The Tragic Aftermath Of 'Zankie': Where Are Frankie Grande And Zach Rance From Big Brother 16 Now?

The story of "Frankie Zach Big Brother" is one of the most compelling, controversial, and long-lasting narratives in the show's history, a tale that continues to evolve even in late 2025. This intense relationship, dubbed "Zankie," captivated the *Big Brother 16* audience, blending genuine connection with strategic gameplay, but its true impact—especially on one of the houseguests—would only become clear years later. The two houseguests have taken dramatically different paths since their summer in the BB house, with one returning to the franchise and the other becoming a certified life coach who recently issued a public "cry for help" over a decade of harassment. This deep dive reveals the full, up-to-date profile on both Frankie Grande and Zach Rance, the true nature of their relationship, and the shocking, long-term consequences that have followed them since their time on the CBS reality show.

Frankie Grande and Zach Rance: Complete Big Brother 16 Biography and Profile

The dynamic duo of *Big Brother 16* (BB16) were two of the season's most memorable and volatile players. Their personalities clashed and connected in equal measure, creating the iconic "Zankie" showmance that dominated live feeds and episode recaps.

Frankie Grande Profile

• Full Name: Frank James Michael Grande Marchione
• Born: January 24, 1983 (Age 42 in 2025)
• Hometown: New York City, New York
• BB16 Occupation: YouTube Personality / Broadway Performer
• BB16 Placement: 7th Place
• Notable Fact: The older half-brother of pop superstar Ariana Grande. This fact was kept a secret from the houseguests until later in the season.
• Post-BB Career: Actor, singer, dancer, television host, producer, and continued Broadway performer. He also appeared on *Celebrity Big Brother 18* (UK) and returned for *Big Brother Reindeer Games* in 2023.

Zach Rance Profile

• Full Name: Zach Rance
• Born: September 9, 1990 (Age 35 in 2025)
• Hometown: Palm Beach, Florida
• BB16 Occupation: Recent College Graduate (Economics)
• BB16 Placement: 14th Place (Evicted Week 5)
• Notable Fact: Known for his volatile, high-energy personality and his pink hat. He later came out as bisexual, citing his relationship with Frankie Grande as his "bisexual awakening."
• Post-BB Career: Certified Life Coach and Nutritionist, focusing on mental health, mindfulness, and self-care.

The Truth Behind the 'Zankie' Showmance and Post-Show Hookup

The relationship between Frankie and Zach, or "Zankie," was the most talked-about storyline of *Big Brother 16*. It was initially a close "bromance" that evolved into a playful, flirtatious dynamic, often characterized by screaming matches followed by passionate reconciliations.

The In-House Dynamic

Inside the house, Zankie was a whirlwind of energy. Their relationship was a strategic alliance within the larger "Bomb Squad" and "Detonators" alliances, but it was also deeply personal and often chaotic. Zach, in particular, was known for his unpredictable emotional outbursts, which Frankie often navigated with a mix of amusement and frustration. The houseguests, including eventual winner Derrick Levasseur, often used their dynamic as a distraction and a means to control information.

Zach's Bisexual Awakening and the Post-Show Relationship

Years after the season ended, Zach Rance publicly confirmed the true extent of their connection. He revealed that their relationship was more than just a friendship and that they did hook up after the show. More significantly, Zach stated that Frankie Grande was his "bisexual awakening," helping him understand and accept his own sexuality.

This revelation provided closure for fans who had long speculated about the nature of their bond, confirming that the chemistry they saw on screen was absolutely real and had a profound, life-changing impact on Zach's personal identity.

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A Decade of Harassment: Zach Rance's 'Cry for Help' Update

While Frankie Grande has enjoyed a successful post-show career, including a return to the franchise in 2023, Zach Rance's life has been marked by a much darker, long-term consequence of his time on *Big Brother 16*.

The Shocking Toll of Fan Harassment

In a major update in 2024, nearly a decade after *BB16* aired, Zach Rance issued a public "cry for help" regarding the severe harassment he and his family have endured. He revealed that for 10 years, he has received thousands of death threats and harassing messages from a small but relentless group of fans, primarily stemming from the perceived "failure" of the Zankie romance and his close association with Frankie Grande.

The continuous abuse has had a devastating impact on Zach's mental and emotional health, contributing to a "dark place" where he struggled with mental health issues and drug abuse.

Life Coach Zach: Turning Pain into Purpose

In a testament to his resilience, Zach Rance has channeled his experience into a new career focused on wellness and mental health. He is now a certified life coach and nutritionist, using his platform to discuss the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and meditation. His work is a direct response to the struggles he faced, providing a positive outlet for his energy and a resource for others dealing with similar mental health challenges.

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His recent public statements were a direct appeal to stop the decade-long cyberbullying, highlighting the severe, real-world consequences that reality TV fandom can have on contestants.

Frankie Grande's Return and Current Career Status

While Zach was dealing with the aftermath of his fame, Frankie Grande continued to build a multi-faceted career in entertainment. His biggest recent reality TV news was his return to the franchise.

Big Brother Reindeer Games (2023)

In late 2023, Frankie Grande returned to the *Big Brother* universe as a contestant on the spin-off series, *Big Brother Reindeer Games*. His inclusion alongside other major BB alums like Nicole Franzel and Britney Haynes cemented his status as a fan-favorite and a memorable player from Season 16. His return proved that he remains deeply connected to the BB community and a constant presence in the entertainment world.

Current Career Focus

Frankie's career remains focused on Broadway, television, and digital content. He continues to perform, act, and maintain a large social media and YouTube following. His marriage to Hale Leon in 2022 was another major life event that kept him in the public eye, showcasing a stable and happy personal life far removed from the house drama of *BB16*.

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The Lasting Legacy of Big Brother 16

The story of Frankie Grande and Zach Rance is arguably the most complex and enduring storyline to emerge from *Big Brother 16*. It is a tale of a transformative relationship that led one person to a greater understanding of his sexuality and propelled the other's celebrity. However, it also serves as a stark warning about the dark side of reality TV fandom, where the intensity of a "showmance" can lead to years of devastating harassment. The Zankie relationship is remembered not just for its entertainment value, but for the very real, human consequences it created. As of late 2025, both men have found their own paths: Frankie in the spotlight, and Zach in the world of mental health advocacy, fighting to overcome the decade-old trauma of his reality TV experience.