With determination and pride, Airyn De Niro, daughter of Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, born Aaron, has chosen to publicly share her personal story for the first time. At 29 years old, she decided to come out and speak about her gender transition, revealing that she began hormone therapy in November of last year and opening up about the deeper motivations behind her journey.
In an exclusive interview with Them magazine, Airyn said that the spark that ignited her desire for change came from watching the 2023 live-action Disney remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey. That powerful representation, she explained, had such an emotional impact on her that it led her to book her first appointment at a Black hair salon, an act that marked the beginning of a new self-awareness.
She explained that much of her transition was inspired by the influence of Black women in her life and that embracing this identity helped her feel more authentic. She emphasized her decision to live openly and honestly, particularly on social media, where she now feels able to express her identity more freely.
Reflecting on the courage of other transgender women who had come out publicly, Airyn said she realized she could do the same. She reportedly told herself that maybe it wasn’t too late to begin, acknowledging that the example set by others gave her strength and confidence.
The daughter of De Niro and actress/model Toukie Smith also spoke about her childhood spent out of the public eye. Despite having famous parents, she explained that she was raised in a private and normal environment, far from film sets and red carpets. Her parents, she added, made a conscious decision not to involve her in their professional circles so she could find her own path.
Although she hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps into the entertainment industry, Airyn stated that she does not want to be labeled as a “nepo baby.” She stressed that if she ever finds success as an actress or model, she wants it to be based solely on her talent and hard work.
Speaking about her relationship with her body, she shared that she never felt like she fit into mainstream beauty standards, often white and masculine. As she grew up, she was frequently labeled in contradictory ways: too big, not thin enough; too feminine, not masculine enough. What she lacked, she said, was someone simply telling her, “You’re perfect just the way you are.”
Today, through her testimony, she hopes to offer comfort and inspiration to others going through similar journeys. She concluded with a powerful reflection: while she had always been visible, she never truly felt seen.
Robert De Niro has seven children in total, including Airyn and her twin brother Julian, as well as Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen, and Gia, from various relationships.
