The actor, who is 81, is also dad to two children with his first wife Diahnne Abbott, twins with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith, and two children with his ex-wife Grace Hightower.
In a new interview with broadcaster Chris Wallace, De Niro opened up about raising seven kids. The actor participated in a wide-ranging conversation with the journalist on Wallace’s Max interview series Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace, and De Niro’s episode was released on Friday.
Near the end of the interview, Wallace asked De Niro about his life as a parent. The two-time Oscar winner then joked about what he’d like engraved on his tombstone.
“I’m trying my best,” De Niro said of being a parent. “I’m going to put on my gravestone, ‘I tried my best.’ He added, laughing, “I was thinking about [that] the other day.” He also joked that he’d add, “And please forgive me for everything that I’ve done.”
De Niro, who has starred in classic films like The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Cape Fear, and Goodfellas, denied that he was overly concerned with his career. “I don’t think of it that way. I was busy, of course,” he said, tearing up. “I always loved my kids.”
He also opened up about welcoming Gia last year, saying, “Well, she’s pure joy.” He also added again, “I’m trying my best.”
You can watch De Niro’s full interview with Wallace on MAX here.
