Ariana Grande has been the center of attention for nearly two decades, captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals, acting chops, and undeniable charisma. But her personal life? That’s a whole other spectacle. Recently, the buzz surrounding her love life has been at an all-time high, thanks to her role in the highly anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked. Grande stars as Glinda the Good Witch alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and while the film has everyone talking, it’s her romance with co-star Ethan Slater that’s stolen the show.
Who Is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater isn’t exactly a household name—yet. But this 31-year-old actor, singer, and composer has been carving his path in the entertainment industry for over a decade, particularly in the world of theater. If you’re a Broadway buff, you might recognize him from his Tony-nominated role as SpongeBob SquarePants in The SpongeBob Musical back in 2018. His quirky, energetic performance earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Beyond SpongeBob, Slater has built an impressive resume. He’s appeared in hit TV shows like Law & Order: SVU, Murphy Brown, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. But the stage remains his true calling. Slater’s other standout performances include roles in Camelot (2019), Assassins (2021–2022), and Good Night, Oscar. Most recently, he returned to Broadway in the revival of Spamalot before stepping into the role of Boq, the Munchkin, in Wicked.
Ethan Slater’s Personal Life
Slater’s journey to the spotlight hasn’t been without its personal challenges. He married his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, in 2018, and the couple welcomed a son in 2022. However, their marriage ended in 2024 amid headlines about his budding romance with Ariana Grande. The divorce, finalized in September 2024, became a topic of public discussion when Jay penned a candid essay for The Cut reflecting on the end of their relationship.
“I really never thought I would get divorced,” Jay wrote, sharing her perspective on the painful dissolution of their marriage. Despite the drama, Slater’s focus appears to be on his son and his flourishing career.
How Did Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande Meet?
Slater and Grande’s love story began on the set of Wicked. In July 2023, news broke that the two were dating, shortly after Grande announced her split from Dalton Gomez. According to sources, their romance developed naturally after both had ended their previous relationships. “Ariana and Ethan are dating. However, things are fairly new,” an insider told Us Weekly at the time.
Fast forward to today, and the pair seem to be going strong. Grande recently took to Instagram to gush over Slater’s photoshoot for Schön! magazine, calling him “the Buster Keaton of today” and adding a flurry of hearts and exclamation points.
What Is Ethan Slater’s Net Worth?
While Slater’s Broadway career has been steady, his net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, according to various reports. Though this figure pales in comparison to Grande’s estimated $240 million fortune, Slater’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. With his role in Wicked and his growing recognition, his career is poised for even greater heights.
