Robert De Niro is a legendary Hollywood actor with a career filled with success and accolades, including two Oscars. While he has captivated audiences on the big screen, his private life has recently come into the spotlight due to his divorce from his second wife, Grace Hightower.
In Hollywood, it’s not uncommon for actors to marry other actors. However, De Niro’s marriages have been unique as both of his wives were not part of the entertainment industry. His second marriage to Grace Hightower lasted for 21 years and ended in 2018. But it seems that their divorce is not as simple as it initially appeared.
According to De Niro’s attorney, the renowned actor is being “forced to work” to support Hightower’s extravagant lifestyle. The financial burden has become a point of contention in their divorce proceedings. This revelation has shed light on the complexities of relationships in the entertainment industry.
Before delving into the details of De Niro’s personal life, let’s take a brief look at his remarkable career. Born on August 17, 1943, in New York City, De Niro developed a passion for acting at a young age. Despite dropping out of the esteemed High School of Music and Art, he pursued his dream and trained at the Conservatory of Acting under renowned performer Stella Adler.
De Niro’s talent quickly gained recognition, and he made his acting debut in the 1968 film “Greetings.” His breakthrough role came in 1973 with the movie “Bang the Drum Slowly.” Collaborating with director Martin Scorsese, De Niro achieved international fame with films like “Mean Streets” and “The Godfather: Part II.” He won his first Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Vito Corleone in the latter.
Subsequently, De Niro’s career soared as he delivered extraordinary performances in films like “Taxi Driver,” “The Deer Hunter,” and “Raging Bull,” for which he received his second Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Not only did his career flourish, but De Niro also found love during this time.
In 1976, De Niro married singer and actress Diahnne Abbott. They had a son, Raphael, and De Niro adopted Diahnne’s daughter Drena from a previous marriage. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1988. De Niro then entered a relationship with model Toukie Smith, with whom he had twin sons through in vitro fertilization and a surrogate mother.
In 1997, De Niro met Grace Hightower, who was working at a renowned restaurant in London. The couple tied the knot in 1997 and celebrated with a private ceremony at their New York home. They welcomed a son named Elliot, whom they chose to keep out of the public eye. However, in 2016, De Niro publicly disclosed Elliot’s autism diagnosis to raise awareness about the condition.
Unfortunately, De Niro and Hightower’s marriage faced challenges, leading to their separation in 1999. They filed for divorce but ultimately reconciled in 2004, renewing their vows in a heartfelt ceremony. The couple welcomed another child, a daughter named Helen, in 2011. However, their reconciliation was short-lived, and they officially divorced in 2018.
Currently, De Niro finds himself embroiled in a legal battle with Hightower over their divorce settlement. The details remain private, but it has been reported that De Niro is struggling to keep up with Hightower’s lavish lifestyle. Amid the pandemic, De Niro’s businesses, including his restaurants, have suffered significant financial losses. His attorney argues that at 77 years old, De Niro should not be forced to work excessively to maintain Hightower’s extravagant spending habits.
While the divorce proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the court will rule in De Niro and Hightower’s case. In the meantime, we can appreciate De Niro’s remarkable career and the impact he has made in the entertainment industry.
