Ethan Slater is a talented American actor and singer, best known for playing SpongeBob on Broadway and starring in Wicked, with awards recognizing his amazing stage and music performances.
| Name | Ethan Samuel Slater |
| Age | 33 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1992 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
Table of Contents
Ethan Slater Biography
Ethan Samuel Slater is an American actor, singer, and Broadway performer, born on June 2, 1992. He is best known for bringing SpongeBob SquarePants to life in the hit 2016 musical. His powerful acting, strong vocals, and creative energy have made him one of the most respected young actors in modern musical theatre. He has also starred in major film projects, especially the Wicked movies, where he plays Boq Woodsman/The Tin Man.
Ethan is celebrated for his emotional storytelling, impressive stage presence, and warm personality, which continues to win the hearts of fans worldwide.
Educational Background
Ethan was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in a Conservative Jewish household. He attended Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and later moved with his family to Silver Spring, Maryland.
He completed high school at Georgetown Day School before moving on to study drama at Vassar College in New York. Ethan graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama. His time in college opened big doors for him, including an audition with director Tina Landau, a moment that later changed his entire career.
Career
Ethan Slater’s career began with small theatre productions and short films, including roles in Claudio Quest, Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, Diner, and short films like Evol and Lightning Bugs in a Jar. In 2016, he landed the life-changing role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the Chicago production of the musical, which later moved to Broadway from 2017 to 2018. His performance earned widespread praise, major awards, and a Tony nomination.
After that, Ethan continued to shine on stage in productions such as Assassins, Good Night, Oscar, Spamalot on Broadway, and Edge of the World, where he also contributed as a composer and lyricist. He has appeared in several films and television shows, but he gained the most attention for his role as Boq Woodsman in Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025), which introduced him to an even wider audience.
Also Read: Timothy Chalamet Biography,Age,Awards, Movies, Net Worth
TV Shows
Some of Ethan Slater’s notable TV appearances include:
- Law & Order: SVU – Riley Porter (2018)
- Murphy Brown – Officer Reynolds (2018)
- Fosse/Verdon – Joel Grey (2019)
- Instinct – Noah (2019)
- SpongeBob SquarePants – Himself (2019)
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Steven (2023)
- Elsbeth – Officer Reese Chandler (2025)
- Gen V – Thomas Godolkin (2025)
Awards
Ethan has received many recognitions throughout his career, including:
- Drama Desk Award – Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Won)
- Outer Critics Circle Award – Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Won)
- Theatre World Award – Honoree
- Tony Award Nomination – Best Actor in a Musical
- NYMF Award Nomination – Individual Performance
- Lucille Lortel Award Nomination – Featured Performer
- Multiple Best Ensemble nominations for Wicked
His award journey reflects his dedication, talent, and influence in modern theatre.
Controversy
Ethan faced intense public attention in 2023 when news broke of his separation from his wife, Lilly Jay, shortly after the birth of their son. Around the same time, he began dating singer Ariana Grande, whom he met while filming Wicked.
The media created heavy narratives around their relationship, leading to misunderstandings and negative press.
Both Ethan and Ariana later addressed the issue, explaining that many details shared online were false or misleading. Ariana publicly defended Ethan, praising his character and calling him “one of the kindest people” she knows.
Also Read: Angelina Jolie Biography, Age, Movies, Spouse, Net Worth
Age
Ethan Slater was born on June 2, 1992, he is is 33 years old as of 2025.
Personal Life
Ethan grew up in a close-knit family but experienced a major loss when his mother passed away when he was only seven. He has often shared that her memory remains a strong guiding force in his life.
He is currently in a relationship with Ariana Grande, and the two have been spotted supporting each other at events, premieres, and shows. They are known to keep their private life quiet but always speak highly of each other.
Wife
Ethan Slater was previously married to his high school classmate, Lilly Jay. They got married in 2018 and enjoyed several years together before separating in 2023. Their divorce was officially finalized in September 2024.
Children
Ethan Slater has one son, born in August 2022, and he has often expressed how much he loves being a father.
Parents
Ethan’s father is Jay Slater, who works at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
His mother passed away when he was young but left a strong emotional impact on him. He is the third child in his family.
Also Read: S.R.K Biography, Age, Wife, Family, Movies, Net Worth
Net Worth
Ethan Slater’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. His income comes from a combination of theatre performances, film roles, television appearances, music releases, and various writing and theatre collaborations.
Social Media Handles
Ethan Slater keeps his online presence simple and professional. His known platforms include:
- Instagram: @ethanslater
- Website: www.ethanslater.com.
Discography
Solo Music
- Wanderer – EP (2019)
- Life Is Weird – EP (2020)
- Richmond Rewrites – Single (2019)
Cast Recordings
- SpongeBob SquarePants: The New Musical (2017)
- Who’s Your Baghdaddy? (2018)
- Edge of the World – Concept Album (2021)
- Assassins – 2022 Cast Recording (2022).
