Robert de Niro’s daughter, Airyn de Niro, was publicly transgender woman in her first interview.
Airyn, 29, once a man, shared her start of hormone therapy in November and revealed the unexpected inspiration behind her transition journey: Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel in Disney’s Live-Action The Little Mermaid.
De Niro talks with Airyn, whom they shared with their ex-partner Toukie Smith, describing how the film marks her turning point. After watching Bailey’s performance, she first dated in a dark hair salon, which she said was a meaningful step towards embracing gender identity and black legacy.
“I think [my transition] “It’s also the impact of black women on me,” she said. “It’s also the impact that black women have on me, and it’s also proud of my blacks, which brings me closer to them in some way.”
Aryn was born in Aaron, saying being a trans woman means living openly, especially in public places like social media. She sees the popularity of other trans people as a source of courage that comes from the decision. She shared: “I thought, ‘You know? Maybe it’s not too late for me. Maybe I can start.”
Airyn reflects on growing up with famous parents who deliberately lift her out of focus. Her father, 81, is one of Hollywood’s most famous actors, has two Academy Awards and more than 120 film credits, including a taxi driver, The Godfather Part Two and The Angry Bull. Her mother, Toukie Smith, 72, is a former model and actress.
Although Airyn expressed interest in performance and modeling, she said she resisted the “Nepo Baby” tag. “Obviously, no parents are perfect, but I’m glad my parents agreed to get me out of the spotlight. They want me to have as many normal childhoods as possible,” she said.
“I didn’t go to a business meeting or premiere in one of my dad’s movies. My dad was big and found his way. [success] It happens with my own strengths. ”
She also talked frankly about the struggle with body image growth.
“I don’t meet beauty standards, thin, white, muscular or super fit, male. I’m always told that I’m too much or not enough: too big, not thin enough. Not black enough, not white enough, not feminine enough, not feminine enough. Not masculine enough. It’s never just, it’s good, ‘you’re right.
Airyn said she hopes sharing her story will allow others to accept who they are. “There is a difference between being visible and being seen,” she said. “I’m very visible. I don’t think I’ve seen it yet.”
Airyn is one of Robert De Niro’s seven children. She has a twin brother, Julian and five and a half siblings: Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen and Gia.
