Michael Rapaport is a name that evokes a strong reaction. For over three decades, he has been an undeniable and often loud presence in Hollywood. With his unmistakable New York accent, abrasive charm, and a resume stretching over 100 film and television credits, he is the quintessential character actor who became a star in his own right. But to define him by acting alone would be a disservice. Rapaport is a comedian, a respected documentary director, a polarizing podcast host, and more recently, a fiery political activist.
This is the comprehensive story of Michael David Rapaport—from the streets of New York to the soundstages of Hollywood, from the director's chair to the center of online controversy.
Quick Facts: Michael Rapaport
| Bio/Wiki | |
| Name | Michael David Rapaport |
| Nick-name | Rap, The Gringo Mandingo |
| Sex | Male |
| Date Of Birth | March 20, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years (as of 2024) |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi Jewish (Polish and Russian descent) |
| Profession / Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Podcaster, Director |
| Mother Tongue | English |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Family and Relatives | |
| Father | David Rapaport (Former radio executive) |
| Mother | June Brody (Former New York radio personality) |
| Brothers | Eric Rapaport |
| Sisters | Claudia Rapaport (Older half-sister) |
| Personal Life | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Kebe Dunn (m. 2016), Nichole Beattie (m. 2000; div. 2007) |
| Daughters | None |
| Sons | Julian Ali Rapaport, Maceo Shane Rapaport (from marriage to Nichole Beattie) |
| Girlfriend | N/A (Currently Married) |
| Affairs | N/A |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height in Centimeters | 191 cm |
| Height in Meters | 1.91 m |
| Height in Feet Inches | 6’ 3” |
| Weight | 86 kg (190 lbs) approx. |
| Body Measurement | Not Available |
| Chest Size | Not Available |
| Waist Size | Not Available |
| Biceps Size | Not Available |
| Body Type | Average |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light Brown / Blonde |
| Education School and Colleges | |
| Education Qualification | High School Graduate |
| School | Martin Luther King High School, New York City |
| College | N/A |
| University | N/A |
| Career | |
| Debut TV | China Beach (1990) |
| Notable TV Work (List till 2025) | Friends, Boston Public, Prison Break, Justified, Atypical, Life & Beth, Only Murders in the Building, Fallout (2024) |
| Debut Movie | Zebrahead (1992) |
| Notable Movie Work (List till 2025) | True Romance, Higher Learning, Beautiful Girls, Cop Land, Deep Blue Sea, The 6th Day, Hitch, The Heat |
| Awards | Audience Award for Best Documentary (for Beats, Rhymes & Life) - Los Angeles Film Festival |
| Achievements | Prolific character actor with over 100 film and TV credits. Successful podcaster with "I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast". Directed the acclaimed documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest. |
| Favorite Things and Hobby | |
| Color | Blue |
| Food | Italian Food, Soul Food |
| Movie | Rocky, Goodfellas |
| Actor | Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken |
| Actress | Not Publicly Known |
| Director | Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee |
| Sport | Basketball, Boxing |
| Hobby | Podcasting, Watching Sports (especially the New York Knicks), Fantasy Football |
| Animal | Cat |
| Money Factor | |
| Net Worth | $10 Million (approx. as of 2024) |
| Salary | Varies per project |
| Social Media | |
| @michaelrapaport | |
| MichaelRapaportOfficial | |
| Twitter (X) | @MichaelRapaport |
Michael Rapaport Early Life
Born on March 20, 1970, in New York City, Michael Rapaport was seemingly destined for a life in media. His father, David Rapaport, was a radio executive and the general manager for the iconic New York radio station WKTU Disco 92. His mother, June Brody, was a New York radio personality. Growing up in this environment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Rapaport was immersed in the city's vibrant, fast-paced culture from a young age. He is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with family roots tracing back to Poland and Russia.
Despite his media-centric upbringing, Rapaport struggled in the traditional academic system. His school years were turbulent; he was expelled from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn before eventually graduating from Martin Luther King High School in Manhattan. This rebellious streak and difficulty with authority would become a recurring theme in his public persona.
