Ethan Slater: A Rising Star in Theatre and Film-Ethan Slater is an American actor, singer, and composer renowned for his dynamic performances on both Broadway and in film. Born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., Slater has captivated audiences with his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Early Life and Education
Ethan Samuel Slater was born to Jay Slater, an employee at the Food and Drug Administration, and was raised in a Conservative Jewish household. He attended Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and later Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. In 2014, Slater graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama.
Career Highlights
Broadway Breakthrough: SpongeBob SquarePants
Slater’s career took a significant leap when he originated the role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical adaptation of the beloved animated series. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical at the 72nd Tony Awards in 2018.
Notable Stage Performances
Beyond his role as SpongeBob, Slater has showcased his range in various theatrical productions:
Spamalot (2023): Slater played The Historian/Prince Herbert in this Broadway revival, demonstrating his comedic timing and musical talent. citeturn0search6
Assassins (2021): He took on the dual roles of Lee Harvey Oswald and The Balladeer in the Classic Stage Company revival, earning praise for his compelling performances.
Transition to Film: Wicked
In 2024, Slater ventured into film with his role as Boq in the highly anticipated movie adaptation of “Wicked.” His performance introduced him to a broader audience and solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of transitioning between stage and screen.
Personal Life
Slater’s personal life has attracted media attention, particularly regarding his relationships. He married his high school sweetheart, Dr. Lilly Jay, in 2018, and the couple welcomed a son in 2022. However, they separated in 2023, and their divorce was finalized in September 2024. In early 2023, Slater began a relationship with singer Ariana Grande, whom he met on the set of “Wicked.” The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in July 2023.
Recent Developments
At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Slater and Grande were seen together, with a lip reader revealing that Slater was offering guidance and looking out for Grande amid the crowd. Their public appearances continue to fuel media interest and speculation about their relationship.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Slater is poised to reprise his role as Boq in the upcoming “Wicked” film series, with the first installment scheduled for release on November 22, 2024. Fans eagerly anticipate his return to the role, following his successful portrayal in the original stage production.
Interviews and Media Appearances
Slater has shared insights into his career and personal experiences through various interviews:
The Jennifer Hudson Show (2024): Slater discussed his role in “Wicked” and his collaboration with Ariana Grande.
TODAY Show (2024): He talked about landing the role of Boq and the advice he received from the cast.
Ethan Slater’s journey from a young drama enthusiast to a celebrated figure in theatre and film is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to take on diverse roles, audiences can look forward to witnessing his growth as an artist in the years to come.
FAQS
Ethan Slater is an American actor and singer renowned for his dynamic performances on both stage and screen. Born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., he has captivated audiences with his versatility and talent.
Who is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater is an actor and singer best known for originating the role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical “SpongeBob SquarePants,” for which he received a Tony Award nomination and won a Drama Desk Award. He also portrayed Boq in the 2024 film adaptation of “Wicked.”
What are Ethan Slater’s notable achievements?
Theater: Slater’s portrayal of SpongeBob SquarePants earned him critical acclaim, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.
Film: In 2024, he played Boq in the film adaptation of “Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu.
What is Ethan Slater’s relationship status?
Ethan Slater was previously married to Dr. Lilly Jay, his high school sweetheart, in 2018. They have one son, born in 2022. The couple separated in 2023, and their divorce was finalized in September 2024. During the filming of “Wicked,” Slater began a relationship with singer Ariana Grande. The couple attended the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards together, where Slater was observed being protective and affectionate towards Grande. citeturn0news28
How did Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande meet?
Slater and Grande met on the set of “Wicked,” where they both starred. Their professional relationship evolved into a personal one during the production.
Are Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande planning to attend the 2025 Oscars together?
As of now, it’s uncertain whether Slater and Grande will attend the 2025 Oscars together. Grande received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda in “Wicked.” citeturn0search6
What other projects has Ethan Slater been involved in?
Beyond “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Wicked,” Slater has contributed to various cast recordings and solo projects, including:
Cast Recordings: “SpongeBob SquarePants, The New Musical” (2017), “Assassins” (2022).
Solo Work: Singles like “Richmond Rewrites” (2019) and EPs such as “Wanderer” (2019) and “Life Is Weird” (2020).
Where can I follow Ethan Slater on social media?
Ethan Slater is active on Instagram under the handle @ethanslater, where he shares updates about his personal and professional life.
Has Ethan Slater received any awards for his performances?
Yes, Slater’s performance as SpongeBob SquarePants earned him several accolades, including a Drama Desk Award and a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
What is Ethan Slater’s educational background?
Slater graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
What upcoming projects is Ethan Slater involved in?
As of March 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding Slater’s upcoming projects. Fans are encouraged to follow his social media accounts for the latest updates.
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