As an actor, Robert De Niro often plays tough guys. But 2-year-old daughter Gia has been bringing out her dad’s softer side.
The pair went backstage prior to The Wiggles’ concert in New York City on June 29. The 81-year-old De Niro shook hands, gave hugs and even enjoyed a serenade. Gia, who had a light-up bubble blower in hand, seemed to be taking in the entire experience very seriously.
This isn’t De Niro’s first experience with the Australian children’s supergroup. Just a few weeks ago he hopped on the TikTok “good night” trend to FaceTime his buddy, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese. De Niro showed Scorsese what he was up to at the time: watching The Wiggles on his TV.
TODAY anchor Carson Daly played both clips on air on June 30.
“The Oscar winner just made some dreams come true for his little one,” Carson said. “Check this out: De Niro using the best of his Hollywood connections getting his daughter to actually meet The Wiggles.” The other anchors started laughing in the background.
“In a sweet series of photos and videos, the big screen icon can be seen having an absolute blast with all the bubbles and fanfare from the colorful kids group,” Carson said.
“There’s got to be some benefit to being Robert De Niro,” joked Saturday TODAY host Laura Jarrett.
“I love everything about that,” said Craig Melvin. “Robert De Niro using his power for good.”
Robert De Niro and Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro meet “The Wiggles” in New York City. (John Nacion / Getty Images)
Gia is the youngest of De Niro’s seven kids.
The Hollywood legend, who first became a father in 1976, has been married twice.
He shares daughter Drena and son Raphael with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott, to whom he was married from 1976 to 1988. De Niro shares his twins — Julian and Airyn — with Toukie Smith in 1995. In 1997, De Niro tied the knot with his second wife, Grace Hightower. They had two children, Elliot and Helen, before divorcing in 2018.
Finally, he welcomed daughter Gia with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in April 2023.
While visiting TODAY in 2024, De Niro graded himself as a dad. “I’m OK,” he said bluntly, then broke out into laughter with the TODAY co-hosts.
We’re guessing a private visit with The Wiggles might have just upped that grade!
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
