Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of the Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, has tragically passed away at 19. His mother, actress Drena De Niro, announced the news on social media.
In an emotional Instagram post, she mourned the loss of her son, saying, “You have been my joy, my heart, and all that was ever pure and real in my life. 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”.
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Leandro’s father, artist Carlos Rodriguez, known as Carlos Mare, also shared a heart-wrenching response on the post, expressing the immense joy his son had brought to their lives and the profound loss they are now enduring. He concluded his message by saying, “He is Godschild now.”
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Leandro was a budding actor, having appeared alongside his mother in the 2018 film “A Star Is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. His other acting credits included “The Collection” in 2005 and “Cabaret Maxime” in 2018.
Robert De Niro, in a statement, expressed his deep distress over his grandson’s passing, 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 cause of Leandro’s death was not immediately known, though it was reported that drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.
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The news has sparked an outpouring of condolences and support from the entertainment community, with celebrities such as Andy Cohen and Naomi Campbell expressing their sadness and heartbreak over the loss.
Cohen wrote, “I am so sad to hear about beautiful Leo,” while Campbell shared how “heartbroken” she was “at this very sad time and loss.” The family has requested privacy as they mourn this devastating loss.
