Michael Rapaport is considering a shift in his career.
The 55-year-old actor shared his plans on the January 5 episode of his podcast, “I Am Rapaport.” He stated his intention to run for mayor of New York City in 2029, introducing himself with a playful, “My name is Michael Rapaport, also known as Mayor Rapaport. Mr. Rapaport.”
“Listen up, everyone—2025 was wild, and I’m guessing 2026 won’t be much better,” he mentioned. “That’s why I’m running for mayor.”
This announcement follows Zoran Mamdani being inaugurated as the city’s new mayor earlier this month. Rapaport has had quite a vocal disdain for Mamdani, who is recognized for his democratic socialist policies.
Rapaport, while primarily known for his acting career, aims to follow in the footsteps of actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan to become New York City’s next mayor.
Here’s a glance at Rapaport’s evolution from actor to mayoral hopeful.
Stand-Up Comedian
Before diving into acting, Rapaport established himself as a stand-up comedian.
His comedic style was often raw and aggressive, filled with bold takes on various topics.
“I still recall my first time on stage,” he shared. “I was 19, at an open mic in downtown Manhattan. I don’t recall the specific joke, but my goal was to make at least one person laugh.”
He mentioned that comedy naturally drew him into acting, which he embraced fully. Though he stepped away from stand-up at 25, he’s been considering returning to it lately.
“Zebra Head”
Rapaport’s journey began with his major role in the 1992 film “Zebrahead,” where he portrayed a Jewish boy falling for a black girl in Detroit.
The film examined the challenges of interracial relationships during that era and, despite grossing a modest $1.5 million, it was a success critically.
His performance led to further opportunities in leading roles.
“True Romance”
His breakout came with 1993’s “True Romance,” featuring a star-studded cast including Christian Slater and Brad Pitt.
The plot follows comic book fan Clarence and his love, Alabama, as they navigate a chaotic turn of events that involves murder and stolen drugs.
Rapaport played Dick Ritchie, a friend helping Clarence amid all the turmoil.
“I knew this was going to be a great movie from the start,” he recalled in a 2016 interview. “Making a movie is like baking; all the right elements came together.”
Television Appearances
He continued to showcase his talent in films such as “Higher Learning” and “Cop Land” before heading to television.
Rapaport gained mainstream fame playing Detective Gary on “Friends,” the boyfriend of Phoebe, portrayed by Lisa Kudrow.
He subsequently starred in “Boston Public” and “The War at Home,” among other shows, including a significant role in “Prison Break.”
He has appeared as a guest in various series and most recently in Netflix’s “Atypical,” which he describes as a family-friendly show he is proud of.
“I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast”
In 2014, Rapaport launched his podcast, “I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast,” which gained popularity quickly.
In 2015, it won the Best Sports Podcast at the Podcast Awards, focusing on New York sports and NBA commentary. He also began hosting live shows soon after.
As the podcast flourished, segments started circulating on social media, attracting celebrity guests and introducing him to younger audiences.
Currently, he uses the podcast as a platform to discuss political and social matters. He briefly joined Barstool Sports in 2017 but left the following year.
Personal Struggles
After establishing his career, Rapaport faced some tough moments personally.
In May 1997, he was arrested for harassing his ex-girlfriend Lili Taylor, leading to a conviction of aggravated harassment. He had attempted to contact her numerous times after their breakup, resulting in a protection order against him.
Marriage
He found love in 2000 with TV producer Nicole Beatty. The couple had two sons, Julian and Maceo, but divorced after seven years in 2007.
Post-divorce, Rapaport rekindled his romance with Keve Dunn, whom he first dated in the ’90s. They were spotted together in 2012 and eventually married in 2016.
They frequently express affection for one another on social media, celebrating milestones together.
Mayoral Election
Following Mamdani’s election, Rapaport announced his run for the 2029 mayoral election.
In an Instagram video, he emphasized his New York roots and made clear his no-nonsense approach, stating he would take accountability for his mistakes and strive to ensure New York remains safe and affordable.
“I’m coming… Mayor Rappaport is on the way,” he teased in the video. Support flooded in from friends and fans excited about his political ambitions.
