections with each other, creating a supportive network despite their different households and upbringings.
Private Lifestyle and Media Presence
One of the most defining characteristics of Aaron Kendrick De Niro is his commitment to privacy. Unlike many celebrity children who leverage their famous parentage to build careers in entertainment or social media, Aaron has consistently maintained a low profile.
Absence from Social Media
In an era where social media presence is almost ubiquitous, Aaron’s complete absence from platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook is noteworthy. There are no verified Aaron Kendrick De Niro social media accounts, which aligns with his apparent desire to lead a life outside the public eye.
This stands in contrast to his twin brother Julian, who maintains an Instagram presence and has pursued more public-facing endeavors.
Privacy in the Digital Age
Aaron’s choice to remain offline represents an increasingly rare approach in today’s connected world. With more than 4.9 billion social media users globally, maintaining digital privacy requires deliberate effort, especially for individuals connected to celebrity.
Public Appearances
Aaron’s public appearances are extremely rare. One of the few documented public sightings was at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2009, when he attended the event with his family. Even in these limited public settings, he has managed to avoid significant media attention.
Aaron Kendrick De Niro (circle left) at Kennedy Center Honors in 2009. Photo: London Features International
Career and Education
Details about Aaron’s educational background and career choices remain largely private. While there are reports suggesting he attended a local high school and graduated in 2013, information about college education or professional pursuits is not publicly available.
Some sources have speculated that Robert De Niro encouraged his son to pursue acting, but Aaron reportedly showed little interest in following his father’s footsteps into Hollywood. Whatever career path he has chosen, he has managed to keep it out of the public eye.
Relationship with Robert De Niro
Despite the private nature of their relationship, several sources indicate that Aaron maintains a close bond with his father, Robert De Niro. The actor has spoken generally about his approach to parenting in various interviews, providing some insight into his relationship with all his children, including Aaron.
“I love my children, all my children. I spend a lot of time with them, and I’ve always been a loving father. It’s the most important thing.”
— Robert De Niro
Co-Parenting After Separation
After Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith separated in 1996, they reportedly maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their children. This cooperative approach to co-parenting likely provided stability for Aaron and his twin brother Julian during their formative years.
Robert De Niro has been described as a hands-on father who, despite his demanding career, has made efforts to be present in his children’s lives. In a 2020 interview with People magazine, he discussed the challenges and responsibilities of raising biracial children, showing his awareness of the unique experiences his children, including Aaron, might face.
Insights into Parenting Philosophy
While specific details about Robert’s relationship with Aaron are limited, the actor has shared his general philosophy on parenting:
- Encouraging independence and allowing children to find their own path
- Being supportive without imposing career expectations
- Maintaining privacy around his children’s lives, protecting them from unwanted media attention
- Acknowledging the challenges of raising biracial children in America
- Providing financial security while teaching the value of hard work
These principles seem to align with Aaron’s own choices, particularly his decision to maintain a private life rather than capitalize on his father’s fame.
According to sources close to the family, Aaron and Robert maintain regular contact and share a mutual respect for each other’s life choices. The fact that Aaron has been able to maintain his privacy despite his father’s immense fame suggests a level of support and understanding between them.
Personal Facts and Interests
While Aaron Kendrick De Niro maintains significant privacy, some personal details have emerged over the years through various sources:
Physical Characteristics
- Height: Approximately 5’9″ (175 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Hair color: Dark brown
- Eye color: Dark brown
Personal Details
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Ethnicity: Mixed (Italian-Irish-African American)
- Religion: Reportedly Christian
- Current residence: United States (exact location private)
Financial Status
Without confirmed information about Aaron’s career or independent earnings, it’s difficult to establish his personal net worth with certainty. Some sources estimate his net worth at approximately $1.5 million, though this figure remains unverified.
As the son of Robert De Niro, whose net worth is estimated at approximately $500 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, Aaron likely benefits from financial security, though the extent of any inheritance or support remains private.
Personal Relationships
Aaron’s dating history and current relationship status remain entirely private. There have been no confirmed reports of romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. Unlike many celebrity children who have their relationships documented in tabloids and social media, Aaron has successfully kept this aspect of his life away from public scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Aaron Kendrick De Niro?
Aaron was born on October 20, 1995, making him 29 years old as of 2025.
Is Aaron Kendrick De Niro an actor like his father?
No, unlike his father, Aaron has not pursued a career in acting or appeared in any known film or television productions. He has chosen a path outside the entertainment industry.
Are Aaron and Julian De Niro identical twins?
Yes, Aaron and Julian Henry De Niro are identical twin brothers who were born via surrogacy on October 20, 1995.
Does Aaron Kendrick De Niro have social media accounts?
No, Aaron does not have any verified social media presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. He maintains a private life away from social media.
What is Aaron Kendrick De Niro’s net worth?
While some sources estimate Aaron’s net worth at approximately $1.5 million, this figure remains unverified as he maintains a private life with no confirmed information about his career or earnings.
Who is Aaron Kendrick De Niro’s mother?
Aaron’s mother is Doris “Toukie” Smith, an American actress and former model known for her role in the NBC sitcom “227” and as the sister of fashion designer Willi Smith.
How many siblings does Aaron Kendrick De Niro have?
Aaron has six siblings in total: his twin brother Julian and five half-siblings (Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen Grace, and Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro) from his father’s other relationships.
Conclusion
Aaron Kendrick De Niro represents an intriguing contrast in celebrity culture—a person born into one of Hollywood’s most famous families who has successfully maintained his privacy in an age of social media and constant exposure.
While his father Robert De Niro continues to command the spotlight with his legendary acting career, Aaron has carved out a personal space away from public scrutiny. His choice to lead a private life speaks to a strong sense of self and personal boundaries that are increasingly rare among those connected to fame.
Though details about his professional pursuits, personal relationships, and daily life remain largely unknown, what is clear is that Aaron has been able to establish an identity separate from his famous parentage. In doing so, he offers a different model of how to navigate life as a celebrity child—one based on privacy, independence, and personal choice rather than leveraging family connections for fame.
As Robert De Niro himself has stated about raising his children, including Aaron: “I believe in letting my children find their own lane. They can be what they want as long as they’re happy.” It seems that Aaron has taken this philosophy to heart, finding his own path away from the public eye that has followed his father throughout his remarkable career.
References
- Tuko.co.ke – Aaron Kendrick De Niro: The untold story of Robert De Niro’s son
- Legit.ng – Who is Aaron Kendrick De Niro? Meet Robert De Niro’s son
- Blogstrove – Who Is Aaron Kendrick De Niro? A Deeper Glimpse Into Robert De Niro’s Son
- People Magazine – Robert De Niro on raising biracial kids
- Celebrity Net Worth – Robert De Niro’s net worth
About the Author
Celebrity Biography Specialist
With over a decade of experience researching and writing about celebrity families, our team specializes in providing accurate, well-researched information about public figures while respecting their privacy.
Related Articles
Julian Henry De Niro: Following His Father’s Footsteps
Explore the life and emerging career of Aaron’s twin brother Julian, who has chosen a more public path.Robert De Niro: The Complete Family TreeA comprehensive look at Robert De Niro’s extended family, relationships, and children.Celebrity Children Who Choose Privacy Over FameDiscover other celebrity children who, like Aaron, have opted for lives away from the spotlight.
