Robert De Niro’s daughter, Airyn, is stepping into the spotlight on her own terms — sharing her truth, her identity, and the path that’s led her to now.
In a powerful new interview, the 29-year-old came out publicly as a transgender woman, revealing that she began hormone therapy in November 2023 and crediting an unexpected influence for her decision to go public: Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Airyn, who is the daughter of legendary actor Robert De Niro and actress Toukie Smith, explained that Halle Bailey’s performance as Ariel in the live-action remake of the Disney classic had a transformative effect on her.
“I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me,” she told Them. “I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way.”
Airyn said a key turning point was her first appointment at a Black hair salon after watching the movie. It was a moment that marked a deeper step into her authentic self.
Speaking with a calm but firm voice, the 29-year-old then challenged labels and expectations that have clung to her since childhood. “I was always told I was too much of something or not enough of something growing up: Too big, not skinny enough. Not Black enough, not white enough. Too feminine, not masculine enough,” she shared. “It was never just, ‘You’re just right, just the way you are.’ ”
“There’s a difference between being visible and being seen,” she added. “I’ve been visible. I don’t think I’ve been seen yet.”
Keeping it private, finding her voice
Despite being born into Hollywood royalty, Airyn said her parents made a concerted effort to shield her and her twin brother, Julian, from the limelight. De Niro, now 81, dated Smith in the ‘90s, and the pair welcomed their twins in 1995.
“Obviously, no parent is perfect, but I am grateful that both my parents agreed to keep me out of the limelight,” she said. “They have told me they wanted me to have as much of a normal childhood as possible.”
The decision to live outside of the Hollywood spotlight meant she didn’t grow up with red carpet appearances or film cameos. “I wasn’t brought up having a side part in one of dad’s movies or going to business meetings or attending premieres,” she said. “My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path … I would want [success] to happen on my own merit.”
She also addressed the “nepo baby” label frequently attached to celebrity children, making it clear that her journey has always been hers alone.
“Maybe I can start”
Airyn’s decision to come out at 29 comes after years of self-reflection and gradual steps toward embracing who she is — both as a trans woman and a proud Black woman.
“I didn’t even fit that beauty standard, which is thin, white, muscular, or just super fit, masculine,” she admitted. “Being a trans woman means being honest and open, especially [in] public spaces like social media.”
And when asked why now, at nearly 30, she doesn’t hesitate. “I’m like, ‘You know what? Maybe it’s not too late for me. Maybe I can start.’”
Readers Respond
After the article was published, readers flooded Them's social media channels with support and love for Airyn.
"Amazing, thank you for showing the world who you are with your own voice! Our world needs so much more of this from our diverse community," one Instagram user commented.
Another added: "Beautiful inside and out."
"I’m so happy to hear about your story @voiceofairyn," a third wrote. "It’s never too late to share. Visibility is important, but unfortunately also comes with so much hate. You’ll find however that our community is a strong and resilient one."
Robert De Niro, who has seven children — including Airyn, Julian, Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen, and Gia — has not commented publicly on the interview. But Airyn's words speak for themselves: this isn’t about celebrity, fame, or headlines. It’s about honesty, identity, and finally being seen.