Robert De Niro, one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, has not only built a stellar career on screen but also a financial empire off it. As of 2025, Robert De Niro’s net worth is estimated at a massive $500 million, and at 81 years old, he’s still making headlines—not just for his movies, but for his business ventures and personal life. From his Oscar-winning performances to co-founding a global luxury restaurant chain, De Niro’s journey is one of grit, strategy, and artistic brilliance.
How Did Robert De Niro Make His Fortune?
De Niro’s wealth is deeply rooted in his prolific acting career, which took off in the early ’70s. He rose to fame with classics like Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, and The Godfather Part II, the last of which earned him his first Academy Award. Known for his dedication to method acting, De Niro didn’t just play roles—he lived them, whether it meant driving taxis or learning to box.
But acting is just part of his story. A huge chunk of his wealth comes from his business ventures, particularly the Nobu Hospitality empire. Co-founded with chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the Nobu brand has exploded into a global luxury chain with more than 40 restaurants and several hotels across the world. The franchise reportedly generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue, and De Niro holds a significant stake in it.
What Do We Know from His Divorce Filings?
Much of what we know about De Niro’s finances came to light during his very public and contentious divorce from Grace Hightower. According to court filings, De Niro earned between $250 million to $300 million from 2004 to 2018, largely through film salaries and business income. His net worth, confirmed in those documents, was already at least $500 million at the time.
Their 2004 prenup entitled Grace to $1 million annually during the marriage, a $6 million apartment, $500,000 in cash, and half the value of their shared residence. But as the divorce played out, she sought more—claiming she was kept in the dark about the full extent of his finances. The legal tug-of-war got even more intense in 2020, when Hightower accused De Niro of using the COVID-19 pandemic to cut her off financially.
Did the Pandemic Impact De Niro’s Wealth?
Like many business owners, De Niro’s finances took a hit during the COVID-19 crisis. His legal team revealed that the Nobu business had racked up significant losses—$3 million in April 2020 and $1.9 million in May 2020 alone. De Niro even had to borrow $500,000 to stay afloat, and his attorneys stated he would be “lucky to make $7.5 million” that year.
Though a tough financial period, it didn’t sink his empire. He’s since rebounded and continued to grow his investments, particularly in the hospitality and entertainment industries.
What Business Ventures Has De Niro Invested In?
Aside from Nobu, De Niro has a range of high-profile business interests. He co-owns The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, a luxury spot known for its discreet celebrity clientele. He also co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival, a project born out of a desire to help revitalize downtown Manhattan post-9/11.
In 2017, he partnered with Australian billionaire James Packer to develop a Caribbean resort called Paradise Found on the island of Barbuda. This resort project signals his ongoing interest in luxury hospitality and tourism, sectors that continue to grow globally.
What’s Going on in Robert De Niro’s Personal Life?
De Niro’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He’s been married twice—first to actress Diahnne Abbott, with whom he has a son, Raphael, and an adopted daughter, Drena. He later had twins, Julian and Aaron, with former model Toukie Smith via surrogacy.
In 1997, he married Grace Hightower, with whom he has two children, Elliot and Helen Grace (also born via surrogate). Despite their attempt to reconcile after filing for divorce in 1999, the couple officially separated in 2018, and their divorce was finalized in 2021.
And in 2023, De Niro stunned fans by welcoming his seventh child at the age of 79—proving once again that age is just a number for this Hollywood heavyweight.
Where Does Robert De Niro Live?
De Niro is a true New Yorker. Over the years, he has owned multiple properties across Manhattan, including prime real estate on both the East and West Sides. In 2006, he and Hightower purchased a $20.9 million apartment from Harvey Weinstein. That apartment was later listed by Grace in 2024 for $20 million, with her listed as the sole owner—likely a part of their divorce settlement.
He’s also invested heavily in the Tribeca area, pouring both money and passion into developing it as a cultural and culinary hub.
