Grace Hightower, born on April 7, 1955, is a woman of many talents. She has worn many hats throughout her life, including those of a philanthropist, socialite, actress, singer, and flight attendant. As of 19 March 2024, she is 68 years old.
Grace is a woman of many talents and roles: philanthropist, socialite, actress, singer, and once a flight attendant. However, she is perhaps best known for her association with Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, to whom she was married for over two decades. Their relationship, though tumultuous at times, brought Hightower into the spotlight, and her story is one of perseverance, resilience, and grace.
Early Life and Career
Hightower was born and raised in Kilmichael, Mississippi, United States. She is of African-American descent. Growing up in poverty, she worked various odd jobs to help support her family.
In her early career, Hightower became a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines. This job attracted her due to the possibility of traveling and expanding her horizons. She later settled in Paris and then London, where she worked as a mutual fund trader and restaurant worker.
| Name | Grace Hightower |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1955 |
| Professions | Philanthropist, Socialite, Actress, Singer, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $20 million – $25 million |
| Spouse | Robert De Niro (m. 1997; sep. 2018) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | Eugene Hightower Sr., Addie Lee Hightower |
| Siblings | 9 |
| gracehightower | |
| Wikipedia | Grace_Hightower |
| Homepage | newsinbollywood.com |
Meeting Robert De Niro
In 1987, while working at Mr. Chow, an upmarket London Chinese restaurant and celebrity hangout, she met and began dating Robert De Niro. De Niro is a renowned American actor, producer, and director.
Marriage and Children
Hightower and De Niro got married in 1997. In 1998, she gave birth to their first child, Elliot De Niro. However, their marital bliss was short-lived as De Niro filed for divorce in 1999 and sued Hightower for custody of their son in 2001.
Despite these challenges, the couple managed to resolve their differences, and by 2004, the divorce was dropped, and they renewed their vows. In 2011, the couple had their second child, Helen Grace, via surrogate. Unfortunately, the couple separated in November 2018.
The Challenges of Marriage in the Public Eye
While their union appeared idyllic from the outside, Grace Hightower and Robert De Niro faced their fair share of difficulties. The pressures of fame, coupled with personal struggles, tested the strength of their relationship. Despite their efforts to navigate the challenges together, the couple announced their separation in November 2018, bringing an end to their over two-decade-long marriage.
From Flight Attendant to Philanthropist
After completing her education, Hightower sought opportunities beyond the confines of her small hometown. Her journey led her to become a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines (TWA). The allure of travel and the prospect of experiencing different cultures appealed to her adventurous spirit. She embraced the role wholeheartedly, serving passengers with warmth and professionalism.
Hightower’s career trajectory took her across continents, from Paris to London. During her time abroad, she explored diverse avenues, working as a mutual fund trader and even in the hospitality industry. It was in London where fate intervened, and her path crossed with that of acclaimed actor Robert De Niro.
Philanthropy and Other Work
As a philanthropist, Hightower launched Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda in 2013 with the mission of improving Rwandan livelihoods by marketing their products internationally. She is a board member of the New York Women’s Foundation and the New York Fund for Public Schools.
She is also a member of Ronald Perelman’s Women’s Heart Health Advisory Council and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance. Hightower has been honored for her work by numerous institutions, including the American Cancer Society of New York City.
As a socialite, Hightower’s gala 55th birthday party was covered in Vogue magazine by André Leon Talley. In 2010, she presented the Pratt Institute’s Creative Spirit Award to director Lee Daniels.
As an actress, Hightower has had minor roles in various movies, including Precious (2009) and The Paperboy (2012). Additionally, she had a minor part in the ABC TV series, NYPD Blue, in the 1994 Season One episode entitled “Zeppo Marks Brothers”.
As a singer, she performed the lead vocals for the track, “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way”, written by Dan Manjovi for the 2009 Precious movie soundtrack.
Physical Stats
| Height (approx.) | In Feet Inches: 5′ 4″. In Meters: 1.62 m. In Centimetres: 162 cm. |
| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms: 50-55 kg. In Pounds: 110-121 lbs. |
| Hair Color | Black. |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown. |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Grace Hightower’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. However, there are varying estimates, with some sources suggesting it could be as high as $25 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her acting career, business ventures, and real estate investments.
She also received a significant amount from her divorce settlement with Robert De Niro. Hightower is the founder of Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda, a charitable organization that works to improve Rwandan livelihoods by marketing their coffee products internationally. This venture has also contributed to her net worth.
Controversies
The most significant controversy surrounding Grace Hightower involves her divorce from Robert De Niro. The couple separated in 2018, and their divorce proceedings were highly publicized. Hightower sought half of De Niro’s $500 million fortune, but a Manhattan court ruled in favor of De Niro.
The court ordered De Niro to pay Hightower $1 million annually unless she remarries or one of them passes away. The divorce proceedings were marked by disputes over finances and accusations of extravagant spending.
Rise to Fame
Hightower’s rise to fame began when she met Robert De Niro in 1987 while working at Mr. Chow, a high-end London Chinese restaurant. They married in 1997, bringing her into the public eye. However, Hightower is not just known for her marriage to De Niro.
She has had minor roles in various movies, including “Precious” (2009) and “The Paperboy” (2012). She also launched Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda in 2013, further establishing her public image.
Lifestyle
Grace leads a luxurious lifestyle, thanks to her successful career and substantial net worth. She is known for her philanthropic work, particularly her efforts to improve Rwandan livelihoods through her coffee business.
Hightower is also a board member of the New York Women’s Foundation and the New York Fund for Public Schools. Despite her wealth, Hightower is known for her strong work ethic, which she attributes to her upbringing.
Who is Robert De Niro?
Robert De Niro is an iconic American actor and film producer, born on August 17, 1943. Known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, he is considered one of the greatest and most influential actors.
De Niro has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2009, De Niro received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2016, he earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Barack Obama.
Parents & Siblings
Hightower was born to Eugene Hightower Sr. and Addie Lee Hightower. Her parents were farmers, and she grew up in poverty in Kilmichael, Mississippi. She has nine siblings.
Grace Hightower’s life is a testament to her resilience and determination. From her humble beginnings in Mississippi to her high-profile marriage to Robert De Niro, she has navigated the ups and downs of life with grace and dignity. Today, she continues to make her mark as a philanthropist and socialite, using her platform to make a difference in the world.
