The unexpected loss of Robert De Niro‘s grandson is rocking the longstanding star’s family, and urging his many fans to share their heartfelt condolences.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, son of De Niro’s adopted daughter, Drena De Niro, was only 19 years old. The cause behind his death is still unknown, with little to go on but a heartbreaking Instagram post from his mother announcing Leandro’s loss. She shared her grief with the world on July 3, gushing over her son’s life and promising to “spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama.”
The De Niro family is understandably still reeling from news of Leandro’s death, but the 79-year-old De Niro still found time to release a brief statement. He informed fans, via a statement shared with Fox News, that he is “deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo,” but shared his appreciation for “the condolences from everyone,” before asking that his family “be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”
Leandro was reportedly fresh off his 19th birthday at the time of his death, which is only compounding his family’s grief. He was, according to NME, reportedly found “unconscious” and “unresponsive” at a “Wall Street address that houses the Cipriani Club Residences.”
Even those without an encyclopedic knowledge of De Niro’s broad acting resume may have some familiarity with Leandro, who enjoyed a few acting credits of his own. He made appearances in several major releases, including A Star Is Born, which he appeared in alongside his mother, and 2018’s Cabaret Maxime.