Grace Hightower is an American actress, philanthropist, socialite, and singer. Born on April 7, 1955, in Kilmichael, Mississippi, she grew up in a poor family and worked various odd jobs to support her family.

Grace is of African-American and Blackfoot (Native American) descent. She became a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines, attracted by the possibility of traveling and expanding her horizons. Settling in Paris and later London, she worked variously as a mutual fund trader and restaurant worker.

In 1987, while working at Mr. Chow, an upmarket London Chinese restaurant and celebrity hangout, she met and began dating Robert De Niro. Grace and Robert married in 1997 and had two children together. Their first child, Elliot, was born in 1998, and their second child, Helen Grace, was born via surrogate in 2011. The couple separated in November 2018.

Her career in the entertainment industry includes minor roles in various movies such as "Precious" (2009), where she played a social worker, and "The Paperboy" (2012), where she appeared as Yardley's girlfriend.

She also 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.

Apart from her acting career, she is known for her philanthropic work. She 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, as well as a member of Ronald Perelman's Women's Heart Health Advisory Council and the International Women's Coffee Alliance. She has been honored for her work by numerous institutions, including the American Cancer Society of New York City.

Her lifestyle reflects her diverse interests and commitments. She is known for her elegance and grace, often seen attending high-profile events and galas. Her 55th birthday party was covered in Vogue magazine by André Leon Talley. Her net worth is estimated to be around $16 million.