Robert De Niro (born August 17, 1943) and Tiffany Chen form one of the most talked-about couples in Hollywood today—not just because of his legendary career or their daughter Gia (born April 6, 2023), but because of the significant age-gap between them. In February 2026, Robert De Niro is 82 years old, while Tiffany Chen is widely reported to be in her mid-40s (approximately 45–46 based on consistent 2025–2026 coverage). This creates an age gap of roughly 35–36 years, a difference that has sparked both playful media commentary and genuine curiosity about how they make their relationship work.
The couple met on the set of The Intern (2015), where Tiffany Chen served as Robert De Niro’s personal Tai Chi instructor. Dating rumors began circulating after 2018, and their bond deepened quietly until the birth of their daughter Gia made the relationship public. Despite the scrutiny that comes with any celebrity age gaps involving Hollywood stars, both have emphasized happiness, mutual support, and family over numbers. Robert De Niro has said in interviews that age is irrelevant when the connection is real, and Tiffany Chen has kept a low profile, focusing on her martial arts roots and co-parenting.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Robert De Niro | Born August 17, 1943 (New York City); age 82 in February 2026 (turns 83 on August 17, 2026); Oscar-winning actor (Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II, Goodfellas, The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon); father of seven children (Gia with Tiffany Chen) |
| Tiffany Chen | Born ~1980 (exact date not publicly confirmed); approximately 45–46 in 2026; martial arts instructor (Tai Chi expert); daughter of Kung Fu Grandmaster William C.C. Chen; inducted into Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame at age 26 (2011) |
| Age Gap | Approximately 35–36 years (most common media figure is 35 years) |
| Relationship Start | Met on The Intern set (2015); dating solidified post-2018; daughter Gia born April 6, 2023 |
| Current Status (2026) | Still together; co-parenting Gia; spotted at events (e.g., Cannes Film Festival 2025); described as “madly in love” and supportive |
| Public Perception | Mixed—playful roasts (e.g., Jimmy Kimmel at 2024 Oscars) but largely positive focus on happiness and late-life fatherhood |
Robert De Niro’s Confirmed Birthdate and Current Age
Robert De Niro’s birth took place in New York City on August 17, 1943. As of February 17, 2026, he is 82 years old and will turn 83 on August 17, 2026. This date is universally confirmed across:
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
- Biography.com
- Britannica
- Official interviews and profiles (e.g., The Guardian, Vanity Fair)
No credible sources dispute this birthdate.
For a comprehensive look at his life and career timeline, see his IMDb profile.
Tiffany Chen’s Reported Age: The Best Estimates Available
Tiffany Chen’s exact birthdate has never been publicly confirmed, which is common for private individuals who are not full-time entertainers. However, multiple reliable outlets and timelines consistently place her in her mid-40s as of 2025–2026:
- She was inducted into the Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame in 2011 at age 26 → this aligns with a birth year around 1980–1981
- Recent profiles (Closer Weekly, Parade, Yahoo, People) describe her as “mid-40s” in 2025–2026 coverage
- No contradictory reports exist in major media
This makes her approximately 45–46 years old in February 2026, creating an age gap with Robert De Niro of roughly 35–36 years (most outlets round to 35 years for simplicity).
For one of the clearest age-gap references, see this E! News article.
How Many Years Separate Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro?
The age gap between Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro is approximately 35–36 years:
- Robert De Niro: 82 (February 2026)
- Tiffany Chen: ~45–46 (based on 2011 Hall of Fame induction at age 26)
Most media coverage (E! News, Parade, Closer Weekly, Reddit discussions, Facebook fan pages) rounds it to 35 years, though exact months could push it to 36 depending on Tiffany’s precise birthdate (which remains private). This difference places them among notable celebrity age gaps in Hollywood, but unlike some high-profile pairs, their relationship has drawn mostly positive or neutral attention—focused on happiness and family rather than controversy.
The Relationship Timeline: From Set Meeting to Parenthood
- 2015 — Tiffany Chen meets Robert De Niro on the set of The Intern, where she served as his personal Tai Chi instructor.
- Post-2018 — Dating rumors solidify; they keep the relationship very private.
- April 6, 2023 — Daughter Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro is born (Robert De Niro’s seventh child).
- 2024–2026 — Still together; spotted at events like Cannes Film Festival 2025 (red carpet affection) and private family moments; Robert De Niro describes their bond as “effortless” in interviews.
For coverage of their Cannes Film Festival appearance, see this Variety red carpet report.
Public Reactions to Their 35+ Year Age Difference
The age-gap has been a talking point since Gia’s birth was announced. Notable moments include:
- Jimmy Kimmel’s playful roast at the 2024 Oscars (“Robert De Niro has a new baby with a woman young enough to be his daughter—actually, she is his daughter’s age!”)
