Michael Rapaport is setting his sights on a brand new profession path.
The 55-year-old actor introduced on the Monday, Jan. 5 episode of his “I Am Rapaport” podcast that he plans on operating for mayor of New York Metropolis in 2029, stating, “My identify is Michael Rapaport, a.ok.a. Mayor Rapaport. Mr. Mayor Rapaport.”
“Let me inform you one thing, guys, ladies, ladies, youngsters of all ages. 2025 was loopy, and I don’t see it getting any… calmer or cooler in 2026, the way in which issues began,” he continued. “That’s why I’m operating for mayor.”
His announcement comes after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the town’s new mayor earlier this month. Rapaport has been very vocal about his dislike for Mamdani, who is understood for his democratic socialist insurance policies.
Rapaport is most well-known for his on-screen work as an actor, however goals to comply with within the footsteps of fellow actors turned politicians, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan, by changing into the following mayor of New York Metropolis.
Right here is Rapaport’s journey from actor to mayoral candidate.
Slapstick comedian
Rapaport made a reputation for himself as a slapstick comedian earlier than transitioning into an actor.
As a comic, Rapaport was recognized for his unfiltered and sometimes aggressive, rant-driven fashion of humor, which frequently included his opinions on on a regular basis matters.
“I positively bear in mind the primary time I carried out on stage,” he mentioned on “The Jose Candelario Present” in February 2025. “I used to be 19. It was in an open mic within the afternoon… however I did the open mic in Manhattan someplace downtown, and I don’t bear in mind what jokes I did, however I bear in mind my aim was if I might get one particular person to giggle, I used to be going to do it once more.”
He defined that his stand-up profession “acquired me into performing, which I fell in love with.” After his performing profession took off, he give up stand-up at 25 years outdated, and solely just lately began getting again into it.
‘Zebrahead’
Rapaport’s first main function was within the 1992 film “Zebrahead,” wherein he performed a younger Jewish boy who falls in love with a black teenage woman in Detroit.
The film tackles the issue of being in an interracial relationship on the time. It was successful amongst critics and earned a modest $1.5 million on the field workplace.
Whereas the film was not a significant blockbuster success, Rapaport’s efficiency was effectively obtained and led to additional main roles in films.
‘True Romance’
Following his first on-screen function, the actor was solid in his breakout function within the 1993 movie, “True Romance.”
Additionally starring Christian Slater, Brad Pitt, Patricia Arquette and lots of different large names, the film follows a comic-book fanatic, Clarence, and a prostitute, Alabama, who fall in love. A collection of occasions result in Clarence killing Alabama’s pimp and unintentionally stealing a suitcase of cocaine.
The 2 then work towards promoting it, however quickly discover themselves on the radar of the mob. Rapaport performs Dick Ritchie, a good friend of Clarence’s, who helps him take care of the mob.
“That was the one film that I’ve ever carried out that I knew was going to be a superb film,” Rapaport mentioned in a September 2016 episode of his podcast. “If you make a film it’s like if you happen to’re baking a cake. All of the components have been there. The recipe was there, and also you had a improbable chef.”
TV appearances
He continued to show he had a robust performing potential by showing in lots of large films, together with “Increased Studying,” “Metro” and “Cop Land,” earlier than additionally setting his sights on tv.
Rapaport gained mainstream TV recognition when he landed a recurring function on the hit sitcom, “Pals,” taking part in Detective Gary, the boyfriend of Lisa Kudrow’s character, Phoebe.
The actor later starred within the hit reveals “Boston Public,” and “The Battle at House.” He additionally starred in “Jail Break,” taking part in the primary antagonist within the fourth season.
He continued with visitor spots on many TV reveals, whereas additionally showing in movies. Most just lately he starred within the Netflix present, “Atypical.”
“I beloved the character and I beloved the present, and simply the response that folks have needed to it has been actually overwhelming to be trustworthy with you,” Rapaport advised the “Dan Patrick Present” in November 2019. “It’s a household present, and I’m very pleased with ‘Atypical.’”
He additionally appeared in a couple of episodes of “Solely Murders within the Constructing.”
‘I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast’
Rapaport launched his podcast, “I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast,” in 2014, which went on to achieve extra mainstream success the next 12 months.
On the time, it centered on New York sports activities groups and NBA commentary, main him to win greatest sports activities podcast on the Podcast Awards in 2015. It was at this level that he began having audiences name in and doing stay reveals.
Because the podcast continued to achieve recognition, clips of the episodes started going viral on social media, and Rapaport started inviting superstar company, together with actors, NBA gamers and comedians. This helped expose the actor to a youthful viewers.
Extra just lately, the podcast has turn into extra of an area for Rapaport to touch upon politics and social points. He briefly signed with Barstool Sports activities in 2017, earlier than being let go in 2018.
Arrest
Following his breakthrough performances in movie and tv, Rapaport experiences some robust occasions in his private life.
In Could 1997, the actor was arrested after he confirmed up at his ex-girlfriend, actress Lili Taylor’s home at 1 a.m. and was banging on her window repeatedly. He later pleaded responsible to aggravated harassment, and in response to E! Information, advised the decide that he additionally referred to as Taylor 21 occasions in a four-day interval after their breakup.
In consequence, the decide issued a safety order conserving Rapaport away from Taylor, and likewise mandated the actor get counseling twice a month for a 12 months. Had he violated any of those situations, he can be sentenced to 1 12 months of jail time.
Marriage
Rapaport first discovered love in 2000, when he married tv producer and author Nichole Beattie.
The 2 have been married for seven years and welcomed two sons collectively, Julian and Maceo, earlier than getting divorced in 2007.
Following his divorce from Beattie, Rapaport reconnected along with his former girlfriend, Kebe Dunn, who he first dated within the ’90s. It’s unclear when precisely they rekindled their romance, however they have been first noticed out collectively in 2012.
They finally tied the knot in 2016, and are sometimes posting about each other on social media. “Every part is best with you. Joyful Anniversary @michaelrapaport you deliver me pleasure🖤,” she wrote on Instagram to have a good time their third anniversary in December 2019.
Mayoral race
Following the election of Mamdani as mayor, Rapaport introduced he’s planning on operating for the workplace within the 2029 election cycle.
Along with making the announcement on his podcast, Rapaport additionally took to Instagram to share the information, emphasizing within the video that he was “born and raised in New York Metropolis.”
“Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing’s free. No bulls—. No pretend grins,” he wrote within the caption. “I’ll personal my errors, apologize once I screw up, and combat to make this metropolis secure, reasonably priced, and thriving. You bought Zoron the Moron now…Mayor Rapaport is coming. How you want them apples? 🍎🗽.”
Many individuals within the feedback part have been supportive of the actor’s resolution, together with Jackie Goldschneider, who wrote: “I’ll lead the efforts from NJ!! 🙌🙌,” and Dorit Kemsley, who left clapping palms emojis.
“I’ll transfer to NYC simply to vote for you! ✈️,” one fan wrote. One other added, “Love the sound of it – Mayor Rappaport! How can I assist!?”
