Diane Neal at a Glance

Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
Net Worth: $6 Million
Birthdate: Nov 17, 1976 (47 years old)
Birthplace: Alexandria
Gender: Female
Profession: Model, Actor
Nationality: United States of America
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)

Diane Neal’s Net Worth: From Law & Order to Political Aspirations

Introduction

Diane Neal is an American actress known for her role as A.D.A. Casey Novak on the long-running television series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Beyond her acting career, Neal has also made forays into politics and has been involved in various ventures. This comprehensive article delves into Diane Neal’s life, exploring her career, personal life, controversies, and her current net worth.

Early Life and Modeling Career

Diane Neal was born on November 17, 1975, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Colleen and Christopher Neal. Her mother worked as a math teacher, while her father was a federal attorney. Neal was raised in a Jewish family with her two older sisters in Littleton, Douglas County, Colorado. She attended Heritage High School.

After graduating, Neal moved to Hawaii to attend university. However, she eventually left school to pursue a career in modeling. This led her to travel extensively and work on campaigns, including notable advertisements for Shiseido and Pond’s skincare products, marking her initial steps into the public eye.

Acting Career Breakthrough and ‘Law & Order: SVU’

Diane Neal’s acting career began in 2001, marking her transition from modeling. She studied at the Atlantic Acting School in New York before landing her first role in an episode of “Ed.” This small role laid the foundation for what would become her most recognizable role.

Her breakthrough came in 2003 when she was cast as Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” The role was a turning point, as she appeared in the main cast from 2003 to 2008 and then as a recurring character from 2011 to 2012, making her a household name.

Other TV and Film Roles

While “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” remains her most iconic role, Diane Neal has also appeared in a variety of other television shows and films throughout her career. Her notable appearances include:

“The American Embassy” (2002)
“Hack” (2002)
“Dracula II: Ascension” (2003)
“Law & Order: Trial by Jury” (2005)
“30 Rock” (2008)
“White Collar” (2010)
“NCIS” (2010-2014)
“Suits” (2012-2014)
“Power” (2014)
“NCIS: New Orleans” (2015)

These diverse roles showcase her versatility as an actress and demonstrate her ability to take on different characters and genres, contributing to a multifaceted career.

Personal Life and Controversies

Diane Neal was married to Marcus Fitzgerald from 2005 to 2014. Her personal life has also included significant challenges and legal disputes. In 2013, she met magician JB Benn, and they began a relationship. However, in court documents filed in 2018, Neal made serious allegations against Benn, including claims of physical abuse, theft of millions of dollars, sexual assault, and the disturbing act of harming her dog.

In addition to these claims, Neal returned to school in 2009, attending Harvard University’s Extension School and completing an associate degree in May 2018, highlighting her dedication to education alongside her professional endeavors.

Political Endeavors

In 2018, Diane Neal decided to venture into politics, running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 19th congressional district as an independent. She described her political views as a blend of liberal and libertarian ideals. Despite her efforts, she received only 1% of the vote.

Recent Activities

In 2023, Neal moved to Israel and became an Israeli citizen. This decision followed a period of increased devotion to her Jewish faith, a journey influenced by the death of her father during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also launched a comedy and talk podcast, “Hear Say with Diane Neal,” in January 2022.

John Sciulli/Getty Images

(Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)