Robert De Niro Sr. was a prominent figure in the New York art scene, and his hidden life became evident through his writings. He grappled with his 𝓈ℯ𝓍uality, coming out as gay at a time when such revelations were fraught with societal challenges. This decision led to his separation from Virginia Admiral, the mother of Robert Jr., and profoundly impacted both their lives. As a young boy, Robert Jr. was oblivious to the internal battles his father faced, which were documented in his journals. Reading them has not only deepened Robert Jr.’s understanding of his father but also influenced how he approaches parenting his own 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren.