Farrah Abraham (born May 31, 1991) is an American reality television personality, singer, pornographic actress, and writer. Born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, she received public attention after being cast in the reality television series 16 and Pregnant in 2009, which documented the pregnancies and first months of motherhood for several young women. Later that year, she was cast in the spin-off series Teen Mom, and appeared in each of its four seasons until its conclusion in 2012. That August, she released her debut studio album and first memoir, both of which were titled My Teenage Dream Ended. The book made it onto The New York Times bestseller list.[4]
Farrah Abraham | |
---|---|
Born | Farrah Laurel Abraham May 31, 1991[1][2] Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S.[3] |
Occupation | Television personality |
Years active | 2008–present |
Television | |
Children | 1 |
Website | farrahabraham |
Early life
Farrah Abraham was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa.[3] Her father, Michael Abraham, is of Syrian and Italian descent. Her mother, Debra Danielsen, is of Danish and Sicilian ancestry.[5][6][7] She grew up with her half-sister, Ashley Danielsen. Her parents divorced in 2010 and in 2017, her mother married David Merz.[8]
Career
16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom
In 2008, Abraham, then 17, was selected to appear on the MTV show, 16 and Pregnant, a reality series that aimed to document the lives of pregnant teenagers across the United States.[9][2] News of her pregnancy caused issues between her and her mother, Debra Danielsen, with Danielsen calling her daughter a whore and preventing her from obtaining an abortion; being pregnant, Abraham was forced to discontinue her cheerleading.[10][9] Furthermore, during filming, Derek Underwood, the father of her child, died in a car accident.[11] Abraham gave birth to the couple's daughter, Sophia Laurent Abraham, on February 23, 2009.[12][13] Abraham's episode of 16 and Pregnant aired on June 17, 2009.
Later that year she was cast in the spin-off series Teen Mom; it followed Abraham, in addition to Maci Bookout, Catelynn Lowell and Amber Portwood, who also appeared on episodes of 16 and Pregnant, during their first years of motherhood.[14] The series premiere was broadcast on December 8, 2009.[15] Abraham and her mother are seen to have a rocky relationship throughout Teen Mom, with Danielsen being charged with assault in an Iowa court for hitting her in January 2010.[16] Abraham started seeing a therapist to discuss the rocky relationship with her family, because she couldn't cope with her mother's actions as well as dealing with her emotions regarding Sophia's father, Derek Underwood and his death. Farrah eventually proved to Derek's family through a paternity test that Derek was in fact Sophia's father and then was faced with a lawsuit filed by Derek's mother for grandparents' visitation rights, despite no previous contact with Sophia.
In 2011, she began attending the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida, where she got an associate degree in culinary arts and management. She later launched the "Mom & Me" pasta sauce line.[17]
On August 1, 2012, Abraham ventured into the music industry with the release of her debut studio album My Teenage Dream Ended.[18] It received overwhelmingly negative reviews from contemporary music critics, but has since been reappraised as avant-garde outsider art.[19][20] Abraham released a memoir by the same title on August 14.[21] After airing four seasons, the series finale of Teen Mom aired on August 29, 2012.[22]
In 2013, Abraham appeared in a pornographic video with male porn star James Deen that was distributed by Vivid Video and marketed as being a homemade sex video that "leaked". In 2014, Abraham appeared in a second porn video with Deen, with a press release announcing her second sex tape Farrah 2: Backdoor and More in February stating: "it's no 'fake' 'leak'—it's the real, raw, ridiculous deal, and it suits Farrah's underhanded personality herself."[23] Farrah reportedly earned $1 million selling her first sex tape with James Deen.[24] Later that month, Abraham appeared in the TV special Being Farrah, a continuation of Teen Mom; Bookout, Lowell, and Portwood were featured in the specials Being Maci, Being Catelynn, and Being Amber, respectively.[25] Their successes prompted MTV to consider reviving the series without Abraham, who the other women were concerned was an inappropriate influence on their children.[26]
In January 2014, Abraham was cast for the fourth season of Couples Therapy. However, Brian Dawe claimed that he was hired by Abraham to appear as her on-screen boyfriend and ultimately did not appear on the program alongside her.[27] Abraham consequently became the only cast member in series history to continue therapy without a partner, and was refocused on repairing her relationship with her mother.[28]
In March 2014, Abraham returned to the music industry with the release of the song "Blowin'" and the simultaneous premiere of its accompanying music video. She stated that she treats music as a "hobby, not my career move."[29] In August 2014, she signed a contract with Palazio's Gentleman's Club in Austin, Texas, for $544,000 for a residency until New Year's Eve.[citation needed]
In October 2017, Farrah was fired from the show by producer Morgan J. Freeman because of her work in the adult entertainment industry.[30] She was later replaced by Bristol Palin and Cheyenne Floyd.
Celebrity Big Brother
In 2015, Abraham appeared on the 16th series of the British television series Celebrity Big Brother, representing the United States. On September 18, she became the fifth housemate to be evicted. She was not in the top four highest-voted housemates, and her fellow housemate, Austin Armacost, chose to evict her. She had spent 23 days in the house.[31]
On 22 September 2015, she appeared as a panelist on the Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side after-show and got into a heated argument with fellow panelist, Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace. The show was taken off air 10 minutes early after a "clash" between panelists. Abraham and Janice Dickinson were given police cautions by Hertfordshire Police.[32]
Personal life
In April 2021, Abraham filed a report to the Palm Beach Police Department accusing then Windsor, California mayor Dominic Foppoli of sexually assaulting her. The filing included photographs, video and audio provided by Abraham. The case is under criminal investigation as of May 2021. She is one of nine women to accuse Foppoli of sex crimes. Foppoli resigned within three hours of reporters asking him about her allegations.[33]
Legal issues
In January 2022, Abraham was arrested after it was reported that she assaulted a nightclub security guard.[34] In October 2023, she was sentenced to 18 months probation with mandatory supervision and 40 hours of community service for the incident.[35]
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Television | |||
2009 | 16 and Pregnant | Herself | "Farrah" (season 1, episode 2) |
2009–2012 | Teen Mom | Main cast member (seasons 1–4) | |
2013-2015 | The Doctors | Guest | |
2013 | Bethenny | ||
Dr. Phil | |||
2014 | Couples Therapy | Main cast member (season 4) | |
Being Farrah | Television special | ||
2015–2018 | Teen Mom OG | Main cast member (season 5–7) | |
2015 | Celebrity Big Brother | Housemate; representing the USA | |
Botched | Guest | ||
2017 | Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition | Main cast member | |
MTV's Single AF | |||
2018 | Face the Truth | Guest | |
2018–2019 | Ex on the Beach | Main cast member (season 2) | |
2022 | Teen Mom: Family Reunion | Guest; "Welcome to Farrah-Dise" | |
Film | |||
2013 | Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom | Herself | Adult film (with James Deen)[36] |
2014 | Farrah 2: Backdoor and More | Adult film (with James Deen)[23] | |
2017 | Adam K | Karen Sims | Film debut |
Axeman 2: Overkill | Fannie Rae Baker | Supporting role | |
2019 | I Got the Hook-Up 2 | Officer 2 |
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Album details |
---|---|
My Teenage Dream Ended |
|
Singles
Title | Year | Album |
---|---|---|
"Finally Getting Up from Rock Bottom" | 2012 | My Teenage Dream Ended |
"Blowin" | 2014 | Non-album singles |
"Jingle Bell Rock" (featuring Sophia Abraham) |
2020 | |
"Holly Jolly Christmas" (featuring Sophia Abraham) |
Awards and nominations
Award | Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
EOTM Awards | 2013 | Outstanding Literary Work | My Teenage Dream Ended | Won[37] |
AVN Awards | 2014 | Best Anal Sex Scene | Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom | Nominated |
Published works
- My Teenage Dream Ended (2012)
- Passy Perfume (2012)
- Celebrity Sex Tape: In the Making (2014)
- Celebrity Sex Tape: The Secret's Out (2014)
- Celebrity Sex Tape: Love Through Limelight (2015)
References
- ^ Wood, Lucy (June 14, 2017). "13 Things You Need to Know About Single AF's Farrah Abraham". MTV UK. Archived from the original on June 25, 2017.
- ^ a b "Farrah Abraham Through the Years". Us Weekly. November 6, 2018.
- ^ a b Coffey, Kevin (September 15, 2018). "'Teen Mom'-turned-porn-star Farrah Abraham will fight another reality star in the boxing ring". Omaha World-Herald.
- ^ Bonner, Mehera (August 24, 2012). "Farrah Abraham's Book Makes The New York Times Bestseller List!". Wetpaint. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
- ^ Bonner, Mehera (June 5, 2014). "What Is Farrah Abraham's Ethnicity?". Wetpaint.
- ^ "Why Is Farrah Abraham So Mean to Her Mother? A Detailed Timeline of Their Strained Relationship". In Touch Weekly. May 9, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham's Dad Wears A 'Team Farrah' Shirt, Reveals Why He And Debra Got Divorced In Teen Mom OG Reunion Part 2 Clip". OK! Magazine. June 3, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ "Teen Mom OG's Farrah Abraham Attends Mother Debra Danielsen's Wedding: 'This Is Going in the Family Books!'". People. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ a b "MTV's 16 and Pregnant (Season 1) Ep. 02: Farrah". MTV. Viacom. June 18, 2009. Archived from the original on November 5, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Tracie Egan Morrissey (February 21, 2014). "Farrah Abraham's Mom Wouldn't Let Her Get an Abortion". Jezebel. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Allison Corneau (August 2, 2012). "Teen Mom's Farrah Abraham Opens Up About Ex Derek's Death in New Memoir". Us Weekly. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham Reveals Daughter Sophia Was Bullied". Us Weekly. December 29, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham Visits Grave of Daughter's Father Derek Underwood". Us Weekly. May 9, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- ^ "Teen Mom (Season 1) Ep. Special: Launch Special". MTV. Viacom. December 1, 2009. Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ "Teen Mom (Season 1) Ep. 01: Looking For Love". MTV. Viacom. December 8, 2009. Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ "Mother of 'Teen Mom' Star Officially Charged with Assault". US Weekly. January 20, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ Betsey J. Denberg (June 28, 2012). "Teen Mom Farrah Abraham on Food, Culinary School, and Fort Lauderdale". New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Archived from the original on May 8, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - My Teenage Dream Ended by Farrah Abraham". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. August 1, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ David Cooper Moore (September 12, 2012). "The Scary, Misunderstood Power of a 'Teen Mom' Star's Album". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham's pop music should make her an avant-garde icon". The FADER. October 31, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ My Teenage Dream Ended. Amazon.com (US). August 14, 2012. ISBN 978-1576875988.
- ^ Drusilla Moorhouse (August 29, 2012). "'Teen Mom' series finale recap: 'Wake Up'". Zap2It. Archived from the original on June 6, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ a b "Farrah Abraham's Second Porn Video 'Farrah 2: Backdoor And More' Set For Release". The Huffington Post. AOL. February 27, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham attends porn expo on 22nd birthday". DNA India. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
- ^ Haley Longman (February 24, 2014). "30 Things We Learned From The Farrah, Catelynn and Amber Teen Mom Catch-Up Specials". OK!. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Esther Lee (March 19, 2014). "Farrah Abraham's Teen Mom Costars Amber Portwood and Catelynn Lowell Want Her Fired". Us Weekly. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- ^ Allison Takeda (January 3, 2014). "Jenelle Evans Calls Out Farrah Abraham for Allegedly Faking Her Relationship on Couples Therapy". Us Weekly. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Jason Hughes (February 21, 2014). "Farrah Abraham And Her Mom Discuss Domestic Abuse, Abortion On 'Couples Therapy'". The Huffington Post. AOL. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Rachel Maresca (March 19, 2014). "'Teen Mom' Farrah Abraham releases 'Blowin' ' music video featuring her daughter". Daily News. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ "Stars Fired From Reality Shows Through the Years". Us Weekly. March 25, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
- ^ Rood, Robin (February 4, 2019). Farrah Abraham at BigBrother. RobinRood.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham and Janice Dickinson cautioned over CBB row - BBC Newsbeat". BBC News. September 28, 2015.
- ^ Alexandria Bordas; Cynthia Dizikes; Julie Johnson (May 21, 2021). "Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli resigns after sexual assault allegation by reality TV star Farrah Abraham". San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^ "Teen Mom's Farrah Abraham Arrested After Allegedly Slapping Security Guard". January 16, 2022.
- ^ Shilliday, Beth (October 18, 2023). "Teen Mom's Farrah Abraham Sentenced to 18 Months Probation in Security Guard Battery Case". In Touch Weekly. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
- ^ "Farrah Abraham Porn Photos Leak: Former 'Teen Mom' Star Defends Selling Sex Tape". The Huffington Post. AOL. May 3, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ "2013 EOTM Award Winners". eotmawards. January 1, 1970. Retrieved September 17, 2024.