10 July 2023 , 10:58
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Robert De Niro looked downcast as he was seen attending the wake of his 19-year-old grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.
The Taxi Driver star, 79, made an emotional appearance as he supported his daughter Drena De Niro as she laid her son to rest. Drena and her ex-husband Carlos Rodriguez put on a united front as they arrived at the wake hand-in-hand.
Robert looked sombre as he made his way to a waiting car to travel to the wake and he arrived separately to his daughter.
The actor also paid tribute to his "beloved" grandson after he was found dead by a friend inside a $950,000 (£750,000) apartment.
In a statement, Robert said: "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.
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Robert De Niro was seen attending his grandson's wake (GC Images)
He's paid tribute to his grandson (GC Images)"We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
Leandro died last week after taking fentanyl-laced pills at his Wall Street apartment. The teenager was found sitting in a chair beside white powder.
His funeral took place at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Robert was joined at the ceremony by his long-time friends Christopher Walken, Harvey Keitel and music executive Tommy Mottola.
Robert's girlfriend Tiffany Chen was also in attendance with their newborn daughter Gia.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez was just 19 when he died (Instagram)Leandro's mother shared a heartbreaking tribute to her son on Instagram last week as she announced his cause of death. Sharing a picture of her son, Drena wrote: "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 @carlosmare. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."