Grace Hightower: Life, Career, Movies, Net Worth, and Her Journey With Robert De Niro
Grace Hightower is an American philanthropist, socialite, actress, and entrepreneur. Born on April 7, 1955, in Kilmichael, Mississippi, she rose from humble beginnings to become a public figure known for her work in charity, her entrepreneurial ventures, and her marriage to one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, Robert De Niro.
Beyond her association with De Niro, Hightower is respected for her independence and dedication to causes such as women’s rights, education, and international development. Her story reflects resilience, adaptability, and a determination to create her own legacy outside the spotlight of her famous ex-husband.
Grace Hightower Age
As of 2025, Grace Hightower is 70 years old. Born in the mid-1950s, she has lived through a remarkable era of change in American culture and entertainment. Her life has spanned from the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, through the Hollywood boom of the late 20th century, into today’s era of global connectivity. At 70, Hightower continues to maintain her elegance and composure, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to influence and presence.
Early Life and Rise to Public Life
Hightower was raised in a working-class family in rural Mississippi. Her early years instilled in her values of persistence and hard work. She eventually moved to New York, where she worked as a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines (TWA). This job not only gave her independence but also introduced her to different cultures and lifestyles.
While in New York, she explored acting, singing, and public life, slowly creating her identity in the entertainment and philanthropic circles. Though she was never as widely recognized as mainstream Hollywood actresses, her presence was felt through selective film roles, social causes, and business endeavors.
Grace Hightower and Robert De Niro
One of the most well-known aspects of Grace Hightower’s life is her relationship with Robert De Niro, the Academy Award-winning actor.
- Meeting & Marriage: The couple reportedly met in the late 1980s at a London nightclub. After years of dating, they married in 1997 in a star-studded ceremony attended by Hollywood elites.
- Early Challenges: Their marriage faced turbulence early on. In 1999, De Niro filed for divorce, and by 2001 they were entangled in a custody battle over their son.
- Reconciliation: Despite the rocky patch, the couple reconciled and even renewed their vows in 2004 at a lavish ceremony with celebrities in attendance.
- Separation: Unfortunately, by 2018, their relationship came to a final close, and the couple separated permanently. The divorce proceedings received significant media attention due to De Niro’s fortune and the couple’s public profile.
Their decades-long relationship remains one of the defining parts of Hightower’s public identity.
Grace Hightower Married To Robert De Niro
Although no longer married, Grace Hightower will always be known as the second wife of Robert De Niro. Their marriage lasted over two decades in total, though not continuously. Together, they represented one of Hollywood’s most high-profile couples.
Grace Hightower Kids
Grace Hightower and Robert De Niro share two children:
- Elliot De Niro – Born in 1998. Elliot has largely remained out of the public spotlight, although Robert De Niro has occasionally spoken about him. Elliot is known to have a passion for tennis.
- Helen Grace De Niro – Born in 2011 via surrogate. She is the youngest of De Niro’s children and lives a private life with her mother.
Hightower is often praised for her devotion as a mother, ensuring her children maintain as normal a childhood as possible despite being in the public eye.
Grace Hightower Movies and Acting Career
Although Grace Hightower is better known for her philanthropy and social work, she has appeared in films and television shows, leaving her mark in the entertainment industry:
- NYPD Blue (1994): She had a guest role in this long-running TV police drama.
- Precious (2009): In this Oscar-nominated film directed by Lee Daniels, Hightower played Ms. Weiss’s social worker colleague.
- The Paperboy (2012): Another Lee Daniels project, where she took on a smaller role.
- Brotherhood (1997): An indie production she was part of early in her acting career.
While her acting career was never her primary focus, her filmography demonstrates her versatility and interest in storytelling.
Grace Hightower Net Worth
When it comes to Grace Hightower’s net worth, figures vary depending on sources. Celebrity wealth trackers estimate her worth to be in the multi-million dollar range, though exact numbers are speculative.
Her wealth is derived from several sources:
- Divorce settlement: Following her split from Robert De Niro, reports suggested significant financial negotiations.
- Business ventures: She launched Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda in 2013, a brand that helped support Rwandan farmers and gained recognition for ethical trade.
- Acting and public appearances: Though not her main income, her movie roles and appearances also contributed to her financial profile.
It’s important to note that much of the public information on net worth comes from unverified online estimates.
Grace Hightower Relations (Family and Philanthropy)
The word “relations” in the context of Grace Hightower applies both to her family ties and her professional associations.
- Family: Her relations include her two children with De Niro and her extended family in Mississippi.
- Philanthropy: Hightower has been deeply involved with organizations such as the New York Women’s Foundation, the New York Fund for Public Schools, and international aid projects.
- Business & Society: Through her coffee company, she has built relations with global networks aimed at sustainable trade.
Her “relations” reflect a life of balancing personal family responsibilities with larger social responsibilities.
Hightower Grace – The Alternate Name
In media references, “Hightower Grace” sometimes appears as an alternate name format. Whether written as “Grace Hightower” or “Hightower Grace,” the identity is the same: a philanthropist, actress, and entrepreneur who has left her imprint on multiple fields.
Grace Hightower’s Legacy
Grace Hightower is more than just Robert De Niro’s ex-wife. She has carved out her own identity:
- As an actress, she took on meaningful roles in critically acclaimed films.
- As a philanthropist, she has supported numerous causes and championed education and empowerment.
- As a businesswoman, she created an international brand that uplifted Rwandan farmers.
Her legacy is one of perseverance, independence, and an ongoing effort to create positive change.
Conclusion – Grace Hightower Today
At 70, Grace Hightower stands as a symbol of elegance, strength, and resilience. While much of her fame came through her marriage to Robert De Niro, she has worked hard to build her own narrative: that of a woman who values family, charity, and meaningful work.
Her life continues to inspire those who want to break free from the shadows of association and build a legacy based on contribution.
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