Contents
- 1 Who is Diahnne Abbott?
- 2 Childhood and Studies: Coming of Age in New York City
- 3 Stepping into the Spotlight: Encounter with Robert De Niro and Securing Debut Role
- 4 Fade into Obscurity: Disintegration of Marriage and Personal Turmoil
- 5 Recent Projects: Revival with Soliloquy, Before Night Falls, and More
- 6 Maternal Bonds: Diahnne Abbott’s Family Dynamics
- 7 Diahnne Abbott’s Financial Standing: Her Net Worth
- Diahnne was born in NYC on 1 May 1945 into a diverse family with Antiguan and Venezuelan roots.
- She rose to fame with roles in “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy” after marrying Robert De Niro.
- She also featured in Scorsese’s films including “New York, New York”.
- Her marriage with De Niro was affected by his fame and personal issues, leading to her retreat from acting.
- She has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2024, with a low public profile in recent years.
Who is Diahnne Abbott?
Diahnne Eugenia Abbott, an American actress and singer, was born on May 1, 1945, in New York City, USA. Despite her talent, she remained relatively obscure until she crossed paths with Hollywood icon Robert De Niro. Their union propelled her into the spotlight, leading to her breakthrough role in Martin Scorcese’s acclaimed “Taxi Driver,” a gripping psychological thriller. Abbott’s acting prowess also shone in notable works like “The King of Comedy” and “Crime Story.” With that said, as her relationship with De Niro faltered due to his struggles with substance abuse and infidelity, she gradually retreated from the public eye.
Childhood and Studies: Coming of Age in New York City
Diahnne was born as a member of a diverse family in the bustling metropolis of the United States. Details about her upbringing and familial background remain scarce, largely due to her inclination toward privacy regarding personal matters. However, it’s known that Diahnne’s father hailed from Antigua and migrated to New York in his youth. Gregory Abbott, her paternal cousin, rose to prominence as a musician who was a platinum-selling star, propelled by his hit track “Shake You Down” in 1986, which became an anthem of the era. Gregory’s lineage extends to Venezuela, adding another dimension to Diahnne’s heritage. Whether she pursued formal education or honed her craft through self-guided means remains undisclosed. The early chapters of her career are cloaked in mystery.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diahnne Eugenia Abbott |
| Known For | Actress and singer, roles in “Taxi Driver”, “The King of Comedy” |
| Profession | Actress, Singer |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Net Worth (as of 2024) | $10 Million |
| Spouse | Robert De Niro (m. 1976–1988) |
| Children | Drena De Niro (adopted daughter), Raphael De Niro (son) |
| Parents | Father from Antigua |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1945 |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American, Venezuelan, Antiguan |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | 58 KG |
| Notable Works | “Taxi Driver”, “The King of Comedy”, “Crime Story”, “Before Night Falls” |
| Hobbies | Modeling, Photography, Travelling, Singing |
Stepping into the Spotlight: Encounter with Robert De Niro and Securing Debut Role
Initially unrecognized by the mainstream entertainment industry, Diahnne struggled to secure consistent work in show business. However, her fortunes shifted in the early part of the 1970s after she crossed paths with Robert De Niro at a gathering that was held by a mutual acquaintance. Their connection blossomed into a relationship. In 1976, Diahnne secured a small role in Martin Scorcese’s “Taxi Driver,” a neo-noir thriller centered around Travis Bickle, a Vietnam War veteran turned taxi driver grappling with insomnia and a descent into madness. As the plot unfolds, Bickle’s mental state deteriorates, leading him to contemplate violent actions, including the assassination of a presidential candidate and the murder of a very young prostitute’s pimp. The film’s critical acclaim instantly propelled the relatively inexperienced Diahnne into the limelight. Additionally, in the same year, she featured in “Welcome to L.A.,” a well-received musical drama.
Continued Success: Contributions to The King of Comedy and New York, New York
Following her initial breakthrough, Diahnne embarked on further collaborations with De Niro and Martin Scorsese. In 1977, they reunited for another Scorcese gem, the drama and musical “New York, New York.” Diahnne showcased her musical talents in the role of a Harlem club singer, expanding her repertoire beyond mere dialogue. Their partnership flourished once more in 1983’s comedy film “The King of Comedy,” where she portrayed Rita Keane in her most substantial role yet. The next year, she appeared in “Love Streams.” Diahnne’s career trajectory seemed promising as she garnered praise for her roles, including in the well-received “Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling” in 1986. However, just as her star was on the rise, personal challenges threatened to derail her professional future.
Fade into Obscurity: Disintegration of Marriage and Personal Turmoil
Diahnne landed another significant role in 1988, portraying Sonia in the popular NBC series “Crime Story.” This marked a notable career milestone. However, this was also the year when she and her husband finalized their divorce. Their marriage, spanning from 1976 to 1988, initially thrived until De Niro’s ascent to fame. During this period, the couple resided in a luxurious condominium in Bel Air. This upscale neighborhood is located in Los Angeles, where extravagant gatherings were a common occurrence. However, their lifestyle led to significant damages to the condominium, prompting a lawsuit from the landlord amounting to $10,000 as they prepared to vacate the premises.
The trappings of fame took a toll on Robert, leading him into a pattern of regular drug use, including cocaine and ecstasy. His behavior spiraled further as he engaged in relentless womanizing, publicly humiliating Diahnne with each revelation of infidelity. Despite enduring years of turmoil, she eventually found the strength to extricate herself from the toxic marriage. Overwhelmed by the scrutiny of public life, Diahnne chose to retreat from acting, taking an extended hiatus to focus on regaining her peace of mind.
Recent Projects: Revival with Soliloquy, Before Night Falls, and More
Diahnne reemerged in the cinematic landscape with a poignant role in the 2000 film “Before Night Falls,” depicting the history and artistry of Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas. This marked her return to the screen after a 12-year absence, during which she maintained a low profile with only sporadic appearances in documentaries, primarily focused on topics like Robert De Niro and Hollywood. Following her comeback, she garnered acclaim for her performances in “Soliloquy” and its sequel “Lea’s Soliloquy.” Subsequently, she ventured into the position of a radio DJ. However, since 2013, there have been no further acting credits to her name.
Maternal Bonds: Diahnne Abbott’s Family Dynamics
Upon her marriage to Robert De Niro in 1976, Diahnne’s daughter from a previous union, Drena Abbott, was formally adopted by Robert. Their family expanded with the birth of their son, Raphael, in 1981. While Robert embraced his role as a caring father to Drena, both she and Raphael pursued careers in acting, though Raphael eventually found his passion in real estate. In 2008, Raphael tied the knot with Claudine De Matos, with whom he shares a child. Likewise, Drena also became a parent, welcoming a son named Leandro Anthony De Niro Rodriguez into the world, thus bestowing upon Diahnne the joyous title of grandmother.
Diahnne Abbott’s Financial Standing: Her Net Worth
As of 2024, Diahnne Abbott’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, as reported by various reputable sources. This wealth has been accrued through her involvement in a range of Martin Scorsese movies. Despite her decreased visibility in recent years, Diahnne’s substantial net worth suggests she possesses ample financial resources to sustain herself for the foreseeable future.
