Robert De Niro breaks the silence in the difficult separation of his wife Grace Hightower

Robert de niro He's pronounced for the first time after reports that he had separated from Grace Hightower, his wife for 21 years.

The godfather 2 star, 75, confirmed the split with Hightower, 63, in a statement to the US version of TODAY & # 39; HUI November 27 (November 28 AEST).

"Grace and I have two beautiful children together, we are entering a period of transition in our relationship that is a difficult but constructive process," said the two-time Oscar winning actor.

"I pay tribute to Grace as a wonderful mother and ask for the privacy and respect of all as we develop our roles as partners in parenting."

The Hollywood icon and Hightower, a philanthropist, share two children, his son Elliott, 20, and a daughter, Helen Grace, 6 years old.

De Niro and Hightower met in 1987 when she was a hostess at London's high-end restaurant, Mr. Chow. They married in 1997.

Celebrities out of 2018