The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Grace Hightower
Entertainment • Actor

Grace Hightower

Grace Hightower is an American socialite, philanthropist, actress, and former flight attendant.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Grace Hightower is an American socialite, philanthropist, actress, and former flight attendant. She is best known for her marriage to actor Robert De Niro, which began in 1997 and ended in separation in 2018. She has also appeared in a small number of film and television roles and has been associated with charitable and business ventures.

Early life

Grace Hightower was born in Kilmichael, Mississippi. Publicly available biographical sources identify her as American and note that she later worked as a flight attendant.

Career

Hightower has been described as an actress, singer, philanthropist, and socialite. Her screen credits include minor roles in Precious, The Paperboy, and Brotherhood.

Marriage to Robert De Niro

Hightower married actor Robert De Niro in 1997. The couple separated in 2018 and have two children together.

Philanthropy and business

Sources describe Hightower as involved in charitable and entrepreneurial work. She has been associated with initiatives such as Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda.

Key facts

  • Born in Kilmichael, Mississippi.
  • Worked as a flight attendant before entering public life.
  • Married actor Robert De Niro in 1997; separated in 2018.
  • Mother of two children with De Niro.
  • Appeared in Precious, The Paperboy, and Brotherhood.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Grace Hightower?
Grace Hightower is an American socialite, philanthropist, actress, and former flight attendant best known for her marriage to Robert De Niro.
When was Grace Hightower born?
She was born on April 7, 1955.
What is Grace Hightower known for as an actress?
Her screen credits include minor roles in Precious, The Paperboy, and Brotherhood.
Was Grace Hightower married to Robert De Niro?
Yes. They married in 1997 and separated in 2018.
How many children does Grace Hightower have?
She has two children with Robert De Niro.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Hightower
    Supports: Birthplace, occupations, marriage to Robert De Niro, and separation date.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2984460/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, acting credits, and children.
  3. BroadwayWorld — https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Grace-Hightower/
    Supports: Public description as philanthropist, socialite, actress, and singer; marriage and separation.
  4. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q404341
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse, children, occupation, and marriage end date.