Michael Rapaport eyes 2029 NYC mayoral run after…
Michael Rapaport is setting his sights on a new profession path.
The 55-year-old actor announced on the Monday, Jan. 5 episode of his “I Am Rapaport” podcast that he plans on working for mayor of New York City in 2029, stating, “My name is Michael Rapaport, a.k.a. Mayor Rapaport. Mr. Mayor Rapaport.”
“Let me tell you something, guys, girls, women, children of all ages. 2025 was crazy, and I don’t see it getting any… calmer or cooler in 2026, the way things started,” he continued. “That’s why I’m running 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 thought for his democratic socialist insurance policies.
Rapaport is most well-known for his on-screen work as an actor, but goals to observe in the footsteps of fellow actors turned politicians, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan, by changing into the next mayor of New York City.
Michael Rapaport announced plans to run for mayor of New York City in 2029. Dorian Geiger / NY Post
Here is Rapaport’s journey from actor to mayoral candidate.
Stand-up comic
Rapaport made a title for himself as a stand-up comic before transitioning into an actor.
As a comic, Rapaport was identified for his unfiltered and often aggressive, rant-driven fashion of humor, which often included his opinions on on a regular basis topics.
Michael Rapaport performs at The Stress Factory Comedy Club on September 25, 2025, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Getty Images
“I definitely remember the first time I performed on stage,” he said on “The Jose Candelario Show” in February 2025. “I was 19. It was in an open mic in the afternoon… but I did the open mic in Manhattan somewhere downtown, and I don’t remember what jokes I did, but I remember my goal was if I could get one person to laugh, I was going to do it again.”
He explained that his stand-up profession “got me into acting, which I fell in love with.” After his performing profession took off, he give up stand-up at 25 years outdated, and only just lately began getting back into it.
‘Zebrahead’
Rapaport’s first major position was in the 1992 film “Zebrahead,” in which he performed a younger Jewish boy who falls in love with a black teenage lady in Detroit.
The film tackles the issue of being in an interracial relationship at the time. It was a success among critics and earned a modest $1.5 million at the box workplace.
Rapaport’s first major position was in the 1992 film “Zebrahead,” about a younger Jewish boy who falls in love with a black teenage lady in Detroit. Getty Images
While the film was not a major blockbuster success, Rapaport’s efficiency was nicely acquired and led to additional main roles in films.
‘True Romance’
Following his first on-screen position, the actor was forged in his breakout position in the 1993 movie, “True Romance.”
Also starring Christian Slater, Brad Pitt, Patricia Arquette and many other big names, the film follows a comic-book fanatic, Clarence, and a prostitute, Alabama, who fall in love. A sequence of occasions lead to Clarence killing Alabama’s pimp and by chance stealing a suitcase of cocaine.
Rapaport’s breakout position was in the 1993 movie “True Romance” with Christian Slater, Brad Pitt and Patricia Arquette. Corbis via Getty Images
The two then work toward promoting it, but soon discover themselves on the radar of the mob. Rapaport performs Dick Ritchie, a good friend of Clarence’s, who helps him deal with the mob.
“That was the only movie that I’ve ever done that I knew was going to be a good movie,” Rapaport said in a September 2016 episode of his podcast. “When you make a movie it’s like if you’re baking a cake. All the ingredients were there. The recipe was there, and you had a fantastic chef.”
TV appearances
He continued to show he had a strong performing capability by showing in many big films, including “Higher Learning,” “Metro” and “Cop Land,” before also setting his sights on tv.
Rapaport gained mainstream TV recognition when he landed a recurring position on the hit sitcom, “Friends,” taking part in Detective Gary, the boyfriend of Lisa Kudrow’s character, Phoebe.
The actor later starred in the hit exhibits “Boston Public,” and “The War at Home.” He also starred in “Prison Break,” taking part in the main antagonist in the fourth season.
Rapaport had a recurring position on the sitcom “Friends,” taking part in Detective Gary, the boyfriend of Lisa Kudrow’s character, Phoebe. NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection
He continued with visitor spots on many TV exhibits, while also showing in movies. Most just lately he starred in the Netflix show, “Atypical.”
“I loved the character and I loved the show, and just the response that people have had to it has been really overwhelming to be honest with you,” Rapaport told the “Dan Patrick Show” in November 2019. “It’s a family show, and I’m very proud of ‘Atypical.’”
He also appeared in a few episodes of “Only unlawful killings in the Building.”
‘I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast’
Rapaport launched his podcast, “I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast,” in 2014, which went on to gain more mainstream success the next yr.
At the time, it targeted on New York sports activities groups and NBA commentary, main him to win best sports activities podcast at the Podcast Awards in 2015. It was at this level that he began having audiences call in and doing live exhibits.
As the podcast continued to gain reputation, clips of the episodes started going viral on social media, and Rapaport started inviting movie star company, including actors, NBA gamers and comedians. This helped expose the actor to a youthful viewers.
More just lately, the podcast has develop into more of a space for Rapaport to remark on politics and social points. He briefly signed with Barstool Sports in 2017, before being let go in 2018.
Arrest
Following his breakthrough performances in movie and tv, Rapaport experiences some powerful occasions in his personal life.
In May 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 guilty to aggravated harassment, and according to E! News, told the choose that he also called Taylor 21 occasions in a four-day period after their breakup.
As a outcome, the choose issued a safety order conserving Rapaport away from Taylor, and also mandated the actor get counseling twice a month for a yr. Had he violated any of these circumstances, he can be sentenced to one yr of jail time.
Marriage
Rapaport first discovered love in 2000, when he married tv producer and author Nichole Beattie.
The two have been married for seven years and welcomed two sons together, Julian and Maceo, before getting divorced in 2007.
Following his divorce from Beattie, Rapaport reconnected with his former girlfriend, Kebe Dunn, who he first dated in the ’90s. It is unclear when precisely they rekindled their romance, but they have been first noticed out together in 2012.
Rapaport reconnected with his former girlfriend, Kebe Dunn, and the 2 bought married in 2016. Penske Media via Getty Images
They finally tied the knot in 2016, and are often posting about one another on social media. “Everything is better with you. Happy Anniversary @michaelrapaport you bring me joy🖤,” 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 announced he’s planning on working for the workplace in the 2029 election cycle.
In addition to making the announcement on his podcast, Rapaport also took to Instagram to share the news, emphasizing in the video that he was “born and raised in New York City.”
“You got Zoron the Moron now…Mayor Rapaport is coming. How you like them apples?” Rapaport, who has been vocal about his dislike for mayoral elect Zohran Mamdani, said on Instagram about working for mayor in 2029. Paul Martinka
“Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing’s free. No bulls—. No fake grins,” he wrote in the caption. “I’ll own my mistakes, apologize when I screw up, and fight to make this city safe, affordable, and thriving. You got Zoron the Moron now…Mayor Rapaport is coming. How you like them apples? 🍎🗽.”
Many people in the feedback part have been supportive of the actor’s resolution, including Jackie Goldschneider, who wrote: “I will lead the efforts from NJ!! 🙌🙌,” and Dorit Kemsley, who left clapping palms emojis.
“I will move to NYC just to vote for you! ✈️,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Love the sound of it – Mayor Rappaport! How can I help!?”
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