In the fast-paced ecosystem of digital stardom, few creators have managed to pivot as successfully as Abby Rao.
Once known primarily as a prominent figure in the “influencer house” era, the 28-year-old has spent the last two years systematically dismantling her “TikToker” label to build a multi-faceted career in professional acting and entrepreneurship.
Rao is no longer just a viral face on a screen; she is a burgeoning talent in independent cinema and a voice for female empowerment in the creator economy.
For those following her journey from her early days in New Orleans to the high-stakes world of Hollywood, here is the definitive breakdown of Abby Rao’s background, her past high-profile relationships, and her latest career milestones.
Did Abby Rao Date RiceGum?
One of the most persistent questions regarding Rao’s personal life stems from the height of the “vlog squad” era of YouTube.
The answer is yes. Abby Rao was in a highly publicized relationship with controversial YouTube star RiceGum (Bryan Le).
The pair dated for roughly a year, starting in 2019. During their time together, Rao was a frequent fixture in RiceGum’s videos, and their relationship became a central plot point for his millions of subscribers.
However, the couple officially split in November 2019. Following the breakup, Rao was candid about the challenges of dating in the public eye, particularly within the YouTube “clout” culture.
She has since moved far away from that digital circle, focusing on her own brand and distancing herself from the drama often associated with her former partner.
What Is Abby Rao’s Background?
Abby Rao was born on July 20, 1997, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her Southern roots play a significant role in her public persona, often described by fans as grounded and approachable despite her Los Angeles lifestyle.
Before the bright lights of California, Rao worked as a cosmetologist in Louisiana, a background that gave her an early understanding of the beauty industry—a skill she would later use to launch her own self-care and wellness initiatives.
She moved to Los Angeles with a clear ambition to enter the entertainment world, but her path first led her to the world of social media collectives.
In early 2020, alongside Daisy Keech, Rao co-founded The Clubhouse, a premium creator collective that aimed to offer more professional support to influencers compared to the more chaotic “Hype House” model.
While she eventually stepped away from the management side of influencer houses, the venture solidified her reputation as a savvy businesswoman.
What Movies Has Abby Rao Played In?
Abby Rao’s transition into acting has been deliberate and focused. Rather than relying on her social media following to land roles, she spent 2024 and 2025 training under some of the most respected acting coaches in North Hollywood.
Her filmography reflects a preference for independent drama and psychological thrillers:
- “The Last Summer” (2024): Rao landed a supporting role in this independent coming-of-age drama, where she was praised for her natural screen presence.
- “Shadowed” (2025): In her first leading role, Rao played a woman struggling with her past in this psychological thriller.
- The film made rounds at several boutique film festivals, earning Rao a “Best Rising Talent” nomination at a regional festival.
- Upcoming Projects: Industry insiders report that Rao has been cast in a recurring role for a major streaming platform’s new mystery series, currently in pre-production.
What Does Abby Rao Do Now?
Abby Rao is a full-time actress and an “intentional influencer.” She has moved away from the “daily vlog” style of content, choosing instead to use her platforms to share her journey through the film industry and advocate for mental health awareness.
Beyond her acting career, Rao is a successful entrepreneur. She has parlayed her cosmetology background into a successful partnership with several high-end skin-care brands and is currently developing her own line of sustainable beauty tools.
She frequently speaks at creator summits about the importance of “career longevity,” urging younger influencers to diversify their skills beyond short-form video platforms.
Rao currently resides in a quiet neighborhood in West Hollywood, keeping her private life much more guarded than in previous years.
Whether she is walking a red carpet for an indie premiere or filming a masterclass on digital branding, Abby Rao is proving that the second act of a social media star can be even more impressive than the first.