Robert De Niro’s Daughter, Airyn, Comes Out as a Trans Woman, Reveals Powerful Inspiration.
Robert De Niro’s daughter, Airyn De Niro, has come forward as a transgender woman, sharing her story in a deeply personal interview. Now 29, Airyn, who was previously known as Aaron, revealed that her transition journey began after she started hormone therapy in November. What might surprise many is the unlikely inspiration behind her decision—Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid.
In an interview with Them, Airyn, who is the daughter of De Niro and former partner Toukie Smith, described how Bailey’s portrayal of the beloved Disney character helped her take the crucial first steps in her transition. After seeing Bailey on screen, she decided to make her first appointment at a Black hair salon, a choice that she says marked a significant moment in both embracing her true gender identity and celebrating her Black heritage.
“I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me,” Airyn shared. “Stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.” Born Aaron, Airyn explained that being a trans woman means living openly, especially in the public space of social media. She credits the growing visibility of other transgender people as a source of empowerment. “I’m like, ‘You know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me. Maybe I can start,’” she said, emphasizing how her journey is inspired by others who have had the courage to be visible.
Reflecting on her childhood, Airyn spoke about growing up in the spotlight, albeit one her parents intentionally shielded her from. Her father, Robert De Niro, 81, is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, with two Academy Awards and more than 120 films to his name, including iconic roles in Taxi Driver, The Godfather Part II, and Raging Bull. Her mother, Toukie Smith, 72, is a former model and actress. Though Airyn expressed an interest in acting and modeling, she said she wants to avoid the “nepo baby” label. “Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible,” she explained.
She went on to share that her father was especially adamant about her and her twin brother, Julian, finding their own way, away from Hollywood’s glare. “I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres. My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path. I would want [success] to happen on my own merit,” she said.
Airyn also opened up about the body image struggles she faced growing up. “I didn’t fit the beauty standard, which is thin, white, muscular, or super fit, masculine. I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough. It was never just, ‘You’re just right, just the way you are.’”
Now, as she embraces her true self, Airyn hopes her story will help others feel empowered to embrace their own identities. “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she said. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Airyn De Niro is one of Robert De Niro’s seven children. She has a twin brother, Julian, as well as five half-siblings: Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen, and Gia.
