Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, two of Hollywood’s most legendary actors, are once again in the spotlight, but this time, it’s their off-screen choices that have people talking.
Known for their groundbreaking roles, the actors now find themselves facing mixed reactions over personal decisions that have stirred debate on social media and beyond.
The two stars, whose friendship spans over five decades, share a common experience that’s become a hot topic recently.
Both men welcomed new babies into their lives this year, making them two of the oldest fathers in Hollywood—a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans and critics alike.
De Niro, who recently turned 81, became a father for the seventh time in May 2023 with his partner Tiffany Chen.
The couple welcomed a baby girl named Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, who joins six older siblings, the eldest of whom is more than 50 years her senior.
Reflecting on his new role as a father, the *Goodfellas* actor shared his happiness with *ABC*, saying, “She’s pure joy… just pure joy for God’s sake.”
De Niro, a two-time Oscar winner, would be 97 by the time Gia turns 18, raising questions about how long he’ll be around to watch her grow up.
Similarly, Pacino, at 84, welcomed his fourth child, a baby boy, with his former 29-year-old girlfriend Noor Alfallah in June.
The *Scarface* star, who began dating Alfallah in 2022, now finds himself back in the parenting role, though he would be 101 by the time his son reaches adulthood.
Though both actors are celebrated for their contributions to film, their decisions to father children at such an advanced age have drawn strong criticism.
On social media, opinions have been fierce, with one user remarking on Pacino’s late-stage fatherhood, calling it “the most selfish thing I have ever heard.”
Another comment targeted De Niro’s decision, saying, “What I’m concerned about is he’s already 80… she’ll have to deal with his passing at a young age.”
Some have even argued that it’s “cruel” for a child to grow up with a father who may not live to see them reach adulthood.
Journalist Jaci Stephen also joined the conversation, sharing her disapproval in an op-ed for the *Daily Mail*.
Stephen, who described the news as “creepy” and “sad,” expressed discomfort over the double standard in society, observing that while men receive praise for fathering at an older age, women who have children later in life face more criticism.
“In contrast to the gushing celebrations from De Niro’s celeb pals, I found the whole thing rather creepy—and not a little bit sad,” Stephen wrote.
She noted, “The hard reality for geriatric dads like De Niro, and now Pacino, is that they’ll barely live long enough to be remembered by their new babies.”
Stephen even pointed out that Pacino, in a 2014 interview with *The New Yorker*, had openly expressed regret over his father’s absence in his own life.
“Having children has helped a lot,” Pacino had said, adding, “I consciously knew that I didn’t want to be like my dad. I wanted to be there.”
Despite these sentiments, critics argue that by becoming a father at 83, Pacino may inadvertently repeat the very cycle he once hoped to break, potentially leaving his own young child without a father’s presence.
Not everyone voiced their concerns with such seriousness. Comedian Chelsea Handler took a more humorous approach, calling Pacino, De Niro, and other older celebrity fathers like Alec Baldwin and Elon Musk “horny old men.”
In a video she posted, Handler labeled it an “epidemic” of men who “cannot stop procreating.” She joked that “Between the four of those guys, they have 32 children,” and sarcastically offered herself “up for auction for any available octogenarians.”
Some may see this trend as simply the byproduct of Hollywood’s unique culture, where legacy often takes precedence over practicality.
Yet, for others, it has reopened a conversation about ethical parenting, aging, and the responsibilities that come with both.
While Pacino and De Niro’s contributions to Hollywood are undeniable, their decisions to father children so late in life have sparked a fierce debate, leaving audiences to wonder about the future for these children and the legacies they will inherit.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/@nooralfallah) (Instagram/@al_pacino_40)
