Drew Barrymore Describes Robert De Niro as a 'Dad Figure'

Drew Barrymore Explains to Robert De Niro Why She Considers Him a 'Dad Figure'

The ‘Drew Barrymore Show’ host recalled De Niro as a “lovely and kind” costar on the 2009 film ‘Everybody’s Fine’

Published on March 25, 2025 02:43PM EDT

Robert De Niro on the Drew Barrymore Show — Drew Barrymore and Robert De Niro on 'The Drew Barrymore Show'. Photo:
The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean

Robert De Niro is a father figure to many — including Drew Barrymore.

The two actors, who starred as father and daughter in the 2009 film Everybody's Fine, discussed parenthood while having a festive reunion on The Drew Barrymore Show on Tuesday, March 25.

Barrymore, 50, told her guest that she loved “how much I know you as a dad figure,” reflecting on filming the drama from writer-director Kirk Jones. “I loved getting to be your daughter. That was the thrill of a lifetime for me.”

“You were terrific,” said De Niro, 81, adding that Everybody’s Fine was filmed a significantly long time ago.

Bringing up a throwback photo of the duo on the movie’s set “hanging out after work” in the Alto Knights star’s trailer, Barrymore called her costar “so lovely and kind. I was just so excited to get to know you in an appropriate environment.”

Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore Everybody's Fine - 2009 — Robert De Niro and Drew Barrymore in 'Everybody's Fine'.
Miramax Films/Kobal/Shutterstock

Then, she added, both her kids and De Niro’s kids “went to school at the same place” in New York City. Barrymore shares daughters Olive and Frankie with ex-husband Will Kopelman, while De Niro has seven children: Drena and Raphael with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott; Julian and Aaron with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith; Elliot and Helen with ex-wife Grace Hightower; and daughter Gia, who he and girlfriend Tiffany Chen welcomed in April 2023.

“You were such a nice, good dad,” Barrymore told the Oscar winner. “I always clock that because I feel like all us girls want to have a nice dad.”

“Yeah,” responded De Niro with a smile. “I try my best.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

De Niro has offered glimpses of parenting his youngest child, describing little Gia as an "adorable baby" in an interview with PEOPLE in February 2024. "So sweet,” he called his youngest. "[When I] look at her, everything else goes away. So it’s a great joy and relief to just be with her in the moment."

In a January interview with The Sunday Times, the Taxi Driver star revealed that he spends his mornings “watching Ms. Rachel with her, and I give her her bottle.”

De Niro plays two roles in director Barry Levinson’s crime drama The Alto Knights, in theaters now.