If you’ve ever watched the SpongeBob SquarePants Broadway musical or caught a glimpse of Ethan Slater in the movie Wicked. You are already familiar with his impressive talent. But who exactly is Ethan Slater beyond the stage lights? From his early life in Washington, D.C., to becoming a star on Broadway and making waves in Hollywood. Ethan has a fascinating career and personal life that goes beyond his most famous roles. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Ethan Slater, including his age, height, net worth, career highlights, and more!
Ethan Slater Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Ethan Samuel Slater |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old (as of 2024) |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 154 lbs (70 kg) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Formerly married to Lilly Jay) |
| Spouse | Lilly Jay (ex-wife) |
| Son | Yes, born in 2022 (Name not public) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 Million (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Actor, Singer, Musician |
| Famous Roles | SpongeBob SquarePants (Broadway), Wicked (Film), Instinct (TV) |
| Awards | Tony Award Nomination, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award |
| Siblings | Two (names not public) |
Early Life and Background
Ethan Slater’s Beginnings
Ethan Samuel Slater was born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., making him 32 years old as of 2024. Raised in a Jewish family, Ethan grew up with strong values and a deep appreciation for education and culture. He attended Ohr Kodesh in Silver Spring, Maryland, and later went on to study at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. Despite growing up in a city famous for politics, Ethan had a unique passion for the arts, especially theater.
However, Ethan’s life wasn’t always easy. At the young age of seven, he tragically lost his mother. Which he describes as one of the most formative experiences of his life. Her early passing deeply impacted him, and although he has only few memories of her. She left a huge imprint on him, shaping his character and his approach to life.
Educational Journey
After high school, Ethan moved on to study Drama at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. At Vassar, Ethan found his passion for the stage truly flourishing. Which would later lead to an exciting career in theater. His college years were marked by performances in various plays, and it was during this time that he decided to pursue acting full-time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama in 2014, a key milestone that launched his professional career.
Career Beginnings: From College Stage to Broadway Lights
Ethan Slater’s First Steps in Theater
Ethan’s first major appearance came in 2015. When he starred in Claudio Quest at the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), playing the role of Luis. This earned him a nomination for Outstanding Individual Performance, an early sign of his natural stage presence and acting skills.
He continued to make his mark in the theater world. That year with performances in Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally at One Year Lease Theater Company. These early roles helped him build a strong foundation for his future career. However, his big break came in 2016. When he was cast as SpongeBob SquarePants in The SpongeBob Musical, a role that would ultimately define his career.
Breakout Role: Ethan Slater as SpongeBob SquarePants
Ethan’s portrayal of the iconic character SpongeBob SquarePants in the musical not only garnered critical acclaim. But also earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical in 2018. His energetic and whimsical performance in this Broadway adaptation earned him Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, along with recognition as one of the breakout talents of the year.
Ethan Slater as SpongeBob became a highlight of the musical’s success. His performance in the role of the enthusiastic sea sponge helped bring SpongeBob SquarePants to life on the Broadway stage, turning the show into a major hit. His work on the production was praised for its high-energy dancing, singing, and comedic timing.
The Awards and Recognition
In addition to his Tony nomination, Ethan received the prestigious Theatre World Award for Best Performance in a Broadway Debut, a reflection of his dynamic stage presence. Fans and critics alike celebrated his portrayal of SpongeBob, seeing him as a natural fit for the role’s quirky, lovable energy.
Expanding His Horizons: Ethan Slater’s Other Roles
Television Appearances
Following his success on Broadway, Ethan Slater’s career took him to the world of television. He appeared in notable series such as:
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (as Riley Porter in the episode “Revenge”)
- Murphy Brown (as Officer Reynolds in “Thanksgiving and Taking”)
- Instinct (as Noah in “After Hours”)
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (as Steven in the episode “Susan”)
These appearances in major television shows proved that Ethan wasn’t just a stage performer. He had the range to conquer the small screen as well.
Film Career
Ethan Slater’s acting journey also extended to film, where he played Boq. The character from The Wizard of Oz, in the 2024 two-part film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. This was a major milestone in Ethan’s career as he entered the world of big budget Hollywood films, showcasing his talents on an even larger platform.
Personal Life: Ethan Slater’s Family and Relationships
Ethan Slater’s Wife: Lilly Jay
Ethan married his high school sweetheart, Dr. Lilly Jay, a clinical psychologist who specializes in women’s mental health. The couple tied the knot in 2018. In 2022, they welcomed their son into the world, making Ethan a proud father. Their son’s name, however, has not been made public, as the family prefers to keep certain aspects of their personal life private.
