In a deeply personal and heartfelt interview with Them, Airyn De Niro — the daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith — has publicly come out as transgender. The 28-year-old, who has long lived outside the glare of Hollywood, is now stepping into the spotlight on her own terms, opening up about her identity, the challenges of growing up as the daughter of a global icon, and her hopes for living an authentic life.
Airyn, one of De Niro’s seven children, is the twin sister of Julian and has largely stayed away from media attention throughout her life. That privacy, as she reveals, was intentional and something her parents actively encouraged.
“Obviously, no parent is perfect,” she told Them, “but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight. They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.” That decision, Airyn says, was instrumental in helping her discover who she really is away from the pressures and expectations often placed on celebrity children.
A Private Journey, Now Public
For Airyn, coming out as transgender is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment of visibility. Although her transition has been underway privately for some time, sharing her story publicly is a bold move meant to inspire others and break down stigma.
“I know what it feels like to grow up feeling like you have to hide who you are — not just because of gender, but because of who your father is,” she said. “You feel like your life is already scripted for you, and it takes courage to rewrite that.”
Airyn also emphasized that while she has had the privilege of privacy and family support, many transgender individuals do not. “I’m aware of how lucky I’ve been in many ways,” she said. “That’s why I want to speak out — to say, ‘You’re not alone,’ to someone who might be struggling.”
Growing Up De Niro
Being the child of Robert De Niro — a two-time Oscar winner and one of the most respected actors of his generation — comes with its own unique set of challenges. Airyn described her childhood as a balancing act between normalcy and celebrity, a dynamic that often made her feel like she lived in two worlds.
“There was always this sense that my life didn’t fully belong to me,” she shared. “People would make assumptions about who I was or what I wanted just because of my last name. But I just wanted to be a kid. I wanted to find out who I was without the pressure.”
Her parents’ decision to keep her and her twin brother out of the public eye played a major role in preserving that normalcy. Unlike some Hollywood families that push their children into early fame, De Niro and Smith made a conscious choice to let their children live outside the glare of cameras.
“It wasn’t always easy, but I’m thankful they let me grow up in a way that felt safe and grounded,” Airyn said.
Embracing Individuality
Airyn's decision to go public about her transition comes at a time when transgender rights and visibility are increasingly at the forefront of social discourse. Still, public conversations about gender identity often remain polarized, and trans individuals continue to face discrimination and violence. In speaking out, Airyn hopes to be a voice of empathy and encouragement.
“I think people forget that being transgender isn’t about trying to be someone else — it’s about becoming who you really are,” she said. “There’s beauty in that process, even if it’s painful sometimes.”
She also acknowledged the importance of mental health, noting that self-acceptance was a gradual journey. “There were days when I felt alone, confused, and scared. But every step I took brought me closer to peace.”
Family Support and Reactions
While she did not go into great detail about her family’s current dynamics, Airyn made it clear that she is thankful for the support she has received from both her parents.
“Transitioning can be isolating, but having my family’s support made all the difference,” she said. “It gave me the strength to own my truth, to walk with my head held high.”
Robert De Niro has not made a public statement yet, but those close to the family say he has always been a fiercely protective and loving father. A source familiar with the situation said, “Bob’s priority has always been his children’s well-being. He supports them unconditionally.”
Living Authentically
Airyn’s story is not just about being transgender or being a celebrity’s child — it’s about the universal human desire to be seen and accepted for who we are. She hopes that by sharing her story, others — especially young people struggling with identity — will feel less alone.
“There’s no one right way to be transgender, just like there’s no one right way to be a daughter, or a sibling, or an individual,” she said. “We all deserve to live in a way that feels true.”
Airyn is currently focused on advocacy and working with organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth. She is also pursuing creative projects of her own, although she says she has no desire to follow in her father’s footsteps into acting. “That’s his world. I’m creating mine.”
A Moment of Representation
As someone who has spent most of her life deliberately avoiding the spotlight, Airyn’s decision to speak publicly marks a turning point not only for her personally but also for representation within high-profile families. Her journey is a powerful reminder that every person, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to live authentically.