Ella Gross

Early Life and Background

Ella McKenzie Gross, professionally known as Ella Gross, was born on December 1, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. She is of mixed heritage, with a South Korean mother and a German-American father. Her Korean name, Nabi (나비), translates to "butterfly." Ella has a younger brother named Roman, who is also a child actor. From a young age, she engaged in ballet and mixed martial arts, showcasing her diverse interests and talents. ​

Modeling Career

Ella's modeling career commenced remarkably early; she was scouted at the age of two while in South Korea. This opportunity led her to model for prominent brands such as Zara, H&M, GAP, Fendi, Levi's, and Tommy Hilfiger. At nine, she made her runway debut 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. She subsequently walked the runways of Tokyo Girls Collection S/S 2019 and 2019 New York Fashion Week. Her unique appearance garnered comparisons to celebrities like BLACKPINK's Jennie and actress Song Hye-kyo, earning her the nickname "Little Jennie." ​

Transition into Acting

Beyond modeling, Ella ventured into acting, securing roles in various television series. In 2018, she portrayed Young Betty in the Paramount Network series "Heathers." She played Sasha Gossard in Netflix's "Malibu Rescue" (2019) and its sequel "Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave" (2020). Additionally, she appeared as Young Soji in the Paramount+ series "Star Trek: Picard" (2020). ​

Musical Debut with MEOVV

In July 2018, Ella signed with The Black Label, a South Korean entertainment company. Recognizing her potential, the agency prepared her for a musical debut. On August 22, 2024, she was introduced as the first member of the girl group MEOVV. The group officially debuted on September 6, 2024, with the digital single "Meow." Ella serves as the maknae (youngest member) of the group, contributing her vocal talents and stage presence. 

Personal Interests and Advocacy

Ella is known for her multifaceted interests, including ballet, modern dance, martial arts, boxing, and playing the guitar. She is fluent in both English and Korean. Her favorite color is purple, and she has a penchant for truffle dishes. Ella is also an advocate for social causes; in 2023, she served as a judge for the UNHCR x Uniqlo "Youth with Refugees Art Contest," addressing topics like climate change and global conflicts.

Ella Gross continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her versatility and dedication to her craft, solidifying her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.