Diahnne Abbott achieved notoriety as an American actress and singer. She owes her fame in large part to her roles in 1970s and 1980s films, such as the highly acclaimed Taxi Driver (1976). Aside from her acting career, Abbott is also well-recognized as Robert De Niro’s first wife.
Who is Diahnne Abbott?
Abbott was born in New York City, U.S. on January 1, 1945. There is not a lot of information about her education and formative years, although it is assumed that she was raised in NYC with her family. Her cousin is musician Gregory Abbott, who is popular for his 1986 hit Shake You Down.
Details about Abbott’s family background are not available. She has not shared any information about her parents or siblings. There is no mention of brothers or sisters in her interviews or posts on social media.
Diahnne Abbott & Robert De Niro Marriage
In April 1976, Diahnne Abbott and Robert De Niro tied the knot after getting acquainted on the set of Taxi Driver. Later that same year, in November, they welcomed a son named Raphael, in honor of the Italian hotel where he was conceived.
De Niro also adopted Drena, Abbott’s daughter from a prior marriage. Drena has pursued in her parent’s footsteps and gone on to have a career in the film industry, featuring in some of her dad’s movies. Following are some of the movies credited to Drena De Niro–
- A Star Is Born (2018)
- Cabaret Maxime (2018)
- Furlough (2018)
- Mozart in the Jungle (2018)
- The Boyfriend (2018) Hands of Stone (2016)
- Joy (2015)
- The Intern (2015)
- Emily & Tim (2015)
- Jack of the Red Hearts (2015)
Abbott and De Niro ended their 12-year marriage in 1988. The reason behind the divorce has not been made public, though some reports suggest that De Niro’s unfaithfulness and hectic lifestyle played a role.
De Niro went on to have five more children with three other women:
- Twin sons Aaron Kendrick and Julian Henry with model Toukie Smith;
- Son Elliot with actress Grace Hightower;
- Daughter Helen Grace with surrogate mother Tiffany Chen; and
- Daughter Alexandria with actress Uma Thurman.
Since her divorce from De Niro, Abbott has remained single and stayed out of the spotlight, not having any other romantic relationships.
Career
Diahnne Abbott began her career in the mid-1970s, performing in minor roles in films, for example, Welcome to L.A. (1976) and Taxi Driver (1976). She acted as a concession girl at a movie theater featuring explicit films, opposite Robert De Niro.
Her portrayal of a Harlem club singer in Martin Scorsese‘s musical drama New York, New York (1977) brought her much acclaim, particularly when she performed Fats Waller’s song Honeysuckle Rose.
She collaborated with Scorsese and De Niro again in The King of Comedy (1983), in which she took on the role of Rita Keane, the person De Niro had feelings for.
She had parts in other movies too, such as Love Streams (1984) by John Cassavetes and Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (1986) by Richard Pryor. Her last movie part was in Before Night Falls (2000) by Julian Schnabel.
Abbott has been a vocalist at different events and gatherings, as well as contributing tracks to various soundtracks and albums.
Diahnne Abbott’s talent and career have been widely respected and appreciated, even if she has not received any major awards or nominations. Her legacy has been continued by the many black actresses who have been inspired by her.
Mentioned below are movies in which Abbott acted throughout her career:
- James Abbott is Gone (2013)
- Day After Day (2017)
- Lea’s Soliloquy (2006)
- Soliloquy (2002)
- Before Night Falls (2000)
- Crime Story (1988)
- Horn of Plenty (1986)
- Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (1986)
- Diahnne Abbott on Love Streams (documentary short, 2014)
- Jonas in the Desert (documentary, 1994)
- Black Hollywood (TV Movie documentary, 1984)
- The Mike Douglas Show (1977)
Diahnne Abbott’s Net Worth
Abbott’s fortune has been estimated to be around $10 million in 2023, largely due to her successful acting career. Additionally, she may be collecting royalties and residuals, contributing to her wealth.
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