Drew Barrymore reveals why she calls Robert De Niro a 'dad figure' in heartfelt reunion on her talk show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert De Niro has played many roles in his legendary career, but for Drew Barrymore, he holds a special place as a father figure.
The two actors, who portrayed a father and daughter duo in the 2009 film 'Everybody’s Fine', reunited on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' on Tuesday, March 25, where Barrymore shared her admiration for the Oscar-winning actor.
Drew Barrymore recalls the 'thrill of a lifetime' with Robert De Niro
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Barrymore expressed her deep respect for De Niro as she recalled their time working together on the heartfelt drama written and directed by Kirk Jones.
“I love how much I know you as a dad figure,” Barrymore told De Niro.
“I loved getting to be your daughter. That was the thrill of a lifetime for me,” she shared with the 81-year-old actor.
De Niro, in his characteristic reserved manner, responded with warmth.
“You were terrific,” he said.
Inside Drew Barrymore and Robert De Niro's special bond
During the episode, Barrymore displayed a nostalgic throwback photo of the duo “hanging out after work” in De Niro’s trailer while filming 'Everybody’s Fine'.
The 50-year-old actress and talk show host described him as “so lovely and kind.”
“I was just so excited to get to know you in an appropriate environment,” she added, reminiscing about their time together on set.
Beyond their professional relationship, Barrymore and De Niro also share a connection through their children.
She pointed out that both her daughters and De Niro’s children attended the same school in New York City.
Barrymore has two daughters, Olive and Frankie, with ex-husband Will Kopelman.
Meanwhile, De Niro, a father-of-seven, shares children with multiple partners, including his most recent daughter, Gia, born in April 2023 with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
“You were such a nice, good dad,” Barrymore said to De Niro, adding “I always clock that because I feel like all us girls want to have a nice dad.”
De Niro smiled at the compliment, simply responding, “Yeah, I try my best.”
Robert De Niro’s role as a father
Robert De Niro has openly discussed his experiences as a father.
In a February 2024 interview with People, he described baby Gia as an “adorable baby” and a source of immense joy in his life.
“When I look at her, everything else goes away,” he said.
“So it’s a great joy and relief to just be with her in the moment,” he added.
In a January interview with The Sunday Times, the actor also shared details about his daily routine as a father to a young child, revealing that he spends his mornings watching Ms Rachel with Gia and feeding her a bottle.
