Patti D'Arbanville
Patti D’Arbanville – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes
Patti D’Arbanville (born May 25, 1951) is an American actress and former model known for her roles in Flesh, Bilitis, New York Undercover, and more. Explore her early life, breakthrough in Andy Warhol’s circle, film & TV career, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Patti D’Arbanville (born May 25, 1951) is an American actress and former model, celebrated for her early association with Andy Warhol’s Factory, her roles in French and American films, and her notable television career.
She gained attention in the late 1960s and 1970s by appearing in underground and art films, then transitioned into mainstream work in both cinema and television. Over decades, she has sustained a career across genres and markets, from Europe to the U.S.
Early Life & Background
Patti D’Arbanville was born in Manhattan, New York City on May 25, 1951.
Her early life is somewhat intertwined with the cultural undercurrents of the 1960s. She was discovered during her teenage years and became involved in modeling and avant-garde art circles.
By her mid-to-late teens, she had already begun working with Andy Warhol–affiliated filmmakers. Her first credited film role was in Flesh (1968), one of Warhol’s experimental/underground films.
During her youth, she also lived in Europe: she spent time in London, Paris, and France—modeling and acting in French films.
Film & Television Career
Patti D’Arbanville’s career spans multiple decades, crossing from the underground art film world into more mainstream cinema and television.
Breakthrough & European Films
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Flesh (1968): Her early breakthrough came at a young age in this Warhol / Paul Morrissey film.
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L’Amour (1973): She appeared again in a Warhol production.
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Bilitis (1977): Perhaps one of her best-known European roles, she played the title role in David Hamilton’s Bilitis, which was somewhat controversial for its sensual style.
She acted in both French and American films, moving between the continent and the U.S.
U.S. Film & Supporting Roles
Over the years, she took on supporting roles in various American films, often in dramas, comedies, and thrillers:
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Rancho Deluxe (1975) — actress in a supporting role.
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Modern Problems (1981) — cast in a comedic film.
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Real Genius (1985) — a role in a teen / science comedy.
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Wired (1989) — she played Cathy Evelyn Smith, a controversial real figure, in the biopic about John Belushi.
She also appeared in Fresh Horses, The Fan, Personal Velocity, Perfect Stranger, and more.
Television & Long-Term Roles
Patti made numerous television appearances across genres:
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New York Undercover (1994–1997): She played Lieutenant Virginia Cooper in many episodes—this is one of her more durable television roles.
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The Sinner (2017) — played Lorna Tanetti, appearing in multiple episodes.
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Billions — she portrayed “Mama Axelrod” in some episodes.
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Other TV credits include Guiding Light, Third Watch, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Sopranos, Nip/Tuck, and more.
Because she has worked in both U.S. and European markets, her body of work is varied in style and language.
Personal Life & Relationships
Patti D’Arbanville’s private life has also attracted public interest, partly because it intersects with cultural figures.
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In the late 1960s, while in London as a young model, she met the singer Cat Stevens. She is widely believed to have been the inspiration for his song “Lady D’Arbanville” released in 1970.
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She later had a relationship with actor Don Johnson from about 1981 to 1986. They had a son, Jesse Wayne Johnson (born December 7, 1982).
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Patti has been married three times:
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Roger Miremont (French actor) from 1975 to 1980.
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Steve Curry (1980–1981).
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Terry Quinn (a New York City firefighter) from 1993 to 2002.
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She has multiple children aside from Jesse, including daughters Emmelyn and Alexandra, and a son Liam, born during her marriage to Terry Quinn.
During her career, she lived in France for about a decade and became fluent in French, performing work in French cinema.
Quotes & Public Reflections
Here are a few quotes attributed to Patti D’Arbanville that reflect her attitudes toward life, acting, and public persona:
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“I started hanging out with the Warhol crowd. I was very young; it seemed like an awful lot was going on, and I was seeing a slice of life I hadn’t seen before.”
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“Warhol wanted to put me in a film, but my mother wouldn't let me.”
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“I love film sets.”
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“I lift weights. I work out. I try to keep my body together — it's the only one I've got.”
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“Having a kid now, I impress on him all the time how dangerous drugs are.”
These statements show her candidness about her path, the pressures of public life, and self-care.
Legacy & Influence
Patti D’Arbanville occupies a unique space between underground art cinema and mainstream entertainment. Her early work with Warhol placed her in the avant-garde orbit of 1960s counterculture, and her later adaptability allowed her to sustain decades in film and television.
She contributed to bridging European and American film markets, and her longevity in television shows like New York Undercover allowed her to reach wider audiences. Her personal story—romantic links, transatlantic life, and the song written for her—continues to fascinate fans and cultural historians alike.