Robert De Niro’s three-month-old daughter made her first appearance on American television. She was joined by her mother Tiffany Chen, who has worked with the actor for two years, as she discussed her delivery and the health struggles she faced afterwards.
Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, born April 6, made her television debut on CBS on Friday, July 14. At the end of the same interview, her mother wanted to address the rumors that she was “too tired to smile” after giving birth.
The martial arts teacher revealed she suffered from facial paralysis after giving birth to baby Gia, which was diagnosed a week later as Bell’s palsy. Her entire face was frozen, preventing her from saying certain words or kissing her child. Robert De Niro was very supportive as the situation began to ease.
Dad for the seventh time
Last June, Robert De Niro revealed in an interview that he had become a father for the seventh time. The 79-year-old actor was already a father to Drena, 51, and Raphael, 46, born from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott. His relationship with Toukie Smith produced twins Aaron and Julian (aged 27), then he had Elliot (aged 25) and Helen (aged 11) with Grace Hightower, whom he remarried.
In early July, drama shook the De Niro clan. The actor’s eldest daughter, Drena, has lost her nineteen-year-old son Leandro. The grief of the family was united at the young man’s funeral.