Robert De Niro’s daughter, Airyn, is stepping into the spotlight, not just as a member of one of Hollywood’s most famous families, but as a trans woman embracing her true identity.
In an exclusive interview with Them published on April 29, 2025, Airyn opened up about her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of growing up “out of the limelight.”
At 29, Airyn, who is the daughter of the Oscar-winning actor and actress Toukie Smith, revealed that she has been on a personal journey of stepping into her new identity, one she hopes will inspire others, especially those from underrepresented communities. She explained, “There’s a difference between being visible and being seen. I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Her interview comes after recent media reports that misrepresented details of her life, prompting Airyn to reflect on how little the world truly knows about her. She responded to being labeled a “nepo baby” by noting that she wasn’t raised in the public eye, unlike many children of famous parents. “I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of dad’s movies or going to business meetings,” she said. Her parents were intentional about keeping her childhood private, allowing her to carve her own path.
Growing up, Airyn struggled with body dysmorphia and societal beauty standards. She recalled being told she was “too much of something or not enough of something.” Whether it was about her body size or racial identity, she felt she was never “just right.” This led to years of self-doubt, but with the support of her mother and the influence of Black women, she decided to take charge of her future. In November 2024, she began hormone therapy, a step toward fully embracing who she is.
As she continues her transition, Airyn hopes to serve as an inspiration for others, particularly Black, queer, and larger-bodied individuals. “I’d want to see more trans women, more Black women who are maybe bigger-bodied or don’t fit the mold of super thin or heroin chic,” she shared. Beyond her personal journey, Airyn is studying to become a mental health counselor. She is passionate about advocating for mental health support, particularly for people of color and queer individuals who often face barriers to care.
In addition to her new journey, Airyn’s father, Robert De Niro, recently welcomed his youngest child, Gia, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023, making Airyn one of the actor’s seven children. As she moves forward in her life, Airyn is determined to redefine what it means to be seen and heard in the world.
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