Robert De Niro mourns loss of 'beloved' grandson Leandro: 'I'm deeply distressed'


By AGENCY

Like his grandfather, 19-year-old Leandro was an actor who appeared in three films. Photos: TNS, Drena De Niro/Instagram

Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the grandson of Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, has died, his mother, Drena De Niro, announced Sunday (July 2).

"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," Drena wrote in the caption of an Instagram photo of her son.

She continued: "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."

Leandro was 19. No additional details, including a cause of death, were revealed. A representative for Drena De Niro did not immediately respond to The LA Times' request for comment Monday.

"I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo," Robert De Niro said in a statement shared with The LA Times on Monday. "We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."

Drena De Niro, 51, said her son was "deeply loved" and wished that "love alone could have saved you." Her Instagram caption also mentioned Leandro's father, artist Carlos "Mare 139" Rodriguez, who shared his condolences in the comments.

"My dear Drena... words aren't enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is Godschild now," Rodriguez said.

"On this full moon his spirit (illuminates) what could not be seen in the dark. You can't spell LOVE without LEO," Rodriguez posted a black square to his Instagram feed in remembrance of Leandro.

Like his grandfather and mother, Leandro was an actor who appeared in three films, including the 2018 drama A Star Is Born. Leandro also appeared in movies The Collection and Cabaret Maxime, according to IMDb.

Author Victoria Gotti, Naomi Campbell, Rosie Perez, Andy Cohen and Lee Daniels shared their condolences in the comments.

"Shocked! I'm so sorry! We are all here for you!!! I love you too much!" Perez wrote.

"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," Campbell replied to the Joy actor's post.

Drena De Niro is one of Robert De Niro's seven children. In May, the Raging Bull star revealed during an interview with ET Canada that he had recently welcomed a new child with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Robert de Niro

   

Next In Entertainment

'Abang Adik' wins Best Film at the 10th Asian World Film Festival held in Los Angeles
Action star Jackie Chan recalls earning his first HK$4mil pay cheque and buying 7 luxury watches in one go
HK actor Philip Keung tears up while discussing tough childhood; was once told to quit acting
Local hiphop superstar Yogi B and rising songstress Arulini to join music prodigy GV Prakash on stage in Bukit Jalil on Dec 7
'The Voice' winner recovers at home after being accidentally shot
Boy George regrets comments about Liam Payne days before death
Cher says ex-husband Sonny Bono ‘seriously thought’ about killing her near the end of their 'loveless marriage'
'Gladiator 3' already in works, say director and star
Japanese porn stars charging HK$150,000 for sex arrested in Hong Kong operation
Kenneth Ma and Moses Chan secure "No.1 brother" status in TVB anniversary group photo

Others Also Read