Diane Neal Illness, What Health Problems Did Diane Neal Have?
by Sangamithra | Updated Jul 24, 2023
Diane Neal Illness
Diane Neal experienced a noticeable weight gain during the ninth season of the Law & Order franchise, sparking pregnancy rumors that were later debunked. The weight gain was attributed to her battle with illness and the side effects of steroids prescribed by doctors. In 2013, Diane Neal endured a tragic car accident that resulted in a severely fractured spine, compelling her to put her acting career on hold.
However, this unfortunate incident unintentionally ignited her passion for politics, a spark that persisted until she decided to run for the House of Representatives in 2018. Reflecting on her situation, she explained to Elle, "I'm upstate because a drunk driver fractured my spine, and so I have been dealing with that for a few years without being able to work.
The only benefit of that is that I have a lot of free time. And I have been here full-time upstate [in New York] and I see how neglected it is." In her career, Diane faced challenges with her weight and health but found support and understanding on the sets of her projects.
She felt comfortable during intimate scenes with director Ashley Williams and the network, who encouraged her to embrace her appearance and bring authenticity to her roles. Diane made a comeback in the film "Circle of Deception" after a hiatus from television since 2015. Despite her initial reservations, the network supported her and valued her talent and authenticity as a woman with a larger body.
From 2022, Diane is embracing her new body transformation and focusing on her personal life. While there are no acting projects lined up for her, she is taking time for herself, and her fans understand and support her decisions.
Who is Diane Neal?
Diane Neal, an American actress, was born on November 17, 1976. Diane Neal gained fame for her iconic roles as New York Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (2003-2012) and Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Abigail Borin in the NCIS franchise. Born in Alexandria, Virginia, she grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and Ohio, with her parents being a math teacher and a federal attorney.
After graduating from Heritage High School in Littleton, Diane ventured into modeling, featuring in notable skincare ads for Shiseido and Ponds. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at Harvard University's Extension School in 2009 and achieved an associate degree in May 2018.
Diane's personal life witnessed marriage to Irish model Marcus O. Fitzgerald in 2005, followed by a divorce in 2014. She later had a turbulent relationship with magician JB Benn, leading to a legal dispute involving allegations of fraud, identity theft, and physical and sexual abuse in 2019.
The actress faced a challenging car accident in 2013, which left her with a fractured spine, prompting her to prioritize her health over her acting career during her recovery. In 2023, Diane embarked on a new chapter in her life by relocating to Israel and obtaining Israeli citizenship.
Name
Diane Neal
Birthdate
November 17, 1976
Age
46 years old
Profession
Actress
Height
5'10" (178 cm)
Spouse
Marcus Fitzgerald (M.2005 - Div. 2014)
Birthplace
Alexandria, Virginia, United States
What Health Problems Did Diane Neal Have?
Diane Neal, the accomplished American actress, faced several health challenges throughout her life, demonstrating her resilience and determination in overcoming them. One of the significant health issues she encountered was a devastating car accident in 2013, which left her with a fractured spine. This unfortunate incident had a profound impact on her well-being and prompted her to put her acting career on hold to focus on her recovery.
The injuries sustained in the car accident presented considerable hurdles for Diane Neal, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation. During this time, she underwent a long and challenging recuperation process, facing physical and emotional hardships as she worked towards regaining her health and mobility. Additionally, Neal disclosed that she had been dealing with health concerns related to her weight gain.
At one point, she attributed her weight gain to being very sick, and the steroids prescribed by doctors for her illness were a contributing factor. The combination of illness and long working hours hindered her ability to maintain her regular fitness routine, leading to unintended weight gain.
Despite these health setbacks, Diane Neal's unwavering determination and positive outlook played a crucial role in her journey toward recovery and self-improvement. She demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, using her time away from the spotlight to explore other passions and interests.
Neal's health struggles also inadvertently sparked her interest in politics, a spark that would eventually lead her to contemplate a bid to stand for the House of Representatives in 2018. During this period, she delved into her political ambitions, fueled by the experiences and challenges she encountered due to her health issues.
Is Diane Neal Jewish?
Diane Neal is American and Israeli. The actress's mother is Jewish. Diane Neal, the renowned Law and Order star, has relocated to Israel due to the distressing experiences of antisemitism she encountered in New York over the past few years. The actress expressed that she faced incidents of antisemitism in an utterly unpleasant manner, which deeply shocked her.
