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Michael Rapaport with his sons Julian Ali and Maceo Rapaport | Source: Getty Images
Michael Rapaport with his sons Julian Ali and Maceo Rapaport | Source: Getty Images

Julian Ali Rapaport Is Named after a Boxing Legend – What We Know about Michael Rapaport’s Son

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Oct 21, 2023
06:55 A.M.

Julian Ali Rapaport is quite an enigmatic young man, having made only a handful of joint public appearances; however, behind it all, his Hollywood star father has plenty to share about him.

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Julian Ali Rapaport is one of the two sons of actor and comedian Michael Rapaport, who is best known for his roles in various television series "Atypical," "Friends," and "Only Murders in the Building," and several films such as "Deep Blue Sea" and "High Learning.

While his dad is quite at ease in the spotlight, Julian prefers a more private way of life. Nonetheless, his father often shares captivating anecdotes about him in a few public interviews.

Michael Rapaport and his sons Julian and Maceo arrive for the 4th annual IndieProducer Awards Gala at the Writers Guild of America Theatre on May 12, 2006, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Michael Rapaport and his sons Julian and Maceo arrive for the 4th annual IndieProducer Awards Gala at the Writers Guild of America Theatre on May 12, 2006, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

What Is Known About Julian

Julian's father revealed on X that his middle name was inspired by the late legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, widely celebrated as one of the world's most exceptional athletes.

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Julian's early exposure to music included a strong influence on hip-hop. As a child, he avidly listened to the greatest hits of the 80s hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., even committing their iconic track "Sucker M.C.'s" to memory.

Julian's interests extend beyond music; he also has a passion for the arts. A self-portrait of Julian, featured in his father's Instagram post from 2013, showcases his keen eye for photography.

Michael Rapaport and his son Julian Ali during the 4th Annual Indie Producers Awards Gala After Party on May 12, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Michael Rapaport and his son Julian Ali during the 4th Annual Indie Producers Awards Gala After Party on May 12, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In a different context, Julian once played an active role in his father's fantasy football endeavors, fostering a strong father-son bond. In 2016, Michael reminisced about a particular moment in their game.

The renowned comedian explained that for the initial two years, his son and his son's friend, who were 14 years old at the time, made all the decisions for his fantasy football team.

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Their remarkable success led to their expulsion from his primary league, the Howard Stern League. However, despite being voted out, Michael humorously declared they had turned him into a fantasy football aficionado.

Michael Rapaport and his sons Maceo and Julian Ali Rapaport attend Tony Hawk's Project 8 Stand Up for Skateparks at Green Acres Estate on December 3, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Michael Rapaport and his sons Maceo and Julian Ali Rapaport attend Tony Hawk's Project 8 Stand Up for Skateparks at Green Acres Estate on December 3, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Julian has left for college in New York, and his dad deliberately refrained from seeing him off to school because he eagerly anticipated this milestone. Michael explained in 2018:

"No, I was looking forward to that... It just seemed like he was ready."

Michael mentioned that Julian's choice of attending college in New York, where he was already familiar, reduced his parental worries. He noted the sense of comfort his son had in that place.

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The comedian also considered how his feelings might have been different if he had a daughter, saying that the unfamiliarity of the location might have increased his concerns in that scenario.

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In 2004, Julian's mother, Nichole Beattie, filed for legal separation from Michael, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for their split.

Michael Rapaport with sons Maceo and Julian Ali at the World Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "TMNT" in 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Michael Rapaport with sons Maceo and Julian Ali at the World Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "TMNT" in 2007. | Source: Getty Images

Julian Has Had Occasional Public Sightings

Over the years, Julian occasionally appeared at various events alongside his famous father, often joined by his brother, Maceo Rapaport. They attended the 4th Annual Indie Producers Awards Gala in Beverly Hills 2006.

In 2007, they graced the film premiere of "TMNT" (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), which starred remarkable actors Chris Evans, James Arnold Taylor, Patrick Stewart, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Michael Rapaport with his kids Julian and Maceo attend the premiere of "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest" during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC on April 27, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Michael Rapaport with his kids Julian and Maceo attend the premiere of "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest" during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC on April 27, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

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Another notable occasion Julian attended with his brother and their famous dad was at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. While Julian may have chosen to lead a more private life in recent years, he had a rare sighting in California in 2018.

He was spotted strolling while conversing with his dad in West Hollywood before they headed into a bustling restaurant. The father-son duo simply donned shirts and shorts as they beat the heat.

Michael Rapaport and Nichole Beattie attend "Bamboozled" premiere at The Ziegfeld Theatre in 2000 in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Michael Rapaport and Nichole Beattie attend "Bamboozled" premiere at The Ziegfeld Theatre in 2000 in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Julian's Parents Are No Longer Together

Julian's parents have since parted ways. In 2004, Julian's mother, Nichole Beattie, filed for legal separation from Michael, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the cause for their split.

During this process, Nichole requested spousal support and joint custody of their children. Michael and Nichole had been married since 2000, and their divorce was finalized in 2007.

The Hollywood actor entered a new chapter in his personal life following his divorce. In 2016, he married his second wife, Kebe Dunn, with whom he shares a connection dating back to the 1990s.

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