Unfortunately, Ethan and Lilly separated in 2023, and their divorce was finalized in 2024. Lilly later opened up about the emotional challenges she faced during their separation. Especially as a new mother navigating life in the public eye.
Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande
In a surprising twist, Ethan started a relationship with pop star Ariana Grande in 2023, shortly after his divorce from Lilly Jay. The two met on the set of Wicked, and their connection blossomed off-screen as well. Their relationship quickly made headlines, given Ariana’s celebrity status and Ethan’s rising fame.
Many fans were curious about Ethan’s relationship with Ariana Grande and how it might affect his career moving forward. As one of the most famous pop singers in the world. Ariana’s influence and fame inevitably added to Ethan’s visibility, placing him in the limelight for both his acting and his personal life.
Ethan Slater’s Physical Stats
Age, Height, and Weight
- Age: 32 years (Born June 2, 1992)
- Height: 5’7” (1.7 meters)
- Weight: Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
Despite his relatively average height, Ethan’s presence on stage and screen is far from ordinary. His ability to transform into various characters, from a quirky sponge to a tortured assassin, is a testament to his incredible range as an actor.
Ethan Slater’s Net Worth
What is Ethan Slater’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Ethan Slater’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. His wealth comes primarily from his roles in theater, television, and film. Ethan’s salary from his work in SpongeBob SquarePants alone was significant. With Broadway actors earning anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 per week. Additionally, his roles in films like Wicked and television appearances continue to contribute to his growing fortune.
In addition to acting, Ethan has also made money from his music career. He released singles like “Richmond Rewrites” and EPs such as Wanderer, contributing to his overall earnings.
Here’s a breakdown of Ethan’s possible income streams:
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
| Broadway Salary (SpongeBob, Assassins) | $2,000 – $3,000 per week |
| Film Roles (Wicked, Lost on a Mountain in Maine) | High six-figure salary per role |
| Music Sales and Streaming Revenue | Varies, but substantial |
| Endorsements and Public Appearances | Varies |
Ethan Slater’s Net Worth Over the Years
Ethan’s net worth has grown steadily due to his expanding career in film and theater. Combined with his ability to juggle music and public appearances. The release of Wicked in 2024 and his role in the Broadway revival of Spamalot are expected to add to his wealth in the coming years.
Fun Facts About Ethan Slater
- Is Ethan Slater related to Christian Slater? No, despite the similar last names, Ethan is not related to actor Christian Slater.
- Ethan is an avid music lover. In addition to his work as a singer and musician, he enjoys writing and performing indie rock and folk music.
- He has two siblings, both of whom prefer to stay out of the public eye.
- Ethan is passionate about mental health. His wife, Lilly Jay, is a clinical psychologist, and Ethan himself has expressed support for mental health awareness and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater is an American actor and singer. Widely recognized for his role as SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical SpongeBob SquarePants. He has also appeared in the Wicked film and other TV shows.
How old is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater was born on June 2, 1992, making him 32 years old as of 2024.
What is Ethan Slater’s height?
Ethan Slater is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
What is Ethan Slater’s net worth?
As of 2024, Ethan Slater’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, built through his acting and singing career.
Is Ethan Slater married?
Ethan Slater was married to Lilly Jay, his high school sweetheart. But they separated in 2023, and their divorce was finalized in 2024.
Does Ethan Slater have any children?
Yes, Ethan Slater has a son, born in 2022, although his son’s name has not been made public.
Who is Ethan Slater’s ex-wife?
Ethan Slater’s ex-wife is Dr. Lilly Jay, a clinical psychologist who specializes in women’s mental health.
Is Ethan Slater related to Christian Slater?
No, Ethan Slater is not related to actor Christian Slater, despite sharing the same last name.
What is Ethan Slater’s role in Wicked?
Ethan Slater plays the character Boq in the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Who is Ethan Slater dating now?
Ethan Slater is currently dating singer Ariana Grande, whom he met on the set of Wicked.
Conclusion
Ethan Slater has rapidly ascended to fame, proving that he’s more than just a Broadway star. Whether it’s through his portrayal of SpongeBob SquarePants or his role in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptations. Ethan continues to captivate audiences with his talent, versatility, and genuine charisma.
As he moves forward in his career, Ethan’s net worth. His work in theater, television, and film, and his connections to fellow stars like Ariana Grande will only increase his influence. With a bright future ahead, Ethan is sure to remain a key figure in the entertainment industry.
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