This story was originally published on JewishUnpacked.com.
The “Wicked” press tour continues to make headlines. From “holding space” for “Defying Gravity,” the way co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have been teased about crying in multiple interviews, to the sheer number of product collaborations the film has, it has been the talk of the town since its premiere.
One figure drawing significant attention is Ethan Slater, whose whirlwind romance with Grande and divorce from his ex-wife, Dr. Lilly Jay, have been as discussed as the film itself.
While we at Unpacked avoid commenting on rumors (lashon hara is lashon hara, even if it’s true!), we can discuss the 32-year-old actor’s Jewish identity.
The basics
Ethan Samuel Slater was born on June 2, 1992 in Washington, D.C. to Jewish parents. He’s the youngest of three children, having older sisters Sara and Tamara. His father, Jay Slater, works at the Food and Drug Administration while his mother, Ellen Goldmuntz, was a lawyer.
Ethan Samuel Slater was born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., to Jewish parents. He is the youngest of three children, with older sisters Sara and Tamara. His father, Jay Slater, works for the Food and Drug Administration, while his mother, Ellen Goldmuntz, was a lawyer.
Tragically, his mother passed away when he was seven years old, an event that inspired his love of writing.
Slater believes the best creative processes involve “mining from personal experience.” His concept album, “Edge of the World,” explores themes of loss and creativity, drawing heavily from his childhood experiences.
“When I was seven years old, my mom died, and so that’s been a really big, formative thing in my life. She had left this huge imprint on me, even though I had so few memories,” said Slater in 2021. “And that’s what happens to [my] character, Ben. He grows up not knowing his mom, being raised by a single dad, and yet the impact she has on his life and his life trajectory is immeasurable. So those are the two inspirational elements that came together.”
At 19, Slater was cast as SpongeBob in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical.” His performance received glowing reviews and earned him a Tony Award nomination.
Growing up, Slater’s family didn’t have cable, so he first encountered SpongeBob at his bubbe’s house (she must have kvelled when he landed the role!).
This year, Slater made his film debut as Boq in Wicked.
Ethan Slater’s Jewish identity
The Broadway star has been open about his Jewish heritage, crediting it with shaping “every aspect” of his life.
Raised in a proud Jewish household, Slater attended the pluralistic Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School until eighth grade and became a bar mitzvah at Ohr Kodesh, a Conservative synagogue in Silver Spring, Maryland. He continued Hebrew studies at Shoresh Hebrew High School, which his father co-founded.
Like “Dear Evan Hanson” star Ben Platt and Caissie Levy, who originated the role as Elsa in “Frozen” on Broadway, Slater is a Camp Ramah alum.Initially attending Camp Ramah in New England because his father was the camp doctor, he grew to love the experience and returned every summer. “I went there originally as a staff brat but stayed on until I was 16,” he said.
Continuing his Jewish life as an adult
As an adult, Slater remains active in the Jewish community. In 2018, he spoke at his old day school and has participated in Jewish-themed programming.
For Vasthy’s Friends, a YouTube account where Broadway performers create child-friendly programming, Slater taught his audience about “favorite holiday” of Passover. He sang “Chad Gadya” and recounted seder traditions, including a mischievous afikomen-hiding story from his childhood.
Slater has also performed in Jewish-themed productions. He appeared in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and starred alongside fellow Jewish Broadway star Julie Benko in “Marcel on the Train,” a play about Jewish mime Marcel Marceau and his work with the French Resistance.
