Aaron Kendrick De Niro, now known as Airyn De Niro, is a prime example of someone from a legendary Hollywood family forging their own path. For years, the public knew little about Robert De Niro’s private twin son. However, that all changed in 2025 when Airyn came out as a transgender woman in a groundbreaking interview. This is her story—from a childhood shielded from the spotlight to her emergence as a proud advocate for the trans community, mental health, and body positivity. This article explores her journey, her famous family, and her vision for a more inclusive world.
Who Is Airyn (Aaron Kendrick) De Niro?
Airyn De Niro is the child of Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro and actress-model Toukie Smith. She was assigned male at birth and named Aaron Kendrick. In 2025, she publicly came out as a transgender woman and now uses the name Airyn. While she has kept a low profile for most of her life, she is currently an aspiring model, actress, and mental health counselor, using her platform to advocate for underrepresented communities.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name at Birth | Aaron Kendrick De Niro |
| Preferred Name | Airyn De Niro |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1995 |
| Age | 30 (as of 2026) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Parents | Robert De Niro (father) & Toukie Smith (mother) |
| Twin Brother | Julian Henry De Niro |
| Occupation | Transgender Activist, Mental Health Counselor (in training), Model, Actress |
| Net Worth (est.) | $800,000 – $5 million |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
Early Life and Family Background
Airyn De Niro was born Aaron Kendrick De Niro on October 20, 1995, in New York City. Moreover, she is the identical twin of Julian Henry De Niro. Their parents are Hollywood legend Robert De Niro and former model and actress Toukie Smith. The twins were conceived via in vitro fertilization and, consequently, delivered by a surrogate mother.
Growing up primarily in Manhattan, Airyn’s parents were committed to keeping her and her brother out of the media’s harsh glare, allowing them a childhood as normal as possible despite their father’s fame.
Siblings: The De Niro Family Tree
Airyn is part of a large, blended family. In addition to her twin brother Julian, she has several half-siblings:
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Drena De Niro: Adopted older sister, an actress and model.
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Raphael De Niro: Older half-brother, an actor and producer.
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Elliot De Niro: Younger half-brother.
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Helen Grace De Niro: Younger half-sister.
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Gia De Niro: Younger half-sister.
Notably, her twin brother Julian has pursued a career in acting, appearing in projects like The First Lady as a young Barack Obama.
Public Appearance and Transformation
In March 2025, Aaron Kendrick De Niro made headlines when spotted with Robert De Niro in New York City, sporting a bold new look. Aaron was seen with long pink dreadlocks, wearing heeled boots, and embracing an edgy, androgynous style. This striking appearance led to widespread public speculation, setting the stage for her official coming out just a month later.
Coming Out as a Transgender Woman
In April 2025, Airyn publicly came out as a transgender woman in an interview with the LGBTQ+ publication Them. In this interview, she revealed that she began hormone replacement therapy in November 2024. Airyn explained that her transition was deeply influenced by the strength and beauty of Black women and her desire to live authentically.
She has since explained her choice of the name Airyn, stating that she had a conversation with herself, asking, “Who do I want to be?”
Robert De Niro’s Support
Following her coming out, Robert De Niro publicly expressed his unwavering support. In a statement to Variety, he said, “I loved and supported Aaron as my son, and now I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children”. This public declaration of love and acceptance was widely praised.
Career and Advocacy
Airyn pursues several professional ambitions. She is studying to become a mental health counselor focused on supporting people of color and queer individuals, and she advocates for better mental-health resources for these marginalized communities. Additionally, an aspiring model and actress who aims to represent plus-size trans women of color, she rejects the “nepo baby” label, saying her parents kept her out of the spotlight and her advocacy stands on its own merits.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Airyn has not publicly disclosed her net worth. While some estimates range from $800,000 to $5 million, these figures are not officially confirmed. Her primary focus appears to be on her advocacy and education rather than accumulating wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:1 Why did Aaron Kendrick De Niro change her name?
Airyn chose the name as part of her gender transition, reflecting her true identity as a transgender woman.
Q:2 Has Robert De Niro publicly supported Airyn’s transition?
Yes. He has been openly supportive, stating that he loves and supports her as his daughter.
Q:3 What is Airyn De Niro’s educational background?
She is studying to become a mental health counselor.
Q:4 Does Airyn plan to act in movies or TV shows?
She has expressed interest in acting and modeling, but her primary focus is on advocacy.
Q:5 What is Airyn’s relationship with her mother, Toukie Smith?
They are close, and Toukie has been a steady source of support.
Q:6 Has Airyn faced any backlash for being a “nepo baby”?
Yes, but she has responded by emphasizing her own work and advocacy.
Q:7 What pronouns does Airyn De Niro use?
She uses she/her pronouns.
Q:8 Is Airyn active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram and TikTok, where she posts about trans visibility.
Q:9 Has Airyn undergone any gender-affirming surgeries?
She has not publicly disclosed this information.
Q:10 What is Airyn’s stance on trans rights legislation?
She is a vocal advocate for protecting trans youth and adults from discriminatory laws.
Q:11 Where does Airyn De Niro currently live?
She resides in New York City.
Q:12 What is Airyn’s height?
Airyn is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Conclusion
Airyn De Niro’s journey is one of profound courage and authenticity. Born into immense privilege and public expectation, she chose a path of privacy before stepping into the light on her own terms. By sharing her truth, Airyn has moved from the quiet background of a legendary family to the forefront of advocacy, inspiring countless others with her story. Her legacy is not one of inheritance, but of building a better, more inclusive world with her own voice.
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