FRANKIE GRANDE

 Frankie Grande: The Multifaceted Entertainer and Digital Personality

Early Life and Education

Frank James Michael Grande Marchione, known professionally as Frankie Grande, was born on January 24, 1983, in New York City, USA. He is the son of Victor Marchione, a physician, and Joan Grande, CEO of Hose-McCann Communications. Frankie has two half-siblings: pop superstar Ariana Grande and James Marchione. At the age of 10, he moved with his mother to Boca Raton, Florida, where he attended Pine Crest School. Frankie began performing in musicals during the fifth grade. He later graduated from Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania in 2005 with a triple major in biology, theatre, and dance. Initially considering medical school, he ultimately chose to pursue a career in the performing arts. 

Career in Theater and Television

Frankie Grande's professional career began in 2007 with performances in regional theater productions and national tours, including playing Boots the Monkey in "Dora the Explorer Live!" He joined the Broadway cast of "Mamma Mia!" later that year, performing in the ensemble and as an understudy for Eddie until 2010. From 2014 to 2015, he portrayed Franz in the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages." Frankie has also produced Broadway shows such as "Hamlet" (2009) and "La Bête" (2010–2011). 

In 2014, Frankie gained national attention as a contestant on the U.S. reality television series "Big Brother 16," finishing in fifth place. He returned to the franchise in 2023 for "Big Brother Reindeer Games," where he finished in third place. Frankie has also appeared on the UK reality show "Celebrity Big Brother 18" in 2016. 

From 2017 to 2022, Frankie played the recurring role of Frankini in the Nickelodeon series "Henry Danger" and its spinoff "Danger Force." He reprised this role in the 2025 film "Henry Danger: The Movie." 

Digital Presence and Social Media

Frankie Grande has established a significant presence on social media platforms. As of 2024, his YouTube channel, "FrankieJGrande," has over 400,000 subscribers and more than 30 million views. He also boasts over 2 million followers on Instagram. Frankie uses these platforms to share content related to his performances, lifestyle, and collaborations. 

Personal Life and Advocacy

Frankie Grande is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. On May 4, 2022, he married actor and model Hale Leon, whom he had been dating since 2019. In 2023, Frankie obtained Italian citizenship. 

He co-founded the non-profit arts organization "Broadway in South Africa," aiming to provide arts education to underprivileged youth. Frankie has also worked with buildOn, contributing to the construction of a school in a rural area of Malawi. 

Recent and Upcoming Projects

In 2024, Frankie returned to the stage, performing in "Titanique" and reprising the role of Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Bucks County Playhouse in Pennsylvania. He continues to engage audiences through his performances and digital content, maintaining his status as a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry. 

Frankie Grande's multifaceted career spans theater, television, and digital media, showcasing his versatility and commitment to entertainment and advocacy.