Leandro De Niro Rodriguez dead – mum’s haunting Mother’s Day post with star’s grandson, 19, weeks before tragic death
A HEARTBREAKING Mother’s Day post shows Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro beaming alongside his mum just weeks before his tragic death.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19, is seen smiling in a series of snaps with his lookalike mum Drena in the post on Instagram.
His mum captioned the family tribute “A Lil bit of Leo”.
Pictures show Drena, 51, and long-haired Leandro in a park, as well as the pair cuddling on a sofa with a pet dog.
In another snap, Leandro appears with both Drena and his dad, 58-year-old artist Carlos Mare.
Drena, daughter of 79-year-old Hollywood legend De Niro, also shared clips from 1974 comedy film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore – about a mother and son duo.
She posted footage from the film – about a widow travelling with her young son across the USA – and uses its name in a hashtag.
Drena captioned the post, “Today was a good day” – with a series of heart, flower and prayer hand emojis.
Fans and friends noticed the strong similarity between Leandro and Drena – with reality TV personality Victoria Gotti commenting: “My God you two look SO much alike!”
While user @sandeeglam wrote: “Mother/Son wowness!!!”
But Drena confessed she hadn’t noticed their close appearance, replying: “I don’t notice until I’m out with him.
“Pretty sure we were the only mother-son duo in Washington Square Park yesterday where we got a few stares and people pointing at us when we walked by,” she revealed.
Comments added today have offered words of support for grieving mum Drena.
One user, @rogersalloom, wrote: “This is for the family of Leandro. I too lost my grandson.”
The emotional post was published seven weeks before Leandro’s death was announced on Monday.
Confirming her son’s death, the legendary actor’s daughter wrote: “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.”
Drena finished off her message by apologising to dad Carlos – as well as her son, whose cause of death has not been revealed.
She wrote: “I’m so sorry my baby, I’m so sorry @carlosmare”.
Acting royalty Robert De Niro has not commented on his grandson’s death – but Leandro had followed in his famous grandfather’s footsteps as an actor.
The teenager, whose exact cause and date of death is unknown, was known for his role in the 2018 film A Star is Born, where he played Leo Stone.
He also appeared in Cabaret Maxime, the same year, and 2005’s The Collection.