Tiffany Chen is more than just Robert De Niro’s girlfriend. She is a martial arts instructor with an impressive resume, boasting numerous gold medals and world titles. Chen’s relationship with De Niro first came to public attention in August 2021, but the two had met years earlier on the set of the 2015 movie “The Intern,” where Chen played a Tai Chi instructor. Despite their high-profile status, both have kept their relationship relatively private.
How Did Tiffany Chen Meet Robert De Niro?
Chen and De Niro’s paths first crossed in 2015 while working on the movie “The Intern.” Chen’s martial arts expertise landed her a role that matched her skills, introducing her to the Oscar-winning actor. Their professional encounter eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship, publicly acknowledged when they were spotted together in 2021.
What Is Tiffany Chen’s Martial Arts Background?
Tiffany Chen comes from a family deeply rooted in martial arts, being the daughter of Grandmaster William C.C. Chen. She started competing in push hands at the age of 16 and by 26, she was inducted into Inside Kung-Fu magazine’s Hall of Fame as the competitor of the year in 2011. Her dedication to martial arts has earned her numerous accolades and established her as a prominent figure in the field.
Did Tiffany Chen Have Other Interests Growing Up?
Before fully committing to martial arts, Chen explored various physical disciplines. She began with ballet and hula dancing, then added swimming and gymnastics to her repertoire by the age of five. At eight, she took up figure skating, winning three gold medals in a regional competition by age 11. Her diverse athletic background eventually led her to ballroom dancing, where she discovered that tai chi significantly improved her form.
How Did Chen and De Niro’s Relationship Become Public?
The couple sparked romance rumors in August 2021 when they were seen holding hands during a vacation in the South of France. Photographs captured them enjoying each other’s company on a luxury yacht owned by De Niro’s business partner, James Packer. Since then, they’ve been spotted together on various occasions, though they have kept their relationship largely private.
Have Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro Publicly Discussed Their Relationship?
Despite their numerous public appearances, neither Chen nor De Niro have openly discussed their relationship status. They prefer to keep their private life away from the media’s glare, focusing instead on their family and professional commitments.
Did Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro Welcome a Child Together?
Yes, in May 2023, Robert De Niro revealed during an interview with ET Canada that he had welcomed his seventh child. Although he didn’t initially disclose the mother’s identity, his “About My Father” co-star Kim Cattrall later confirmed that Tiffany Chen was the mother. The couple named their daughter Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, born on April 6, 2023.
How Many Children Does Robert De Niro Have?
Robert De Niro has seven children. He shares daughter Drena and son Raphael with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott. In 1995, he welcomed twin sons Julian and Aaron with his former girlfriend Toukie Smith. De Niro also has a son, Elliot, and a daughter, Helen Grace, with his ex-wife Grace Hightower. Gia Virginia Chen De Niro is his seventh child and his first with Tiffany Chen.
What Was Chen’s Health Scare After Giving Birth?
After giving birth to her daughter Gia, Tiffany Chen experienced a postpartum health complication and was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. She described her symptoms during an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings in July, detailing how her face started to feel strange and eventually lost all function, prompting an immediate hospital visit.
How Does Tiffany Chen Support Robert De Niro?
Tiffany Chen is a supportive partner to Robert De Niro, often visiting him on set and accompanying him to significant events. In March 2023, they were seen together at the restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica with friends Harvey Keitel and Billy Crystal. Chen was also by De Niro’s side at the 96th annual Academy Awards in March 2024, where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Have Chen and De Niro Attended High-Profile Events Together?
Yes, the couple attended the White House state dinner in April 2024, honoring Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko. They were among other VIP guests, including Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, highlighting their status in both the entertainment and social spheres.
What Are De Niro’s Thoughts on Parenting at His Age?
In an interview with The Guardian, De Niro acknowledged the challenges of raising a newborn at 80 years old. He credited Chen for doing the “heavy lifting” in caring for their daughter, Gia, while emphasizing his role in supporting her. De Niro also expressed his desire for Gia to be bilingual, teaching her both English and Chinese nursery rhymes.
Conclusion
Tiffany Chen is a remarkable individual with a rich background in martial arts and an inspiring personal journey. Her relationship with Robert De Niro, though kept mostly private, has been filled with notable moments and mutual support. Together, they navigate the complexities of their public and private lives, demonstrating a strong partnership and dedication to family.