In a heart-wrenching revelation, renowned actor Robert De Niro opened up about the profound shock and disbelief he experienced upon learning about the tragic death of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, in July 2023. Leandro’s passing, attributed to a drug overdose involving fentanyl-laced pills, left De Niro grappling with profound grief and a sense of profound loss.
Leandro, the son of De Niro’s adopted daughter Drena and artist Carlos Rodriguez, was discovered deceased in his downtown Manhattan apartment on July 2, 2023. The devastating loss reverberated through the family, casting a shadow of sorrow and disbelief.
In a poignant interview with People magazine, De Niro expressed his shock and disbelief, revealing, “It’s just a shock. I never thought it would happen.” The unexpected tragedy prompted De Niro to reflect on his relationship with his grandson and ponder over whether there was more he could have done to intervene or support Leandro.
“I just then started thinking about all the things I could have, should have done maybe with him,” De Niro shared, highlighting the haunting questions that linger in the wake of such a loss. “I don’t know if that would’ve made a difference. And so that’s always playing through my mind.”
De Niro’s candid remarks underscore the profound impact of Leandro’s untimely death on him and the entire family. The actor lamented the tragedy, emphasizing, “It shouldn’t have happened.”
Leandro, who had been following in his grandfather’s illustrious footsteps as an actor, had begun to carve out his own path in the entertainment industry. With credits in notable films like “A Star Is Born,” “Cabaret Maxime,” and “The Collection,” his promising career was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
As De Niro continues to grapple with the aftermath of his grandson’s passing, his poignant reflections serve as a reminder of the devastating toll of addiction and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
