5 Surprising Ways Frankie Grande Has Become Ethan Slater's Biggest Fan

The relationship between Frankie Grande and Ethan Slater is not what most fans initially expected, but it has quickly evolved into one of the most intriguing—and supportive—dynamics in Hollywood. As of December 18, 2025, the two Broadway veterans have moved past the initial media frenzy surrounding Slater's romance with Frankie's sister, Ariana Grande, and now share a clear bond of familial approval and professional respect.

The public first learned of the connection when news broke of the romance between Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater in mid-2023. However, it was Frankie Grande, the outspoken older brother, who provided the crucial stamp of approval that helped solidify the couple in the eyes of their family and fans. His public comments and joint appearances with Slater reveal a relationship that is far more supportive than the media drama suggested.

Frankie Grande and Ethan Slater: Complete Biographical Profiles

To fully understand the unique connection between these two performers, it is essential to look at their individual journeys on and off the stage. Both men share a deep background in musical theatre, which forms the foundation of their mutual respect.

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Frankie Grande (Frank James Michael Grande-Marchione)

• Born: January 24, 1983, in New York City, New York.
• Occupation: American actor, singer, dancer, producer, television host, and YouTube personality.
• Family Connection: Older half-brother of pop superstar Ariana Grande.
• Broadway Career: Known for roles in musicals such as Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages.
• Television/Reality: Gained mainstream fame as a contestant on Big Brother 16 and as a host for various red-carpet events.
• Personal Life: Married to actor Hale Leon, whom he wed in a surprise ceremony on May 4, 2022. Frankie has been open about his life, including his journey to sobriety and his marriage rules with Hale Leon.

Ethan Slater (Ethan Samuel Slater)

• Born: June 2, 1992.
• Occupation: American actor, singer, and composer.
• Breakthrough Role: Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for playing the title role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical in 2018.
• Film Role: Cast as Boq in the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked, where he met Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda.
• Personal Life: His relationship with Ariana Grande began while filming Wicked, following his separation from his then-partner, Lilly Jay.
• Recent Activity: Has continued to support Ariana Grande at major events, even if not physically present, such as sharing her acceptance speech from the 2025 MTV VMAs.

The Broadway Connection: A Foundation of Mutual Respect

The most immediate and strongest link between Frankie Grande and Ethan Slater is their shared history and passion for Broadway. Both are seasoned veterans of the New York theatre scene, a world that fosters a unique form of camaraderie and respect.

Frankie, with his roles in Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages, and Slater, with his Tony-nominated performance in SpongeBob SquarePants and his role as Boq in the Wicked film, are part of a tight-knit community of stage actors. This common ground likely allowed Frankie to assess Slater not just as a boyfriend for his sister, but as a professional peer.

Frankie has frequently spoken about his sister's role as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation, expressing his excitement and belief that she deserves an Oscar nomination. His support naturally extends to the entire cast, including his sister's co-star and now partner, Ethan Slater. This professional approval is a significant factor in the family’s acceptance of the relationship.

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In interviews, Frankie has made it clear that he was already a fan of Ethan Slater's work on Broadway before the romance with his sister began. This pre-existing respect for Slater's talent as a "wonderful guy" and a "sweet guy" has been a consistent theme in all of Frankie's public commentary.

5 Surprising Ways Frankie Grande Showed His Approval

While the initial news of the Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater romance was met with controversy due to the timing of their respective separations from Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay, Frankie Grande’s public actions have been a consistent source of support, offering a clear signal of family approval.

1. The "Sweet Guy" and "Wonderful Guy" Endorsement

Frankie Grande was one of the first family members to publicly comment on the relationship, effectively giving it his "green light". He has consistently referred to Ethan Slater as a "sweet guy" and "wonderful," focusing on his character rather than the surrounding drama. This positive framing helped shift the narrative from scandal to a legitimate, family-approved romance.

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2. Rare Joint Public Appearance at a Major Awards Show

The most concrete evidence of their bond came in early 2025. Frankie Grande and Ethan Slater were photographed together attending the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3, 2025. This joint appearance at a high-profile industry event signals a level of comfort and integration into the family circle that goes beyond mere tolerance. It showed the world that the two men are on friendly terms and support each other's careers.

3. Sharing a Rare Photo of the Couple

In a move that delighted fans, Frankie Grande shared a very rare photo of his sister Ariana Grande cozying up with Ethan Slater on his social media. For a couple that has largely kept their relationship private amidst the intense media scrutiny, this public and personal share from a family member was a powerful endorsement. It offered a rare glimpse into their life and confirmed the closeness of the trio.

4. Comparing Slater to His Own Husband, Hale Leon

In discussing his own happy marriage to husband Hale Leon, Frankie has drawn parallels to his sister’s relationship, emphasizing the importance of finding a partner who is genuinely a good person. By placing Ethan Slater in the same context as his own deeply valued husband, Frankie elevated Slater's standing within the family and publicly expressed his confidence in the future of the couple.

5. Shared Enthusiasm for the *Wicked* Film

Frankie's enthusiasm for the Wicked film is palpable. He has frequently discussed his visits to the set and his pride in both Ariana (Glinda) and Ethan (Boq). This shared professional excitement over the project that brought his sister and her boyfriend together provides a positive, unifying topic for the family and reinforces the idea that their connection is rooted in a shared passion for their art.

The Future of the Grande-Slater Dynamic

As the theatrical release of the two-part Wicked film approaches, the public visibility of both Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande is set to skyrocket. This will inevitably mean more joint appearances and public commentary from the family, including Frankie Grande.

Frankie's consistent and vocal support has been instrumental in normalizing the relationship in the public eye. His role as the supportive older brother and fellow Broadway star has positioned him as the key familial bridge for Ethan Slater. With both men having deep roots in the performing arts—from Frankie's reality TV stints and directing work to Slater's Tony-nominated acting—their professional paths are likely to cross again.

The connection between Frankie Grande and Ethan Slater is a testament to the fact that family approval can often outweigh intense media speculation. What started as a controversial Hollywood romance has been solidified by a brother's genuine endorsement, transforming a complicated situation into a clear-cut case of familial acceptance and professional admiration.