Robert De Niro's Daughter Airyn Reveals She Is Transgender in New Interview

The 29-year-old model and voice actress got candid about her identity, how the media has perceived her over the years, and her life growing up with famous parents.

Airyn De Niro is one of Robert De Niro’s seven children. Her mother is actress Toukie Smith, and she has a twin brother, Julian De Niro.

She was assigned male at birth but now identifies as transgender. Airyn spoke candidly about her journey during an interview with LGBTQ+-centered publication Them.

Among the things she reflected on was the media’s perception of who she is. Recently, a few outlets—including the Daily Mail—reported on one of her appearances using what she felt was inaccurate information.

“Not only did they get information wrong about me… They just sort of reminded me that people really don’t know anything about me,” she told Them.

As the daughter of industry heavy-hitters, she realized, “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen. I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”

Navigating her transition and seeing other trans women gain success even after coming out, she decided she wanted to openly step into a “new identity” for herself—and, indeed, she has.

“Trans women being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media and getting to see them in their success… I’m like, you know what? Maybe it's not too late for me,” she said.

Speaking of publications labeling her a “nepo baby,” Airyn explained she had little to no part or connection to her father’s career. The actor encouraged his children to find their own paths, and in that light, Airyn wanted to achieve success on her own merit.

In addition to pursuing voice acting opportunities and modeling, she is also studying to become a mental health counselor.