Michael Rapaport Breakthrough in Film and Television
While stand-up was his entry point, acting quickly became his calling. After an early role on the TV series China Beach, Rapaport's career exploded in the 1990s. He became a staple of the decade's independent and blockbuster films, with memorable roles in:
- Zebrahead (1992): His breakout leading role.
- True Romance (1993): As Dick Ritchie, a fan-favorite role in the Quentin Tarantino-penned classic.
- Higher Learning (1995): A powerful performance as the misguided Remy.
- Cop Land (1997): Holding his own alongside a star-studded cast including Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro.
- Deep Blue Sea (1999): As the wisecracking engineer, Tom "Scogs" Scoggins.
His television presence was just as significant. He landed a recurring role as Phoebe's police officer boyfriend, Gary, on Friends and became a main cast member on David E. Kelley's acclaimed drama Boston Public. Throughout the 2000s and beyond, he continued to land major roles in shows like The War at Home, Prison Break, Justified, and most recently, as the patriarch Doug Gardner in the beloved Netflix series Atypical.
Michael Rapaport Behind the Camera and on the Mic
Rapaport's creative talents extend far beyond acting. A lifelong hip-hop fan, he directed the critically acclaimed 2011 documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, giving fans an intimate look at the legendary group. He also directed an ESPN 30 for 30 film about the 1970s New York Knicks.Today, many know him best for his voice on the I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast, where he and his childhood friend Gerald Moody offer unfiltered takes on sports, pop culture, and life. His distinct personality has made him a frequent guest on countless other podcasts, including The Howard Stern Show and Bill Burr's Monday Morning Podcast.
Michael Rapaport Recent Activism and Public Persona
Never one to shy away from expressing his opinion, Rapaport has become an increasingly vocal public figure. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, he emerged as a passionate and outspoken pro-Israel advocate, using his platform to call for the release of hostages and share his views. This has made him a prominent, and at times controversial, voice in public discourse.Michael Rapaport Personal Life
Rapaport's career has never been without controversy. In 1997, he was arrested for harassing his ex-girlfriend, actress Lili Taylor. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to attend counseling sessions.
More recently, he has become one of Hollywood's most vocal pro-Israel advocates. Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Rapaport began using his platform for activism, appearing in videos calling for the release of hostages and frequently posting content from his visits to Israel. His outspoken and often confrontational stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has made him a polarizing figure, earning both praise from supporters and condemnation from critics. In a controversial 2025 statement, he expressed admiration for the far-right Rabbi Meir Kahane, stating, "Kahane was always right."
On a personal level, Rapaport was married to writer-producer Nichole Beattie from 2000 to 2007, and they have two sons. In 2016, he married his longtime girlfriend, actress Kebe Dunn.
He also made headlines in 2018 for a heroic act, when he stopped a fellow passenger from attempting to open an emergency exit door mid-flight on an American Airlines plane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Rapaport
Q1: What is Michael Rapaport most famous for?A: Michael Rapaport is widely known for his extensive acting career, particularly his roles in 90s films like True Romance and Deep Blue Sea, and his television roles on Friends, Boston Public, and the Netflix series Atypical. He is also famous for his podcast, I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast.
Q2: Who did Michael Rapaport play on
A: He played Gary, a police officer who dates and moves in with Phoebe Buffay during a four-episode arc in Season 5.
Q3: What is Michael Rapaport's podcast?
A: He hosts the I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast, where he discusses sports, entertainment, and current events with his signature unfiltered and comedic style.
Q4: What documentary did Michael Rapaport direct?
A: He directed the highly-praised 2011 documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, which chronicles the history and internal conflicts of the iconic hip-hop group.
Q5: Why has Michael Rapaport been in the news recently?
A: Since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, Michael Rapaport has become a very vocal pro-Israel advocate, using his social media platforms to post activist content and commentary.
Q6: Was Michael Rapaport in the show Fallout?
A: Yes, he made a guest appearance in the 2024 Amazon Prime series Fallout as Knight Titus, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, in the episode "The Target."
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