Julian Henry De Niro: Life, Family, and Career of Robert De Niro’s Son
When it comes to Hollywood royalty, the De Niro family is one of the most recognized names in the film industry. While Robert De Niro is a two-time Academy Award winner whose acting career spans more than five decades, his children often find themselves in the limelight simply because of their famous last name. Among them is Julian Henry De Niro, who, despite his connection to fame, has taken his own measured path into acting and the entertainment world.
Born on October 20, 1995, Julian is now 29 years old. He has managed to keep a relatively private profile compared to some of his siblings, but his growing career in theater, television, and film is beginning to capture more attention. Audiences curious about the De Niro lineage often wonder: Who exactly is Julian Henry De Niro?
Julian Henry De Niro Birthday and Early Life
Julian Henry De Niro was born in New York City. His birthday, October 20, 1995, places him under the zodiac sign Libra, often associated with balance and creativity. His upbringing was unique: while he grew up in the shadow of Robert De Niro’s international stardom, Julian was raised primarily away from Hollywood’s most intrusive spotlight.
Unlike some celebrity children who are thrust into fame early, Julian’s childhood was relatively protected. His father, Robert De Niro, is known for being fiercely private about his personal life, and his mother, Toukie Smith, shared the same protective instinct. This allowed Julian and his twin sibling to enjoy a more grounded childhood.
Julian Henry De Niro Mother: Toukie Smith
Julian’s mother, Toukie Smith, is more than just Robert De Niro’s former partner—she is an accomplished woman in her own right. Born in Philadelphia, Toukie rose to fame as a model and actress in the 1970s and 1980s. She worked with major fashion houses such as Chanel and Versace and appeared in magazines like Vogue and Elle.
As an actress, Toukie Smith is best known for her role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227. Her charisma, elegance, and talent made her one of the most notable African American fashion icons of her era. Through Toukie, Julian Henry De Niro inherited both artistic creativity and a cultural legacy that goes beyond his father’s filmography.
Robert De Niro’s Children and Family Connections
Julian belongs to a large and diverse family. His father, Robert De Niro, has seven children in total, from different relationships. Here’s how Julian fits into the extended De Niro family:
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Drena De Niro – Robert’s adopted daughter from his first marriage.
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Raphael De Niro – A real estate broker and former actor, from Robert’s marriage to Diahnne Abbott.
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Julian Henry De Niro and Airyn De Niro – The twins born through surrogacy with Robert’s longtime partner Toukie Smith.
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Elliot De Niro and Helen Grace De Niro – Children from Robert’s relationship with Grace Hightower.
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Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro – Robert’s youngest daughter, born in 2023 with Tiffany Chen.
This extended family shows just how wide-reaching the De Niro name has become. Julian, however, remains one of the more private siblings, focused on his own work and life.
The Confusion Around Aaron Kendrick De Niro
One interesting aspect of Julian’s background is the confusion around his twin sibling’s name. When Julian was born, reports also identified another twin: Aaron Kendrick De Niro. For many years, media outlets referred to Julian’s twin by that name.
In recent years, however, Julian’s twin has publicly come forward as Airyn De Niro, having transitioned and spoken openly about her journey. This has helped clarify earlier confusion. Today, it is accurate to say that Julian Henry De Niro and Airyn De Niro are twins, both born in 1995 to Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith.
Education and Early Interests
Julian pursued higher education at New York University (NYU), one of the country’s leading institutions for arts and sciences. Reports suggest he focused on computer science and mathematics, showing an intellectual side that goes beyond acting.
Despite his academic interests, Julian also gravitated toward performance, a natural inclination given his parents’ careers. Over time, this pull toward creative expression led him to acting, where he began developing his own career.
Julian Henry De Niro Movies and Acting Career
While still early in his career compared to his father, Julian Henry De Niro has already earned notable credits in both film and television.
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In Dubious Battle (2016) – Julian made his early film appearance in this James Franco-directed adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel. The ensemble cast included actors such as James Franco, Nat Wolff, and Selena Gomez. While Julian’s role was relatively small, it introduced him to the professional acting world.
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The First Lady (2022, Showtime) – Perhaps Julian’s most high-profile role to date, he played a young Barack Obama in the historical anthology series. His performance showcased his potential to take on roles requiring depth and subtlety.
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The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window (2023, Broadway revival) – Julian stepped onto the Broadway stage in this Lorraine Hansberry play. Performing live in front of audiences is considered a true test of an actor’s skill, and his involvement in this production marked an important milestone.
Although his filmography is still short, Julian’s willingness to engage with both film and theater shows that he is serious about acting. Many industry watchers believe he is laying the groundwork for a longer career.
Public Image and Privacy
Unlike some celebrity children who build fame through social media, Julian has chosen to maintain a quieter presence. He rarely gives interviews, and his online activity is minimal. His appearances tend to be connected to his professional work rather than personal promotion.
This discretion may reflect the influence of both his parents. Robert De Niro is notoriously reserved about family matters, and Toukie Smith also preferred to maintain dignity away from excessive tabloid attention.
Julian Henry De Niro Net Worth
A frequent search term is “Julian Henry De Niro net worth.” However, there are no reliable reports on his personal finances. Since Julian is still building his career and has only a few acting credits, it is difficult to estimate his wealth. Most figures circulating online are speculative.
What can be said is that he comes from a family with significant resources. Robert De Niro himself has an estimated net worth in the hundreds of millions, and Toukie Smith enjoyed success in modeling and acting. Still, Julian’s individual earnings and net worth remain private.
Julian Henry De Niro Today
Now in his late twenties, Julian Henry De Niro is an emerging actor navigating life under one of the most powerful surnames in Hollywood. With roles in film, television, and theater already on his résumé, he has proven that he is not simply coasting on his family’s reputation but is carving his own professional path.
As he continues to grow as an actor, audiences may see him take on more substantial roles in the coming years. His combination of academic discipline, stage experience, and family legacy positions him as a talent to watch.
Conclusion
Julian Henry De Niro’s life story is one of balance: balancing fame with privacy, balancing intellectual pursuits with artistic passion, and balancing family legacy with individual ambition. As the son of Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith, and the twin brother of Airyn De Niro, Julian carries a name steeped in Hollywood history. Yet his journey reflects a thoughtful attempt to create his own narrative.
In the world of celebrity families, some children fade into obscurity while others step boldly into the spotlight. Julian seems to be walking a path somewhere in between, valuing both privacy and performance. His birthday on October 20, 1995 marked the arrival of a child born into cinematic royalty—but his career so far proves he is working toward recognition on his own terms.
For readers who want to keep up with more stories like this one, visit Megacine, where we cover the lives, careers, and legacies of actors and their families across generations.
