Ella Gross
American singer, model and actress (born 2008)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
December 1, 2008
- Singer
- model
- actress
Ella Gross | |
|---|---|
Gross in November 2025 | |
| Born | Ella McKenzie Gross December 1, 2008 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Agent | The Black Label |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
| Genres | K-pop |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2024–present |
| Label | The Black Label |
| Member of | Meovv |
| Signature | |
 | |
Early life
Ella McKenzie Gross was born on December 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, California,[1] and also has a Korean name, Nabi (나비).[2] She is of Korean descent through her mother who hails from South Korea, and of German descent through her father, an American national.[3] Gross has a brother who is two years younger than her.[4][5] She trained in ballet and mixed martial arts (MMA) as a child.[6]
Career
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,[3] 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;[3] 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,[2] 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] Media reports stated that Rosé of Blackpink had expressed interest in a demo recorded by Gross.[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]
Public image
Gross attained interest in the United States and abroad for her biracial look, and for her resemblance to a young Miranda Kerr.[22][23] Korean media outlets cited her as a young Song Hye-kyo,[3] or was nicknamed as "little Jennie" by Blackpink fans following a picture posted with the singer.[22] Her early modeling career and exposure on social media contributed to her gaining over one million followers on Instagram during her childhood.[24][25] As of May 2026, she has over 4 million followers on Instagram. She has received media attention for her modelling career and fashion industry activities, including campaigns and editorial work for major brands.[26][27]
Other ventures
Endorsements
In April 2025, she was named a brand ambassador for Miu Miu.[28] In July, she became the endorser of Lotte Chilsung Cider Zero.[29]
In December 2025, she was named global ambassador for American makeup brand, M.A.C .
Philanthropy
Gross has used her platform to address topics including climate change and the war in Ukraine,[30] 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.[31]
Discography
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Malibu Rescue: The Movie | Sasha Gossard | [30] |
| 2020 | Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave | [12] |
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Heathers | Young Betty | N/a | [9] |
| 2019 | Malibu Rescue | Sasha Gossard | Episode 4 (Sand and Deliver) | [20] |
| Teachers | Julie | Season 3; Episodes 18–19 | [8] | |
| 2020 | Star Trek: Picard | Young Soji | Episode 6 (The Impossible Box) | [12] |
| 2022 | Best Foot Forward | Ella | Episode 6 (Halloween) | [citation needed] |
Music video appearances
| Year | Song title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "Hello Tutorial" (멋지게 인사하는 법) (featuring Seulgi of Red Velvet) |
Zion.T | [34] |
