Robert De Niro’s closest Hollywood friends, including Christopher Walken, Michael Imperioli, and Harvey Keitel, attended the wake of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, who died of a fentanyl overdose. The stars were seen arriving at the funeral chapel where many legendary entertainers’ funerals have been held. De Niro’s girlfriend and their infant daughter were also in attendance.
Robert De Niro had the support of his Hollywood friends, including Christopher Walken, Michael Imperioli, and Harvey Keitel, at the wake of his grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, who passed away from an apparent fentanyl overdose.
Title: Hollywood Stars Rally Around Robert De Niro Amid Tragic Loss of Grandson
Robert De Niro found solace in the support of his closest Hollywood friends as he mourned the untimely death of his beloved grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. Esteemed actors Christopher Walken, Michael Imperioli, and Harvey Keitel were spotted attending Leandro’s wake held at the iconic Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in New York City, a venue that has hosted the funerals of entertainment legends such as Judy Garland and Heath Ledger.
Christopher Walken, who first collaborated with De Niro on the critically acclaimed film “The Deer Hunter” in 1978, arrived at the wake wearing a dignified gray suit and black tie. Harvey Keitel and his wife, Daphna Kastner, were dressed all in black in a show of solidarity. Michael Imperioli, De Niro’s co-star from “Goodfellas,” also came out to pay his respects, dressed appropriately for the solemn occasion.
Robert De Niro, joined by his girlfriend Tiffany Chen and their 3-month-old daughter, Gia, attended the service wearing a mask and baseball hat. However, he later chose a more traditional black suit and tan collared shirt. The grieving actor tried to protect his privacy, shielding his face behind a newspaper as he left the wake. Following the service, De Niro and his celebrity friends found comfort and shared a meal at the renowned Italian restaurant Sistina, just across the street.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of Robert De Niro and son of his eldest child, Drena, tragically passed away on July 2 from an apparent fentanyl overdose. Devastated by the loss, Drena took to Instagram to express her heartbreak, describing Leandro as her “beautiful sweet angel” and sharing her profound grief at losing him. In her emotional post, she held accountable those who knowingly sold her son fentanyl-laced pills, emphatically condemning their actions.
Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is approved by the FDA for pain relief purposes. However, it is known to be far more potent than morphine and heroin. Robert De Niro, deeply distressed by the loss of his grandson, requested privacy during this difficult time while expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of condolences.
Robert De Niro’s adoption of Drena in 1976 demonstrates the bond between them, as he supported her throughout her life despite his divorce from her mother, Diahnne Abbott, more than a decade later. Despite the tragic circumstances, the solidarity shown by De Niro’s Hollywood friends reflects the profound impact Leandro had on their lives, underscoring the importance of empathy and support during times of grief.
In memory of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, let us hope that his untimely passing serves as a reminder of the urgency to address the global drug crisis and the need to prioritize the well-being of individuals struggling with addiction. Our thoughts are with the De Niro family during this heartbreaking time.