Robert De Niro’s fatherhood journey at 79 stirred quite a bit of discussion, and the news of his new role as a dad again with film producer Tiffany Chen surprised many. The revelation, made at a red carpet event last May, created quite a buzz among fans.

Now, at 80, De Niro has opened up about his experiences as a father to his 8-month-old daughter, Gia, in an interview with AARP for their upcoming February/March issue. Despite his age, the actor is deeply moved by his role as a parent. He shared, “I’m an 80-year-old dad and it’s great. Everything that I’m consumed with or worried about just goes away when I look at her. It’s wondrous.”

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on January 4, 2024 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

De Niro, known for his role in The Irishman and recently nominated for an Oscar for Flowers of the Killer Moon, also noted that Gia reminds him of his daughter Helen, whom he had with Grace Hightower in 2011. He expressed his desire to be present and enjoy as much time with Gia as possible.

Reflecting on fatherhood, De Niro admitted, “I don’t think I’m a cool dad,” but he emphasizes the importance of being loving with his children, even if it sometimes requires being stern. “You always want to do the right thing by the children and give them the benefit of the doubt but sometimes you can’t,” he added.

Following his split from Grace Hightower in 2018, De Niro appears to have found love again with Tiffany Chen. He has six children from previous relationships, including Drena and Raphael with his first wife Diahnne Abbott, Elliot and Helen with Hightower, and twin sons Aaron and Julian with Toukie Smith.

It’s clear that De Niro remains a dedicated and caring father, regardless of his age.