7 Shocking Facts About Robert De Niro's Partner, Tiffany Chen: The Tai Chi Master Who Stole His Heart (2026 Update)
The relationship between legendary actor Robert De Niro and martial arts instructor Tiffany Chen continues to captivate the public and media, not just for the couple's significant age difference, but for the fascinating, private life Chen has maintained despite her partner's global fame. As of early 2026, the couple remains one of Hollywood's most talked-about pairs, having recently made a high-profile appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing a bond that appears stronger than ever since welcoming their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, in 2023. This deep dive uncovers the most current and essential facts about the woman who has become the mother of De Niro's seventh child, from her family legacy in kung fu to the serious health challenge she faced after childbirth.
The public's curiosity about Tiffany Chen exploded when Robert De Niro, in a casual remark in May 2023, corrected an interviewer by stating he was a father of "seven," not six, officially announcing the birth of baby Gia. Since then, the couple has navigated their new parenthood alongside De Niro's demanding career and Chen's own personal health journey, confirming that their connection is rooted far deeper than a typical Hollywood romance.
Tiffany Chen: Biography and Martial Arts Lineage
Tiffany Chen is far more than Robert De Niro's partner; she is an accomplished, decorated athlete and instructor in her own right, born into a family with a profound legacy in Chinese martial arts. Her life has been dedicated to the discipline of Tai Chi Chuan, a path that unexpectedly led her to Hollywood.
- Full Name: Tiffany Chen
- Occupation: Professional Martial Arts Instructor, Tai Chi Master, Former Actress
- Father: Grandmaster William C.C. Chen
- Martial Arts Style: Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan
- Known For: Multiple gold medals in national and international martial arts competitions.
- Partner: Robert De Niro (since approximately 2021)
- Child: Gia Virginia Chen De Niro (born April 2023)
- How They Met: On the set of the 2015 film The Intern.
Fact 1: She is the Daughter of a Tai Chi Legend
Tiffany Chen was literally born into a kung fu dynasty. Her father is the renowned Grandmaster William C.C. Chen, a senior disciple of the legendary Professor Cheng Man-Ching. Grandmaster Chen is a highly influential figure in the world of martial arts, particularly known for developing the 60 Movement Yang Style Tai Chi Form. Growing up in this environment, Tiffany began training from a young age, mastering the slow, precise movements of Yang-style tai chi that promote internal energy and balance.
Fact 2: She is a Highly Decorated Martial Artist
Her dedication is evident in her competitive record. Chen is a gold medalist in national and international martial arts competitions, showcasing that her skills are not merely inherited but rigorously earned. Her expertise in Tai Chi is what initially brought her into the orbit of Hollywood, leading to her eventual meeting with the two-time Oscar winner.
From Co-Star to Partner: How *The Intern* Sparked a Romance
The origin of their relationship is rooted in a professional collaboration that began over a decade ago, long before they were publicly linked as a couple.
Fact 3: They Met on the Set of a 2015 Film
Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen first crossed paths on the set of the 2015 comedy film, The Intern. In the movie, Chen played a Tai Chi instructor hired to help De Niro's character, Ben Whittaker, learn the martial art. Their on-screen interactions, where she guided him through the movements, laid the foundation for their future off-screen connection.
While they were seen together in the years following the film's release, rumors of a romantic relationship only began to intensify in August 2021, when they were photographed together on a romantic trip to the South of France. Their public outings became more frequent, confirming that their professional acquaintance had blossomed into a committed partnership.
Gia Virginia and the Postpartum Health Challenge
In 2023, the couple's relationship reached a new milestone with the birth of their daughter, Gia, a joyous event that was soon followed by a significant personal health crisis for Chen.
Fact 4: Gia Virginia is De Niro's Seventh Child
In April 2023, Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro welcomed their daughter, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro. This addition made De Niro a father for the seventh time at the age of 79, placing him among Hollywood's older fathers, alongside his longtime friend Al Pacino. Gia joined De Niro's six older children from previous relationships: Drena De Niro, Raphael De Niro (from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott), twins Julian and Aaron (with Touki Smith), and Elliot and Helen (with his ex-wife Grace Hightower). De Niro has since shared that life with baby Gia makes everything "more fun."
Fact 5: She Developed Bell’s Palsy Postpartum
A few days after giving birth to Gia, Tiffany Chen began to experience facial paralysis, which was later diagnosed as Bell's palsy. Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis or weakness often linked to stress, hormonal shifts, and is known to be more common in the third trimester of pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period.
Fact 6: She Was Hospitalized and Lost Facial Function
Chen publicly opened up about her traumatic experience in a tearful interview, recalling how she lost all facial function on one side. She described feeling like her face was "melting" and was unable to eat normally. This struggle highlighted the often-unseen health complications that can arise during the postpartum period, bringing a sensitive and personal topic to a global stage. Her candidness was praised for raising awareness about postpartum health and Bell's palsy.
The Enduring Legacy and Public Glimpses (Cannes 2025)
Despite their desire for privacy, the couple has continued to make selective public appearances, often tied to Robert De Niro’s celebrated career, with their most recent outing being a major event on the global film calendar.
Fact 7: They Made a Rare Appearance at Cannes 2025
In one of their most recent and high-profile public outings, Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen attended the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. The couple was photographed holding hands on the red carpet for the opening ceremony and a screening, where De Niro, at 81, was honored with the prestigious Honorary Palme d'Or for his contributions to cinema. This appearance served as a definitive, fresh update on their relationship, confirming their continued support for each other and their status as a high-profile, if private, Hollywood power couple. The images from the event, showing the couple smiling and looking cozy, quickly went viral, reigniting discussions about their unique partnership and the 36-year age difference.
Tiffany Chen's story is one of quiet mastery and unexpected fame. From the disciplined world of Yang-style Tai Chi, taught by her Grandmaster father, to the intense scrutiny of a relationship with one of the world's most iconic actors, she has maintained a graceful composure. Her public battle with Bell's palsy, her role as the mother of Gia Virginia, and her consistent presence by Robert De Niro's side—most recently at Cannes 2025—paint a picture of a woman who is a dedicated partner, a resilient mother, and a true master of her craft, carving out her own unique legacy within the De Niro family narrative.
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