Michael David Rapaport is an American actor and comedian who began his career in the early 1990s. He has appeared in over 100 films and television shows, with notable film roles in Zebrahead (1992), True Romance (1993), Higher Learning (1995), and Cop Land (1997). On television, Rapaport starred in the Fox sitcom The War at Home (2005–2007) and was a series regular on Boston Public (2001–2004), Prison Break (2008–2009), and Atypical (2017–2021). He also had recurring roles in Friends (1999), My Name Is Earl (2007–2008), and Justified (2014). In addition to acting, Rapaport directed the 2011 documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest and hosts the I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast.
March 20, 1970: Michael Rapaport is Born
On March 20, 1970, Michael David Rapaport, an American actor and comedian, was born.
1989: Moves to Los Angeles to Pursue Stand-Up Comedy
At 19 years old, Michael Rapaport moved to Los Angeles in 1989 to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, supported by his stepfather, comedy club owner Mark Lonow.
1992: Film Debut in "Zebrahead"
Michael Rapaport began his acting career in 1992 with a role in the film "Zebrahead".
1993: Appearance in "True Romance"
In 1993, he appeared in the film "True Romance".
1995: Role in "Higher Learning"
Rapaport had a role in the 1995 film "Higher Learning".
May 18, 1997: Arrested for Harassing Lili Taylor
Rapaport was arrested on May 18, 1997, for harassing his ex-girlfriend, actress Lili Taylor. He pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment charges, resulting in a restraining order and mandated counseling.
1997: Roles in "Metro" and "Cop Land"
He acted in two films in 1997: "Metro" and "Cop Land".
1999: Appeared in "Deep Blue Sea" and "Friends"
1999 saw Rapaport in the film "Deep Blue Sea" and he began a recurring role on the sitcom "Friends".
2000: Role in "The 6th Day"
Rapaport acted in the film "The 6th Day" in 2000.
2000: Marries Nichole Beattie
He married writer and producer Nichole Beattie in 2000.
2001: Appeared in "Dr. Dolittle 2" and "Boston Public"
In 2001, he had a role in the film "Dr. Dolittle 2" and became a series regular on the show "Boston Public".
2004: Concludes Role on "Boston Public"
Rapaport concluded his regular role on "Boston Public" in 2004.
2005: Starred in "The War at Home"
He starred in the sitcom "The War at Home" starting in 2005.
2005: Evicts Natasha Lyonne from Rental Property
In 2005, Rapaport wrote about evicting actress Natasha Lyonne from his rental property due to her drug use. They have since reconciled.
2007: Divorces Nichole Beattie
Rapaport and Beattie divorced in 2007.
2007: Recurring Role in "My Name Is Earl"
Rapaport had a recurring role on the sitcom "My Name Is Earl" beginning in 2007.
October 2008: Announces Documentary on A Tribe Called Quest
In October 2008, Rapaport announced that he was directing a documentary about the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest.
2008: Joins "Prison Break"
He joined the cast of "Prison Break" for its fourth season in 2008.
2009: Appeared in "Big Fan"
Rapaport acted in the film "Big Fan" in 2009.
February 12, 2010: Named MVP of NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game
Rapaport was named MVP of the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game on February 12, 2010, recognized for his defense on Terrell Owens.
2011: Releases "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest"
His documentary, "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest", premiered in 2011 to positive reviews.
2013: Role in "The Heat"
He had a role in the 2013 film "The Heat".
April 17, 2014: Premieres ESPN 30 for 30 Film at Tribeca Film Festival
His ESPN 30 for 30 film about the 1970s New York Knicks premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2014.
2014: Recurring Role in "Justified"
Rapaport had a recurring role on the show "Justified" in 2014.
2016: Marries Kebe Dunn
Rapaport married actress Kebe Dunn, his long-time girlfriend, in 2016.
June 19, 2017: Joins Barstool Sports
Rapaport joined Barstool Sports as a correspondent for the "Pardon My Take" podcast on June 19, 2017.
2017: Joins "Atypical"
He joined the cast of the Netflix show "Atypical" in 2017.
February 18, 2018: Fired from Barstool Sports
He was fired from Barstool Sports on February 18, 2018, following a controversial comment directed at their fanbase.
June 2018: Stops Passenger Attempting to Open Plane Door
He stopped a passenger from opening an emergency exit door mid-flight in June 2018.
2021: Concludes Role on "Atypical"
Rapaport finished his regular role on "Atypical" in 2021.
2023: Competes on "The Masked Singer"
Rapaport participated in season ten of "The Masked Singer" as "Pickle" in 2023.