Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, Robert De Niro’s Grandson, Dead at 19

By Alex Vena
Published July 3, 2023, 1:50 p.m. ET

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A Star Is Born (2018)

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Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, grandson of iconic actor Robert De Niro, has died at age 19, per Variety. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.

The About My Father star told the outlet, “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.”

Rodriguez was one of De Niro’s four grandchildren. His mother Drena De Niro, De Niro’s daughter with his first wife, actress Diahnne Abbott, shared the tragic news on Instagram yesterday (July 2).

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 . 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 🙏🏽💔💔💔💔💔🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️”

Rodriguez followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, and acted alongside his mother in the 2018 A Star is Born as Leo Stone and Paulette Stone respectively, a mother and son duo. The two also played mother and son in Cabaret Maxime, another 2018 film starring The Sopranos co-stars Michael Imperioli and John Ventimiglia, and The Collection (2005).

Other celebrities have sent their condolences to Drena via her post. Producer, director, and screenwriter Lee Daniels wrote, “Drena may GOD keep you in his arms. ♥️🙏🏽.” Bravo‘s Andy Cohen commented, “Drena I am so sad to hear about beautiful Leo. Sending you all my love ❤️.” Naomi Campbell penned, “Drena heartbroken for you , such a Duo , i can’t imagine how you must feel , May the lord cover you and hold you in his arms ,at this very sad time and loss .. I love you , always here for you 🕊️💔🙏🏾.”