- Fan and media discussions on late-life fatherhood, compatibility, and happiness (many praise Robert De Niro for prioritizing family over convention)
- Positive coverage focusing on Tiffany Chen’s martial arts background and low-key demeanor complementing Robert De Niro’s intensity
Robert De Niro has addressed the attention lightly, saying age is irrelevant when the connection is real and the relationship is supportive.
The Story Behind Tiffany Chen’s Martial Arts Career and Private Life
Tiffany Chen is the daughter of Kung Fu Grandmaster William C.C. Chen. She is a world-class martial artist herself—winning multiple titles and inducted into the Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame in 2011 at age 26. She keeps a deliberately low profile despite her partner’s fame, focusing on Tai Chi teaching, family, and co-parenting Gia. She rarely gives interviews and avoids the spotlight, letting her work and relationship speak for themselves.
Robert De Niro’s Perspective on the Gap and Fatherhood
Robert De Niro has been open (in his reserved way) about the relationship:
- Calls it “effortless” and emphasizes mutual happiness and support
- Says he doesn’t “do the heavy lifting” on parenting but is fully present for Gia
- Views age as irrelevant—“It’s about the connection, not the calendar”
- At 82, he’s proud of expanding his family to seven children (from previous marriages to Diahnne Abbott and Grace Hightower, plus Gia with Tiffany Chen)
Why the Age Gap Stays a Talking Point in 2026
The 35–36 year difference draws attention because:
- It’s significant (one of the larger celebrity age gaps among active Hollywood stars)
- Robert De Niro became a father again at 79
- It contrasts with his earlier marriages and relationships
- Late-life parenthood always sparks curiosity (similar to Alec Baldwin/Hilaria Baldwin, George Clooney/Amal Alamuddin, Rod Stewart/Penny Lancaster, Bruce Willis/Emma Heming, Jason Statham/Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson)
Media coverage tends to highlight joy and family over criticism—e.g., their affectionate Cannes Film Festival red carpet moment in 2025.
The Bigger Picture: Love, Family, and Defying Expectations
Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro show that age-gap relationships can thrive when built on mutual respect, shared values, and genuine connection. Their daughter Gia (now ~2–3 in 2026) is at the center of their private world. Robert De Niro’s prolific family life (seven children total) and Tiffany Chen’s grounding presence prove compatibility matters more than numbers.
How They Handle Scrutiny and Stay Grounded
They keep details private, focus on happiness and parenting, and make rare joint appearances that show real affection. Robert De Niro prioritizes family over public debate, and Tiffany Chen maintains her own identity and career outside his fame.
What Fans and Media Take Away From Their Story
Their relationship redefines celebrity age gaps in Hollywood—showing love, family, and compatibility can flourish at any stage. It inspires discussions about celebrity relationships, celebrity love, celebrity romance, and age-gap relationships—often with more positivity than judgment.
Tiffany Chen & Robert De Niro Today: Thriving in 2026
In February 2026, they remain together. Robert De Niro is 82, Tiffany Chen ~45–46, and they are co-parenting Gia while keeping life low-key. Spotted at events and described as “madly in love,” their bond remains effortless and family-focused.
Wrapping Up the Tiffany Chen & Robert De Niro Age Gap
Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro share an approximately 35–36 year age gap (Robert De Niro born August 17, 1943—age 82 in February 2026; Tiffany Chen reported around 45–46 in recent coverage). The difference—often rounded to 35 years in media—sparked playful roasts (e.g., Jimmy Kimmel at 2024 Oscars) but hasn’t dimmed their bond. They met on The Intern set in 2015, welcomed daughter Gia in April 2023 (Robert De Niro’s seventh child), and continue as a happy, private couple in 2026—focused on family, mutual support, and joy over societal judgments. Tiffany Chen’s martial arts background and low-key style complement Robert De Niro’s legendary career, proving age is secondary to connection in their story.
Quick Answers: Top Questions About Tiffany Chen & Robert De Niro’s Age Gap
- How many years apart are Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro?
Approximately 35–36 years (Robert De Niro 82, Tiffany Chen ~45–46 in 2026). - What is Robert De Niro’s age in 2026?
82 years old (born August 17, 1943; turns 83 in August 2026). - How old is Tiffany Chen reported to be?
Around 45–46 (consistent in 2025–2026 reports; inducted into martial arts Hall of Fame at 26 in 2011). - When did Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro start dating?
Rumors after meeting on The Intern (2015); solidified post-2018; daughter Gia born 2023. - Why does their age gap get so much attention?
Significant difference + Robert De Niro’s late-70s fatherhood; media/fan curiosity amplified by public moments like Oscars jokes and Cannes Film Festival appearances.


