Ethan Slater is an American actor, singer, songwriter, and musical-theatre performer best known for originating SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway and for portraying Boq in the globally successful Wicked film franchise. He is recognized as one of the most successful Broadway-to-Hollywood musical transitions of his generation.
Through a combination of stage excellence, emotional vocal performances, and mainstream film visibility, Slater has become a prominent figure in modern musical storytelling. His work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, film, television, and original music.
Ethan Slater Quick Bio:
- Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
- Age: 33 years (2025)
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity / Background: Jewish-American
Religion Raised In: Conservative Judaism - Profession: Actor, Singer, Songwriter
- Famous For: SpongeBob Musical, Wicked Films
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Net Worth: $2–4 million (estimated)
Parents & Family Background
- Father: Jay Slater – Works for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Mother: Ellen Goldmuntz – Lawyer (deceased)
- Siblings: Two older sisters – Sara Slater & Tamara Slater
- Religion: Raised in Conservative Jewish faith
- Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
Slater has spoken about how his mother’s early passing deeply shaped his emotional development and creativity. He credits his family environment for fostering artistic confidence and resilience.
Education
- High School: Not publicly disclosed
- College: Vassar College
- Degree: Drama & Theatre
While studying at Vassar College, Slater developed a strong foundation in stage performance, voice training, and acting theory. His college productions prepared him for professional theatre and led to his earliest Off-Broadway appearances.
Marriage, Partner & Children
- Ex-Wife: Lilly Jay (Married 2018 – Divorced 2024)
- Current Partner: Ariana Grande (since 2023)
- Children: One son (born 2022)
- Marital Status: Divorced
Slater maintains privacy around his son but has stated that fatherhood has had a significant impact on his personal priorities and career balance.
Career Overview
Ethan Slater began his career in Off-Broadway theatre, where his vocal clarity and expressive acting style quickly attracted attention. His breakthrough moment came in 2017 when he was cast as the original SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway.
His performance received critical acclaim and earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, immediately establishing him as a rising Broadway star.
Major Career Highlights
- Originated SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway (2017)
- Tony Award nominee – Best Actor in a Musical
- Major Broadway roles in Assassins and Spamalot
- Starred as Boq in Wicked (2024)
- Returned as Boq in Wicked: For Good (2025)
- Released music EPs: Wanderer, Life Is Weird
Also read about: Johnny Depp Biography
Music, Songwriting & Original Releases
In addition to acting, Ethan Slater is an accomplished songwriter and composer. His original music reflects personal growth, emotional healing, identity, and life transitions, complementing his work in musical theatre and film.
- Music Style: Indie-pop, acoustic, singer-songwriter
- Main Themes: Self-discovery, relationships, emotional growth, identity
- EPs Released: Wanderer (2018), Life Is Weird (2021)
- Notable Songs: “Welcome to the World”, “Life Is Weird”, “Something New”, “All That I Want”, “Falling”, “Stronger Than I Am”
His music has been well-received for its honest lyrics and soft acoustic sound, further strengthening his reputation as a multi-talented performer beyond acting.
Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @ethanslater
- X (Twitter): @ethanslater
Net Worth & Income Sources
- Net Worth: $2M – $4M (estimated)
- Primary Income: Broadway contracts, Film salaries
- Secondary Income: Music royalties, Television roles, Endorsements
Trivia & Facts
- Originated the role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the official Broadway production of The SpongeBob Musical (2017–2018)
- Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his Broadway debut lead performance
- Was cast as Boq in Universal Pictures’ two-part Wicked film adaptation (2024–2025)
- Successfully transitioned from Broadway stage to major Hollywood musical films
- Has released two original music EPs: Wanderer (2018) and Life Is Weird (2021)
- Appeared in Broadway productions of Assassins and Spamalot
- Maintains an active singer-songwriter career alongside acting
FAQs
Who is Ethan Slater?
An American actor, singer, and songwriter..
Does Ethan Slater have children?
Yes, he has one son.
What made Ethan Slater famous?
His role as SpongeBob on Broadway and Boq in Wicked.
Ethan Slater FAQs
How old is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater is 33 years old as of 2026.
What is Ethan Slater’s date of birth?
He was born on June 2, 1992.
How tall is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater’s height is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
Who is Ethan Slater’s girlfriend?
He is currently in a relationship with Ariana Grande.
Is Ethan Slater married?
No. He is divorced from Lilly Jay.
Does Ethan Slater have children?
Yes. He has one son, born in 2022.
What is Ethan Slater famous for?
He is best known for originating SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway and playing Boq in the Wicked films.
What is Ethan Slater’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million.
Which college did Ethan Slater attend?
He studied Drama and Theatre at Vassar College.
