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Aaron Kendrick De Niro | Source: Getty Images
Aaron Kendrick De Niro | Source: Getty Images

Aaron Kendrick De Niro Is Robert De Niro's Son Born via Surrogate

Naomi Wanjala
Jan 15, 2024
10:00 A.M.

Aaron Kendrick De Niro was born when his parents had gone their separate ways. Still, they chose to put their differences aside to raise him and his brother.

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Aaron Kendrick De Niro and his twin brother Julian were born on October 20, 1995, to Hollywood star Robert De Niro and his former girlfriend Toukie Smith, a restaurant owner and actress. The twins were born with the help of a surrogate mother.

Even though at the time of Aaron's birth, his parents had separated, that didn't hinder them from sharing the responsibility of raising their children. Aaron's father's representative issued a statement saying he and Toukie would be leading "separate personal and professional lives" but would share parenting responsibilities.

Tookie Smith and Robert De Niro's twin sons  Aaron and Julian in New York, in 1998. | Source: Getty Images

Tookie Smith and Robert De Niro's twin sons Aaron and Julian in New York, in 1998. | Source: Getty Images

Robert De Niro's Son Made a Name for Himself Starring Alongside Famous Hollywood Stars

While Robert De Niro's son has not had an active Hollywood career, he was a voice actor in the 2020 animation film, "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run," where he played a security guard. He worked alongside celebrated actors, including Tiffany Haddish, Akwafina, and Keanu Reeves.

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This revelation raised genuine concerns for him, as he emphasized the importance of law enforcement serving to protect the community rather than instilling fear.

Robert De Niro with Toukie Smith in 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Robert De Niro with Toukie Smith in 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Despite Aaron's father's successful career in Hollywood, he supports whatever path his son follows. He once shared that he would often advise his children to take risks, follow their passion, and do something that makes them happy. Speaking to People, he said:

"For my kids, I tell them, if you want to be an actor or you want to do this or that, that's fine as long as you're happy. Just don't sell yourself short."

Aaron De Niro, Juilan De Niro, Grace Hightower, Elliot De Niro and Dan Lufkin at the opening of the Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade on Earth Day in 2000, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Aaron De Niro, Juilan De Niro, Grace Hightower, Elliot De Niro and Dan Lufkin at the opening of the Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade on Earth Day in 2000, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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While many celebrity kids have followed in their parent's footsteps, Aaron's father said it's important for his children to find their lane. As a dad of six children, Robert noted that becoming a parent changed how he saw the world.

The "Dirty Grandpa" actor, who played alongside Zac Efron in the film, said being a father made him more aware of certain things, and the best advice for his children is to chase their dreams.

Robert De Niro speaks onstage at Miami Beach Botanical Garden on December 09, 2023, in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Robert De Niro speaks onstage at Miami Beach Botanical Garden on December 09, 2023, in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Aaron Kendrick De Niro's Dad on Raising Biracial Kids

During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Aaron's father candidly discussed his views on fatherhood, recognizing the challenges of raising biracial children. He openly admitted that, at times, he had taken certain aspects for granted.

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He then confessed to feeling a sense of anxiety as a parent, particularly when he overheard other parents advising their kids to keep their hands visible when approached by cops. This revelation raised genuine concerns for him, as he emphasized the importance of law enforcement serving to protect the community rather than instilling fear.

As a father, Robert De Niro cares about protecting his children and ensuring they feel safe. Besides Aaron and his twin brother Julian, the acclaimed actor is also a dad to Raphael and Drena, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Diahnne Abbott, and Elliot and Helen, whom he shares with Grace Hightower.

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