Robert De Niro Responds To Friend Al Pacino Becoming A New Father At 83

Jun 02, 2023

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are two actors that need no introduction — for over 50 years, the two legends have built their names in Hollywood with iconic film role after film role, most notably, "The Godfather" trilogy, in which they both starred. The actors have also starred in other films together, including "Heat" and "The Irishman."

Incredibly, it was announced in May 2023 that De Niro had just fathered his seventh child at the age of 79 with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen. The actor has six other children with three women, and the oldest is 51. They include one adopted daughter and one biological son from his marriage to Diahnne Abbott, twin sons from another relationship with actress Toukie Smith, and a son and daughter with another ex-wife Grace Hightower.

Meanwhile, later that month, Pacino, 83, announced he was expecting his fourth child with 29-year-old girlfriend Noor Alfallah. His oldest child, Julie Marie Pacino, is 33, and the actor had her with acting coach Jan Tarrant. Later in his life, Pacino was in a serious relationship with actress Beverly D’Angelo, with whom he welcomed twins Anton James and Olivia Rose.

Following the big baby announcements for the pair of friends in May 2023, De Niro appeared on "Today With Hoda And Jenna" on June 1, 2023, where he was asked about becoming a father at his age. De Niro talked fondly about fatherhood and, without skipping a beat, gave his reaction to his dear friend Pacino also taking on the all-important role in his 80s.

Read on to find out De Niro's reaction to the news that Pacino is also becoming a father around the same time as him. 

On May 8, 2023, De Niro revealed the news that he was a new father himself during an interview with ET Canada's Brittnee Blair to discuss his latest film, "About My Father." In the film, De Niro plays the role of comedian Sebastian Maniscalco's eccentric dad in a movie based loosely on his real-life relationship with his dad.

Blair turned the discussion to De Niro's own feelings about fatherhood. "I know you have six kids," Blair said before De Niro interrupted her to correct her mistake. "Seven, actually," he revealed and added, "I just had a baby."

Blair could hardly hide her surprise at the news and offered her congratulations. She then asked him if he felt like he was more of a "cool" kind of dad or suffered through some embarrassing dad moments. He responded he goes through the typical ups and downs with his kids, as most other dads do.

"I don't think that I'm a cool father. … I'm okay… My daughter, she's 11, she gives me grief sometimes. I'll argue with her (but) I adore her and with my youngest now, that will be more to come," he remarked.

De Niro did not, however, divulge when the baby was born or with whom he shared the child; however, that was all revealed in time. But what is sure is that the actor will continue caring for his baby in the same way he's cared for all his kids over the years. 

"I don't like to have to lay down the law and stuff like that. But (sometimes), you just have no choice. And any parent, I think, would say the same thing. You always want to do the right thing by the children and give them the benefit of the doubt but sometimes you can't," he said.

During his appearance on "Today with Hoda and Jenna," the hosts congratulated De Niro and asked him about becoming a father at his age. Before he answered the question, the actor deflected and immediately brought up his pal, Pacino. 

"Listen, Al Pacino just had a baby, I was told yesterday morning, and he’s a few years older than me. God bless him, I'm very happy for him," De Niro said.

The actor admitted fatherhood "feels great." When asked whether it feels different as an experienced dad in his years, De Niro said:

"When you’re older you have awareness of certain things in life — dynamics, everything, family dynamics. You can’t avoid learning certain things and how you can deal with those and manage them and this and that, the usual."

After host Hoda Kotb brought up how "weird" it was that the two iconic actors were entering fatherhood again at the same time, De Niro simply said:

"It's amazing, but I'm very happy about it."

The acting legend was asked about Pacino's baby news during a press junket for the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, as reported by People. "What a guy," De Niro said. "Go, Al, God bless him."

Like his friend De Niro, Pacino is an experienced father. Speaking to The New Yorker in 2014, Pacino discussed his idea of fatherhood as related to his three other children.

“I'm responsible to them. I'm a part of their life. When I'm not, it's upsetting to me and to them. So that's part of the gestalt. And I get a lot from it. It takes you out of yourself,” he said. 

Congratulations to friends and acting legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino on their exciting baby news! What do you think about De Niro's comments about his friend Pacino becoming a father in his 80s? Do you think the pair share parenting tips? Let us know, then pass this on to any fans of theirs you know!