Ariana Grande has been making headlines recently due to her new relationship with actor Ethan Slater, who is known for his role as the live-action version of SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway. However, the confusion arises when people mistakenly assume that Slater is the voice actor who has been portraying SpongeBob on the TV show for years. This confusion prompted Jill Talley, the wife of the real voice actor Tom Kenny, to set the record straight.
In response to an article from The Cut that implied Grande was dating the voice actor of SpongeBob, Talley clarified that Ethan Slater is not the one who voices SpongeBob on the TV show. Talley confirmed that her husband, Tom Kenny, is the voice behind the beloved character. She stated, “Hi everyone, I’m married to Tom Kenny (who voices SpongeBob on the TV show). He is not dating Ariana Grande. I don’t know if Ethan Slater (who played SpongeBob in the musical) is or isn’t dating Ariana Grande. However, they’re both adorable and I totally ship it.”
Talley also took the opportunity to share some personal news, mentioning that she and Tom Kenny were celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary. Her comment not only clarified the misconception but also expressed support and admiration for both Slater and Grande.
The confusion surrounding the identities of the actors involved highlights the distinction between the TV show and the Broadway musical adaptation. While Tom Kenny has been the voice of SpongeBob for years on the TV show, Ethan Slater portrayed SpongeBob in the live-action musical version. Slater’s performance garnered him Tony nominations, but he is not the same person who provides the iconic voice fans have come to know and love.
The misconception may have arisen due to the headline of The Cut’s article, which read, “Is Ariana Grande Dating Spongebob Now?” The article included a picture of Grande with Slater, fueling speculation about their relationship. However, it is essential to clarify that Slater’s portrayal of SpongeBob is limited to the Broadway stage and does not involve providing the character’s voice.
Regarding Grande’s romantic life, she has been dating Ethan Slater for a few months now. However, the timeline of her relationships has recently become a topic of discussion. Grande ended her previous relationship with Dalton Gomez in January but then reconciled with him in May during their two-year anniversary. This timeline suggests a potential overlap between her relationships with Gomez and Slater.
While Slater and Grande may be enjoying their new romance, it is worth noting that both actors are currently separated from their respective spouses. This information adds another layer of complexity to their relationships and highlights the personal lives of those involved.
In conclusion, it is crucial to differentiate between Ethan Slater, the actor who portrayed SpongeBob in the Broadway musical, and Tom Kenny, the voice actor behind the TV show’s SpongeBob character. Jill Talley, Tom Kenny’s wife, took to social media to clarify this distinction and express her support for both Slater and Grande. The confusion serves as a reminder that careful attention should be paid to distinguishing between actors’ roles and the characters they portray.