At 79, Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, while Al Pacino, at the age of 83, is expecting his fourth. During a recent appearance on “Today,” De Niro commented on his longtime friend's new addition to the family: Listen, he's older than me. God bless him. These iconic actors continue to defy conventional timelines, raising questions about advanced paternal age and its implications.
A New Chapter for Al Pacino
Al Pacino, the legendary actor known for his roles in films like The Godfather, has entered fatherhood once again at the age of 83. His girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, 29, gave birth to their first child together—a son named Roman Alfallah Pacino. Born on June 6, 2023, Roman marks Pacino's fourth child overall. The couple will share joint legal custody of the infant, highlighting their commitment to co-parenting despite their significant age difference.
Advanced Paternal Age: A Growing Trend?
Recent research into advanced paternal age sheds light on the challenges faced by fathers like De Niro and Pacino. While women often face scrutiny regarding their biological clocks, men are increasingly having children later in life without much societal pushback. This trend raises important questions about fertility, genetics, and the long-term well-being of both parents and offspring. As Pacino himself noted, becoming a father at this stage of life feels like a mini-miracle.
Clarifying Relationships and Custody Arrangements
In interviews following Roman's birth, Pacino clarified his relationship with Noor Alfallah, emphasizing that they remain committed to raising their child together. Despite rumors swirling around their dynamic, the actor reiterated that he values stability and support for his growing family. Meanwhile, legal documents confirm that Alfallah has filed for full physical custody, though Pacino retains joint legal rights. Such arrangements reflect modern approaches to parenting across different generations.
The Male Privilege of Delayed Parenthood
This situation underscores a broader societal issue: the privilege afforded to men who choose—or are able—to delay parenthood. Unlike women, whose reproductive windows tend to close earlier, men can biologically father children well into their senior years. However, as science shows, there may be risks associated with delayed fatherhood, including potential genetic mutations passed down to future generations. Yet, these concerns rarely dominate public discourse compared to discussions surrounding maternal health.
Reflections on Fatherhood
In his latest memoir, Sonny Boy, Al Pacino delves deeply into his experiences as a father. He writes lovingly about his four children—Julie (34), twins Anton and Olivia (23), and now Roman—describing each phase of parenthood as uniquely rewarding. For Pacino, raising a newborn at 84 feels surprisingly similar to nurturing his older children decades ago. Still, he acknowledges the importance of staying present and engaged in Roman's life, even as he continues to pursue his storied acting career.
Closing Thoughts
As two of Hollywood's most celebrated figures, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino exemplify how fatherhood transcends traditional boundaries. Their stories invite us to reconsider outdated assumptions about age and parenthood while celebrating the universal joy of welcoming new life into the world. Whether through cinematic masterpieces or personal milestones, these actors remind us that legacy extends far beyond the screen—it lies in the bonds we create and nurture over time.
About Al Pacino
Alfredo James Pacino, better known as Al Pacino, is an American actor whose illustrious career spans more than five decades. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, Pacino has left an indelible mark on cinema history through iconic performances in films such as The Godfather, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman. Off-screen, he continues to inspire audiences with his dedication to art and family, proving that greatness knows no bounds.
