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Ella Gross
American singer, model and actress (born 2008) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ella McKenzie Gross (/ɡroʊs/; (German: [ɡʁoːs]; born December 1, 2008), also known mononymously as Ella, is an American singer, model, and actress based in South Korea. She first began her career as a model at age two and has modeled for fashion brands such as H&M, Levi's, and GAP. As a singer, she debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group Meovv in September 2024, under The Black Label.
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Early life
Ella McKenzie Gross was born on December 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, California,[1] to a South Korean mother and an American father of German descent.[2] She also has a Korean name Nabi (나비).[3] She has a younger brother, born two years after her.[4][5] As a child, Gross trained in ballet and mixed martial arts.[6]
Career
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2011–2023: Modeling career
Cited as a "prodigy" in both modelling and acting,[7] Gross first featured on the cover of a magazine at age two,[2] after she was scouted at a park in South Korea.[8] In this time, her father, a former prosecutor in the military, was dispatched to the country from Los Angeles, leading to the whole family's visit.[7] Her mother, who also previously modelled for children's clothing, positively considered the offer.[7] Following a year and a half after starting kindergarten,[7] Gross resumed her modelling advancements;[2] her mother, who worked as a lawyer, had since assisted her daughter's work along her side.[6] Signed to Lvl Up Management,[7] and later L.A. Models,[9] Gross modelled for brands: Zara,[10] H&M,[9] GAP,[8] Fendi,[11] Levi's,[3] and Tommy Hilfiger;[12] and debuted on the runway at age nine at the Tokyo Girls Collection A/W 2018 fashion show held at Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan, in front of an audience of 30,000 viewers.[13] Gross thereafter walked the runways of Tokyo Girls Collection S/S 2019 and 2019 New York Fashion Week.[12] In July 2019, she also appeared in a commercial for Baskin Robbins in South Korea.[14]
Departing from her former agency, Gross signed with The Black Label in July 2018 to manage her modelling career.[6] Its co-founder, Teddy Park, stated: "She has a special voice that is completely capable for being a singer as well", deeming the potential of joining the music industry.[6] It was also said Rosé of Blackpink had wanted to take a demo song recorded by Gross following a listen.[15] In the midst of her business trips from Los Angeles to South Korea, she further learned dance routines from choreographers in the country.[16] Gross commenced an acting career with the U.S. based company, Monster Talent Management, which also manages the likes of Zendaya and Dylan Minnette.[17]
2024–present: Debut with Meovv
In February 2024, a series of leaked photos of The Black Label trainees, rumored to be members of the agency's upcoming girl group, quickly spread online, which notably featured Gross.[18] In the same month, the agency announced its plans to launch a new girl group in the first half of 2024.[19] On August 22, 2024, The Black Label revealed Gross as the first member of their company's first girl group, Meovv,[20] which debuted on September 6.[21]
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Public image
Gross attained interest in the United States and abroad for her biracial genes and looks, reminiscent of a young Miranda Kerr.[22][23] Korean media outlets cited her as a young Song Hye-kyo,[2] or was nicknamed as "little Jennie" by Blackpink fans following a picture posted with the singer.[22][17] Her virality on social media platforms led her Instagram account, handled by her mother at the time, to gain a large following.[citation needed]
Other ventures
Fashion and endorsements
In April 2025, she was named a brand ambassador for Miu Miu.[24]
Philanthropy
Gross has used her platform to address topics including climate change and the war in Ukraine,[25] and served amidst a jury of judges for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) X Uniqlo project entitled "Youth with Refugees Art Contest" in 2023.[26]
Filmography
Film
Television series
Music video appearances
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References
External links
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