Actor Robert De Niro has broken his silence after his grandson Leandro was found dead at the age of 19.
De Niro’s adopted daughter, Drena De Niro, shared her son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez with artist Carlos Rodriguez.
On Sunday, Drena announced the news of Leandro’s death in a post on Instagram.
Instagram / @drenadeniro
She directed the post towards her son, writing: “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. Rest in peace and eternal paradise my darling boy.”
Following in the footsteps of his mother and his grandfather, Leandro was an actor who appeared alongside his mom in the 2018 film A Star Is Born, in which they played mother and son Paulette Stone and Leo Stone alongside stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
Leandro also worked with his mom in Cabaret Maxime (2018) and The Collection (2005).
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
De Niro has now addressed the loss of his grandson in a statement, saying: “‘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.”
The family has been flooded with support in the wake of Leandro’s death, with Drena responding to one message of condolence to say: “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 [sic] now.”
Goodfellas actor Debi Mazar is among those who have shared kind words in the wake of Leandro’s death, writing: “I have no words …I’m in shock. I’m so sorry… I love you both so much.”
Naomi Campbell added: “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.”
Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro has died
Drena De Niro confirmed the tragic news in a post on Instagram
Drena De Niro’s son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of Hollywood star Robert De Niro, has died.
The 51-year-old actress announced the tragic news in an emotional post on her Instagram page.
Instagram / @drenadeniro
In a statement posted to her social media, Drena De Niro said: “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. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy.”
Loved ones have shared their condolences in their responses to the post.
Actress Lana Parilla wrote: “Drena, I’m so deeply sorry. Sending you an enormous amount of love, prayers and strength. May God be with you and all who love your darling boy.”
Producer Lee Daniels said: “Drena may GOD keep you in his arms.”
Instagram / @drenadeniro
Rosie Perez replied: “Shocked! I’m so sorry! We are all here for you !!! I love you too [sic] much!”
Leandro’s father, artist Carlos Mare, posted a blacked out image on his Instagram page, though he has not publicly made any statements.
Leandro was an actor like his mother and grandfather before him. He appeared in 2018 alongside his mother Drena in A Star is Born. He played the son of Dave Chapelle’s George “Noodles” Stone.
His other acting credits included 2005’s The Collection, and 2018’s Cabaret Maxime.
On Mothers’ Day, Drena had posted a number of pictures sharing the day with Leandro. She captioned the posts: “A Lil bit of Leo Lil bit of Mare , Lots of Sunny & CleoPipa. Lots of memories of my soulmate ,fur baby Daisy. Today was a good day.”
Drena is the eldest of Robert De Niro’s seven children. Her mother is Diahnne Abbott, De Niro’s first wife. In May De Niro welcomed a daughter with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. The child is the pair’s first together, and De Niro’s seventh.