The decision to move to the Middle East nation was driven by her belief that Israel offers a safer environment for her. Speaking to the Jerusalem Post, she emphasized her happiness and gratitude for being in Israel, where she feels secure and protected. Neal holds an immense appreciation for her ancestors, who endured terrible hardships, contributing to the establishment of a country she can now call home.
While legal actions are underway regarding the incidents, Neal refrained from disclosing further details about them. However, she described the ordeals as severely detrimental to her life. Despite facing criticism for her decision to move, she expressed profound gratitude for having a place like Israel to embrace.
Diane Neal's move to Israel was facilitated by the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, and the Jewish Agency. On Instagram, she expressed heartfelt thanks to those who made her dream of relocating to Israel come true.
Known for her role as attorney Casey Novak in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Neal made a notable impact on the series during her time, leaving a lasting impression on the show's viewers. Her decision to make aliyah and begin a new chapter in her life reflects her determination to find solace and security in the welcoming arms of Israel.
Diane Neal Today
After bidding farewell to Hollywood, the renowned actress, famous for portraying New York Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," embarked on a new journey to Israel.
With the support of the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, and the Jewish Agency, Diane Neal successfully made aliyah, and her process concluded with her being granted an Israeli identity card. This move marks a significant step in her life as she embraces her new chapter in Israel.
Diane Neal Net Worth
Diane Neal's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. The accomplished American actress, best known for her portrayal of New York Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak in the popular television series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," has garnered substantial wealth throughout her successful career in the entertainment industry.
Alongside her acting endeavors, she has also ventured into other projects, contributing to her impressive financial standing. Diane Neal's talent, dedication, and versatility in her craft have undoubtedly played a significant role in accumulating her substantial net worth, making her one of the notable figures in Hollywood.
Diane Neal Law And Order: SVU
Diane Neal, the talented American actress, made a significant mark in the television series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (SVU). Her portrayal of New York Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak captivated audiences and solidified her position as a beloved member of the SVU cast. Diane Neal's journey in SVU began in the fifth season, where she made her debut in the episode titled "Serendipity."
From that point on, her compelling performances and dedication to her role earned her a regular position in the series until the end of the ninth season. During this period, she skillfully brought the character of Casey Novak to life, showcasing her prowess as a versatile and talented actress.
Despite her departure as a regular cast member, Diane Neal's impact on SVU lingered, and she returned for brief appearances in seasons 12 and 13, further deepening the connection between her character and the show's fans.
Diane Neal NCIS
Diane Neal, a talented American actress, graced the screens with her memorable presence in the renowned television series "NCIS" and its captivating spin-off, "NCIS: New Orleans," portraying the character CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin.
Her recurring role as CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin in both "NCIS" and its spin-off "NCIS: New Orleans" left a lasting impression on the audience. With her exceptional acting skills and remarkable portrayal of the character, Diane Neal added depth and intrigue to the series, earning praise and admiration from fans and critics alike.
As CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin, Neal exhibited a remarkable blend of strength, intelligence, and charisma. Her character's unwavering determination and dedication to her work as an investigator within the Coast Guard Investigative Service added a unique dimension to the series, enriching the storyline and captivating viewers with each appearance.
Neal's versatility as an actress allowed her to bring authenticity and depth to CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin, making her an integral part of the "NCIS" universe. Her ability to immerse herself in diverse roles with grace and precision has been a hallmark of her successful career, earning her recognition and accolades within the entertainment industry.
Beyond her acting prowess, Diane Neal's contributions to "NCIS" and "NCIS: New Orleans" have left an enduring impact on fans, who continue to cherish her portrayal of CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin. Her engaging performances and on-screen chemistry with the ensemble cast further solidified her position as a valued member of the "NCIS" family.
Diane Neal Illness - FAQ
Diane Neal endured a severe car accident in 2013, resulting in a fractured spine and a hiatus from her acting career. She also dealt with weight gain due to illness and was prescribed steroids.
No, Diane Neal is not Jewish, but her mother is. She relocated to Israel in 2023, seeking a safer environment after experiencing distressing incidents of antisemitism in New York.
Diane Neal's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, earned through her successful acting career and other ventures.
Diane Neal portrayed New York Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin in "NCIS" and "NCIS: New Orleans."
Diane Neal has bid farewell to Hollywood and made aliyah to Israel, embarking on a new chapter in her life and embracing her new identity as an Israeli citizen.