‘Deeply distressed’: Robert De Niro’s ‘beloved’ grandson Leandro dies aged 19
The actor’s eldest daughter Drena, from his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott, shared the news in an emotional post on Instagram. Leandro followed in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather and had acting credits in some well-known films.
Monday 3 July 2023 19:54, UK
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Robert De Niro ( L) and Drena De Niro pictures in 2015. Pic: AP
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Robert De Niro and Drena De Niro pictured in 2015. Pic: AP
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Robert De Niro’s “beloved” grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez has died aged 19.
Drena, De Niro’s eldest daughter, announced the news on Instagram on Monday – saying the family had lost a “sweet angel”.
The 51-year-old shared the news in an emotional post. She wrote: “My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly.
“You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life. I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you.”
The post continued: “I don’t know how to live without you but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama.
“You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you I’m so sorry my baby, I’m so sorry @carlosmare. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy.”
In a statement Robert De Niro said: “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.
“We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”
Drena did not share further details about Leandro’s death.
The post was met with an outpouring of support and condolences to the family.
Film director Lee Daniels shared his sympathies and said: “Drena may GOD keep you in his arms.”
Actress Rosie Perez wrote: “Shocked! I’m so sorry! We are all here for you! I love you too much.”
Carlos Mare, father to Leandro, has not yet commented but shared a blacked-out image on Instagram.
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Drena had also recently shared a carousel of photos with Leandro and the family on Mother’s Day.
The caption said: “Mothers Day ~ A Lil bit of Leo Lil bit of Mare, Lots of Sunny & CleoPipa #AliceDoesntLiveHereAnymore Lots of memories of my soulmate, fur baby Daisy.
“Today was a good day.”
Leandro followed in his mother’s and grandfather’s footsteps in acting. He had small roles in A Star is Born, The Collection and Cabaret Maxime.
Robert De Niro’s children
Robert De Niro adopted Drena as his daughter during his marriage with Diahnne Abbott. She was Abbott’s daughter from her previous marriage.
In May of this year, The Godfather actor welcomed his seventh child, Gia, at the age of 79.
De Niro is also father to Raphael, 46, again with his first wife Abbott.
He had twins, Julian and Aaron, during his second marriage to Toukie Smith. The brothers are now 27.
In 1998, De Niro’s then-wife Grace Hightower gave him another son, Elliot. In 2016 De Niro revealed Elliot has autism.
Then, in 2011, De Niro had Helen via a surrogate. Helen is now 11.
De Niro has three other grandchildren, who are the children of Raphael.
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