Who is Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater? Everything to know about the “Wicked” co-star

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s romantic connection blossomed under the spotlight. Their relationship was publicly confirmed in July 2023, just days after Grande’s separation from Dalton Gomez. Slater also separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, filing for divorce shortly thereafter. The couple’s relationship has sparked considerable interest due to their high-profile status and their roles in the musical film “Wicked.”

Profile summary

Full name	Ethan Slater
Gender	Male
Date of birth	2 June 1992
Age	32 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth	Washington, D.C., United States
Current residence	New York City, United States
Nationality	American
Hair colour	Brown
Eye colour	Hazel
Famous for	Actor, known for “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical” and “Wicked”
Education	Vassar College
Marital status	Separated (previously married to Lilly Jay)
Children	One child
Known for	Acting in Broadway, film, and television; portrayal of Boq in “Wicked”

Who is Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater?

Ethan Slater, best known for his Broadway role as SpongeBob SquarePants and his recent portrayal of Boq in the movie adaptation of ‘Wicked’, is not just a Broadway star but also a singer and occasional actor in television. Slater’s multifaceted career includes notable performances and a Tony nomination, showcasing his broad talents beyond the stage​.

Ethan Slater’s early life

Ethan Slater grew up with a passion for the performing arts. From a young age, he was involved in school plays and musicals, which set the foundation for his future in theater. Ethan attended Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and Georgetown Day School, where he continued to explore and develop his acting skills. His dedication to theater followed him through his school years and into college.

For higher education, Ethan went to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. It was during his college years that he landed the role that would make him a Broadway star—SpongeBob SquarePants. This role came to him while he was still a sophomore, a stroke of luck that came from meeting a casting director during a theater apprenticeship. Ethan’s portrayal of SpongeBob not only gained him fame but also critical acclaim, earning him a Tony nomination and several awards for his performance.

His early experiences in school plays and musical theater not only shaped his career but also his personal character, providing a strong foundation for his later achievements on Broadway and beyond.

Ethan Slater’s Career

Ethan Slater has made a significant mark in the entertainment world, especially on Broadway. His journey began in earnest when he portrayed the iconic character SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical adaptation that debuted in Chicago in June 2016 before moving to Broadway in December 2017. This role earned him widespread acclaim, including a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical in 2018. His performance not only captivated audiences but also won him the Outer Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Theatre World Award for Best Performance in a Broadway Debut.

Beyond his theatrical success, Ethan Slater’s talents extend to television and film. He appeared in an episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in 2018, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His educational background in the arts, which includes attending Vassar College, has clearly played a role in his deep understanding and nuanced portrayals in both theater and screen.

How did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater meet?

The couple met on the set of ‘Wicked’, where their chemistry quickly translated off-screen. Their first scene together was filmed in May 2023, marking the start of their on-screen and off-screen chemistry. Their relationship started making public headlines around July 2023, shortly after both had separated from their respective spouses.

When did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater start dating?

Officially, Grande and Slater were confirmed to be dating by July 2023. However, they kept their relationship low-profile at the beginning, amidst the controversy stemming from their simultaneous separations from their previous partners. This timing has been a focal point of public discussion, with both insiders and the couple confirming that their romance began only after they were both separated from their spouses.

What do their families think of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship?

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s families have shown a positive attitude towards their relationship. Ariana’s brother, Frankie Grande, has been particularly vocal about his support. He has openly expressed his happiness for his sister, noting that all he wants is for Ariana to be happy. Frankie has described Ethan as a “very sweet guy” and has mentioned being a fan of Ethan since seeing him in The SpongeBob Musical. His approval reflects a warm welcome for Ethan into the Grande family.

There isn’t much public information about Ethan Slater’s family’s views, but the support from Ariana’s side, especially from her close family members like her brother, suggests a generally positive reception of their relationship​

Recent public appearances 

@diana.beloved

Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande leaving the final performance of Spamalot ln Broadway. . . . #arianagrande #ethanslater #spamalot #wicked #broadway #nyc #fyp #foryourepage #eternalsunshine

♬ original sound – diana.beloved

In recent months, Grande and Slater have been seen together at various public events, including Slater’s performances and Broadway shows like “Spamalot.” They were also spotted enjoying a date at Disney World, highlighting their strong personal connection. The two were also seen at the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where they were seen supporting the Florida Panthers.

FAQs

Who is Ariana Grande currently dating? Ariana Grande is currently in a relationship with her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater.

How did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater meet? They met on the set of the movie adaptation of “Wicked,” where they played romantic interests.

When did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater start dating? Their relationship was confirmed in July 2023, shortly after Grande’s separation from her previous husband.

What is known about Ethan Slater? Ethan Slater is an acclaimed actor and singer, known for his role as SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway and his recent participation in “Wicked” as Boq.

Has Ethan Slater won any awards? Yes, Slater has received several awards for his performance in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical,” including a Drama Desk Award.