Ariana Grande reportedly dating ‘Wicked’ co-star after split with husband
Reports indicate that pop star Ariana Grande has been romantically linked to her co-star from the film adaptation of Wicked, actor Ethan Slater, following her separation from husband Dalton Gomez earlier this year. Sources say the pair began spending time together several months ago during production on the movie, in which Grande portrays Glinda the Good Witch and Slater plays the character Boq.
A photograph that circulated in the spring showed Grande and Slater standing near one another while cast and crew marked Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win at an event in London. The image contributed to speculation about their relationship after insiders suggested the two became close while working on the film.
People familiar with the situation have described Grande and Gomez’s separation as having occurred in January. Although divorce documents have not reportedly been filed yet, sources say those filings are expected in the near future. Friends of the former couple characterize their split as amicable, and both Grande and Gomez have reportedly moved on to dating other people since the separation.
The reporting around this development has focused on the timing of the relationship relative to production of Wicked, and on the fact that both parties involved are public figures with active careers in music and theater. Observers note that high-profile projects and public appearances often create opportunities for cast members to spend extended time together, which can lead to closer personal connections.
Who is Ethan Slater?
Ethan Slater is an actor with a strong background in musical theater who has moved between off-Broadway and Broadway productions before taking roles in film. He earned widespread attention and critical recognition for originating the title role in the stage adaptation of SpongeBob SquarePants, a performance that led to a Tony Award nomination and other industry honors.
Slater began his professional stage career with off-Broadway work and continued to build his résumé with a variety of theatrical roles. After his success in SpongeBob SquarePants, he returned to the stage in productions such as Camelot, Assassins, and Goodnight, Oscar, demonstrating versatility across dramatic and musical projects prior to joining the Wicked cast.
Born in 1992, Slater secured his breakout Broadway role while still in college. He married singer Lilly Jay in 2018; the couple had been together for several years before tying the knot and welcomed a child last year. According to reports, Slater’s split from Jay preceded the start of his relationship with Grande.
Slater’s theater credentials and awards recognition have helped establish him as a notable presence in contemporary musical theater, and his transition into film work with Wicked represents a continuation of a career that spans stage and screen. His casting in the film adaptation placed him alongside high-profile performers and brought renewed attention to his earlier achievements.
For Ariana Grande, the role of Glinda in Wicked marks another major acting credit in addition to her long-standing music career. Working on a large-scale film production like Wicked naturally involves long days on set, rehearsals, and promotional activities, all of which can foster close working relationships among cast members.
As with many high-profile personal developments involving public figures, details about timelines and private decisions are limited and often come from unnamed sources. Both Grande and Slater have maintained busy professional schedules, and those close to them say their personal lives have evolved alongside their ongoing projects. Observers and fans continue to follow confirmed updates through official channels as they become available.