# Ella Gross

Ella McKenzie Gross (/ɡroʊs/; (German:; 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, Gross debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group Meovv in September 2024, under The Black Label.

## Early life

Ella McKenzie Gross was born on December 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, California, to a South Korean mother and a German-American father, with the Korean name Nabi (나비). She has a younger brother, born two years apart. As a child, Gross learned ballet and mixed martial arts.

## Career
### 2011–2023: Modeling career

Cited as a "prodigy" in both modelling and acting, Gross first featured on the cover of a magazine at age two, after she was scouted at a park in South Korea. 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. Her mother, who also previously modelled for children's clothing, positively considered the offer. Following a year and a half after starting kindergarten, Gross resumed her modelling advancements; her mother, who worked as a lawyer, had since assisted her daughter's work along her side. Signed to Lvl Up Management, and later L.A. Models, Gross modelled for brands: Zara, H&M, GAP, Fendi, Levi's, and Tommy Hilfiger; 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. Gross thereafter walked the runways of Tokyo Girls Collection S/S 2019 and 2019 New York Fashion Week. In July 2019, she also appeared in a commercial for Baskin Robbins in South Korea.
Departing from her former agency, Gross signed with The Black Label in July 2018 to manage her modelling career. 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. It was also said Rosé of Blackpink had wanted to take a demo song recorded by Gross following a listen. In the midst of her business trips from Los Angeles to South Korea, she further learned dance routines from choreographers in the country. Gross commenced an acting career with the U.S. based company, Monster Talent Management, which also manages the likes of Zendaya and Dylan Minnette.

### 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. In the same month, the agency announced its plans to launch a new girl group in the first half of 2024. On August 22, 2024, The Black Label revealed Gross as the first member of their company's first girl group, Meovv, which debuted on September 6.

## Public image

Gross attained interest in the United States and abroad for her biracial genes and looks, reminiscent of a young Miranda Kerr. Korean media outlets cited her as a young Song Hye-kyo, or was nicknamed as "little Jennie" by Blackpink fans following a picture posted with the singer. Her virality on social media platforms led her Instagram account, handled by her mother at the time, to gain a large following.

## Other ventures
### Philanthropy

Gross has used her platform to address topics including climate change and the war in Ukraine, 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.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
| 2019 | Malibu Rescue: The Movie | Sasha Gossard | |
| 2020 | Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave | Sasha Gossard | |

### Television series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2018 | Heathers | Young Betty | — |
| 2019 | Malibu Rescue | Sasha Gossard | Episode 4 (Sand and Deliver) |
| 2019 | Teachers | Julie | Season 3; Episodes 18–19 |
| 2020 | Star Trek: Picard | Young Soji | Episode 6 (The Impossible Box) |
| 2022 | Best Foot Forward | Ella | Episode 6 (Halloween) |

### Music video appearances

| Year | Song title | Artist | Ref. |
| 2018 | "Hello Tutorial" (멋지게 인사하는 법) (featuring Seulgi of Red Velvet) | Zion.T | |