Robert De Niro is a household name for every movie buff. His roles in movies like The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, and The Deer Hunter earned him many accolades, including two Oscars.
While De Niro himself is exceptionally talented, did you know his grandson was also an up-and-coming star? 19-year-old Leandro De Niro was a promising actor who had appeared as supporting characters in a few movies.
However, his promising career was cut short as news of his death reached his family on Sunday.
What could have happened to the young adult? How was he discovered dead? Read on to know the full details.
Who Is Leandro De Niro?
Leandro De Niro is the grandson of Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro. At 19 years old, he had already bagged two acting roles in major movies. He acted as a supporting character, Leo Stone, in the 2018 movie, “A Star is Born,” and again in “Cabaret Maxime” in the same year.
Leandro was also featured as a child actor in “The Collection,” a 2005 feature film project by director Bruno de Almeida.
How did Leandro De Niro Die?
This Sunday, Leandro De Niro was found lifeless sitting in a chair in a New York apartment. Authorities discovered drugs and other drug-related apparatus near his body; thus, it is suspected that his death happened due to an overdose.
The teenager was revealed to be house-sitting before his death. While drug abuse seems to be the cause of death, it has not been confirmed yet. The news of his passing away was further confirmed by his mother, Drena De Niro, in an emotional Instagram post.
Mother Drena De Niro posted a heart-breaking message where she expressed how much joy her son had brought her and wished love alone could have saved him. Friends and family alike have commented on the post to console the grief-stricken mother as well as express condolences. Many have reminisced about the joyful moments spent with Leandro.
Robert De Niro also expressed his unconsolable grief at the tragic news:
“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 news of Leandro’s death was unexpected and devastating for the De Niro family, and I hope they heal soon.
Just as Robert himself requested, it is best to give the family time to process this tragedy and slowly come to terms with it.
