Biography for
Michael Rapaport (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

20 March 1970, New York City, New York, USA

Birth Name

Michael David Rapaport

Height

6' 3½" (1.92 m)

Mini Biography

A true New Yorker through and through, Michael Rapaport, the son of a radio program manager, may have moved to Los Angeles to try stand-up comedy following high school graduation (which came after a series of expulsions), but he never lost, forgot nor deserted his roots. It's embedded in his work and is a major part of his low-keyed charm and ongoing appeal. His early idols were also New Yorkers (Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, etc.). He toiled only briefly in L.A. Within a short amount of time Michael moved from the live comedy stage to working in front of a camera. The two developed an immediate rapport. A guest spot on the TV series "China Beach" (1988) led to a starring role in the quirky interracial indie Zebrahead (1992), which clinched it for him. This, in turn, led to a string of standout parts in films, such as Christian Slater's pal in True Romance (1993), an edgy collegiate-turned-skinhead in Higher Learning (1995) and a sympathetic none-too-bright boxer in Woody Allen's Mighty Aphrodite (1995), all enabling him to build up a higher profile. In later years he managed to show his ease at offbeat comedy, demonstrating a kid-like, goofy charm as Lisa Kudrow's cop boyfriend for a few episodes on "Friends" (1994) and as teacher Danny Hanson on "Boston Public" (2000). Lately he has formed his own production company, Release Entertainment, in search of that one big breakout role that could nab top stardom for him. In 2000 Michael's writer/girlfriend Nicole Beatty bore him a son. They married that same year.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net

Spouse

Nichole Beattie

(15 January 2000 - present) (filed for divorce) 2 children

Trade Mark

Thick New York Accent.

Trivia

Pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment of Lili Taylor. Ordered to stay away from her and get counseling for a year. [May 1998]

Dated Lili Taylor.

Lives in New York.

As a youngster, he was a die-hard fan of Eddie Murphy and used to dress up like him in gold chains and white suits. He later got to work with his idol in the film Metro (1997) and on Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001).

With his height (6' 4"), he once entertained the thought of being a basketball player.

Has a son named Maceo Shane, born in 2002. He named his son after P.A. Pacemaster Mase aka Maseo of De La Soul.

Has a son named Julian Ali, born in 2000.

Personal Quotes

I don't think about it as being bumped up, but as being bumped forward. I'm not interested in climbing up the ladder. From 'up' you can come 'down.' I just want 'forward.'

Making a character human is important...not likable or unlikable...just well- rounded.

Sometimes people think I'm dumber than I am because of the characters that I play. But it takes a genius to play a fool.

I'm always very impressed and humbled that I've been able to work with the kind of people that I've been able to work with. But, when I'm working with them I leave the fan at home. I come to work as a professional. I think if you go into something looking at people as better than you, if you give people too much respect, I don't think it benefits you or them.

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