Diahnne Abbott is a renowned American actress, born and raised in the vibrant city of New York. She is primarily recognized for being the first wife of the iconic actor Robert De Niro, with whom she shared a marriage from 1976 to 1988, ultimately ending in divorce.
Abbott made her film debut in the thought-provoking psychological thriller "Taxi Driver" (1976),where she portrayed an unnamed box office clerk at a pornographic movie theater. Her first named film role was her captivating portrayal of receptionist Jeannette Ross in the drama film "Welcome to L.A." (1976),where Ross has an affair with song-writer Carroll Barber, played by Keith Carradine.
Next, Abbott took on the role of a Harlem Club singer in the musical drama "New York, New York" (1977),where she mesmerized audiences with her performance of the classic song "Honeysuckle Rose" (1929). In the black comedy "The King of Comedy" (1983),Abbott had a more substantial role as bartender Rita Keene, the love interest of the protagonist, stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin, played by Robert De Niro.
In the 1980s, Abbott's film credits included the dysfunctional family-themed drama "Love Streams" (1984) and the autobiographical film "Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling" (1986),where she played the role of Mother, representing the mother of protagonist Jo Jo Dancer, played by Richard Pryor.
In 1988, Abbott landed her first recurring role in television, playing the character of Sonia in the three final episodes of the short-lived crime-drama "Crime Story" (1986-1988),which concluded in May of that year when the series was canceled.
Abbott remained largely out of the public eye during the 1990s, but returned to film roles with a minor part in the biographical film "Before Night Falls" (2000),which chronicled the life of Cuban novelist Reinaldo Arenas (1943-1990).
In 2002, Abbott took on her first protagonist role as opera singer Leah in the drama film "Soliloquy", marking a resurgence in her film appearances, although she has since then appeared in films, albeit rarely in major roles.
