Actor Robert De Niro has broken his silence after his grandson Leandro was found dead at the age of 19.
De Niro's adopted daughter, Drena De Niro, shared her son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez with artist Carlos Rodriguez.
On Sunday, Drena announced the news of Leandro's death in a post on Instagram.
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She directed the post towards her son, writing: "My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life.
"I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don’t know how to live without you but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama.
"You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you . I’m so sorry my baby. I’m so sorry. Rest in peace and eternal paradise my darling boy.”
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Following in the footsteps of his mother and his grandfather, Leandro was an actor who appeared alongside his mom in the 2018 film A Star Is Born, in which they played mother and son Paulette Stone and Leo Stone alongside stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
Leandro also worked with his mom in Cabaret Maxime (2018) and The Collection (2005).
De Niro has now addressed the loss of his grandson in a statement, saying: "'I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.
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"We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
The family has been flooded with support in the wake of Leandro's death, with Drena responding to one message of condolence to say: "Words aren’t enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is Godschild [sic] now.”
Goodfellas actor Debi Mazar is among those who have shared kind words in the wake of Leandro's death, writing: “I have no words …I’m in shock. I’m so sorry… I love you both so much.”
Naomi Campbell added: “Drena heartbroken for you, such a duo, I can’t imagine how you must feel, may the lord cover you and hold you in his arms, at this very sad time and loss …I love you, always here for you.”
Topics: Robert De Niro, Celebrity
Emily Brown