Jack Mizrahi
Jack Mizrahi | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 28, 1972 New York City, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | |
Jack Mizrahi, also known as Jack Gucci, is an American ballroom emcee, writer, producer, and influential figure in ballroom culture. Mizrahi is the co-founder of the House of Gorgeous Gucci and has served as a co-executive producer on HBO Max's ‘‘Legendary’’ and as a writer and consultant for FX's ‘‘Pose’’.[1]
Early life and background
Mizrahi was born and raised in New York City, the son of Haitian immigrants. Growing up in Queens, he developed a passion for entertainment, inspired notably by professional wrestling announcers.[2] Mizrahi first encountered the ballroom scene in 1992, attending his first ball and joining the House of Mizrahi shortly thereafter.[3]
Ballroom career
Mizrahi quickly became a prominent figure within the House of Mizrahi, contributing significantly as an organizer and emcee. He co-established the New York Awards Ball and the ballroom Hall of Fame in 1993, institutions aimed at honoring ballroom pioneers.[2] Mizrahi gained notoriety as an emcee for his dynamic commentary style, blending influences from professional wrestling, hip-hop, and traditional ballroom commentary. He is credited with popularizing certain ballroom phrases and nicknames, notably coining the title “Wonder Woman of Vogue” for Leiomy Maldonado.[1]
In late 2019, Mizrahi co-founded the House of Gorgeous Gucci, frequently referred to as the Gorgeous House of Gucci, serving as its founding father. The house gained additional prominence after appearing in the HBO Max series ‘‘Legendary’’.[4]
Contributions to ballroom culture
Mizrahi's contributions include institutionalizing ballroom history, creating the ballroom Hall of Fame, and innovating emceeing techniques that have defined modern ballroom commentary. His advocacy emphasizes protecting ballroom from exploitation and preserving its authenticity.[5] Mizrahi has also served as a mentor, promoting self-confidence and community values.[4]
Television work
Mizrahi contributed to the authenticity of ballroom representation on television, notably with FX's drama series ‘‘Pose’’, where he consulted and later became a writer and made several on-screen appearances. The Emmy-winning character Pray Tell, portrayed by Billy Porter, was directly inspired by Mizrahi's real-life emceeing persona.[1]
On HBO Max's ‘‘Legendary’’, Mizrahi served as a co-executive producer and primary ballroom consultant. He was instrumental in designing the show's competitive format, creating categories, and ensuring authenticity.[3] Mizrahi has also appeared in and contributed to various documentaries and films, extending ballroom's reach into mainstream media.[6]
Cultural impact and recognition
Jack Mizrahi is widely regarded as a ballroom “Icon” and has been celebrated in numerous mainstream publications, including ‘‘The Guardian’’, ‘‘GQ’’, ‘‘Vogue’’, and ‘‘Paper’’ for his extensive influence in the ballroom community.[4][6] He has been pivotal in bringing ballroom culture into global awareness through his media appearances, public speaking, and high-profile collaborations with brands like Coach and artists such as Jennifer Lopez.[5] Mizrahi's leadership and mentorship have made him a respected advocate and ambassador of ballroom culture worldwide.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "How Jack Gucci Brought Ballroom to the Mainstream". GQ. July 2025. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "Ballroom icon Jack Mizrahi: 'We need to be able to sit at the table our talents demand'". Attitude. June 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ballroom Legend Jack Mizrahi on His Full-Circle Coach Moment". Paper Magazine. May 27, 2021.
- ^ a b c "'We are the new mecca': can New York's underground ballroom scene survive the hype?". The Guardian. June 29, 2022.
- ^ a b "Ballroom Icons, 'Legendary' Cast Front New Coach Campaign". Out. September 3, 2020.
- ^ a b "An Oral History of Ballroom Culture". Vogue. June 2023.
External links
- Jack Mizrahi at IMDb