Yes, Frankie Grande Related to Ariana Grande

Reality TV sensation, Frankie Grande, gained public attention when he appeared on the 16th season of CBS’ reality competition show, Big Brother.  While on the show, Grande shared his background with fellow houseguests and revealed that he is both an actor and a YouTube personality.  While many viewers doubted his credentials, it quickly became evident that perhaps Grande was exactly who he said he was.  In 2012, TV Guide called Grande one of “Our Favorite YouTube Stars,” and he has also amassed a large following on both Instagram and Twitter. During the season, he also made a shocking reveal that earned him even more attention from both houseguests and fans alike.  Since the season’s end, Grande has made the most out of his 15 minutes of fame, and has furthered his career as both an internet personality and an actor.  Although only time will tell if he is here to stay; here are four fast facts about Frankie Grande.

4. Frankie Grande is actress/singer Ariana Grande’s half-brother.

If Frankie Grande’s last name rings a bell, it is because he is the older half-brother of actress/singer, Ariana Grande.  In 2014, after some speculation, Frankie finally revealed his connection to the young star. He stated: “…I have been hiding that fact from all of you since the beginning. My sister is a mega, mega, pop star,” before revealing his sister’s name.  Since Frankie has made his relationship to Ariana public, he has been more open about his relationship with his sister, often jumping to her defense in the face of negative criticism.  In September 2014, when rumors began circulating that Ariana Grande often behaved like a diva; Frankie defended his baby sis and shared that he is actually the diva of the family.

3. Frankie Grande has performed on Broadway.

There is much more to Frankie Grande than just being related to a famous pop-star.  Grande is also an established actor who has made several on-stage appearances. In the fall of 2014, it was announced that Grande would be appearing in the Broadway musical, Rock of Ages. After receiving the news, Grande, told People Magazine: “I’m so unbelievably excited. I have wanted to play Franz ever since I first saw the show. I think it is one of the best, funniest, most clever roles.” Grande also shared that he had auditioned to be in the play several times.  He stated: “I’ve actually had three final callbacks since the show originally opened. Every time I made it down to the final two people, they went with the other guy. The first time I wasn’t blonde. The second time I was too blonde. The third time I was too short. That is how Broadway works. They have a surplus of actors, so they can be that picky.”  Grande’s tenure in Rock of Ages is scheduled to end on January 18, 2015.

2. Frankie Grande is openly gay.

Since being thrust into the spotlight, Frankie Grande’s sexuality has been no secret.  As an openly gay man, Grande is proud of who he is, and has received a lot of support from his younger sister.  In August 2014, Ariana jumped to her brother’s defense after an Instagram user referred to Frankie as “that homo.”  Ariana responded to the rude comment by stating: “That ‘homo’ is the fiercest, most incredible, funniest, most intelligent, kind-hearted and most LOVED person on the face of the planet. In October 2014, Ariana  again addressed her brother’s sexuality when she  shared that she left the Catholic faith after her brother was told that his sexuality would prevent God from loving him.  Both siblings are now practicing members of the Kabbalah sect of Judiasm and Ariana says, “My life has unfolded in a really beautiful way, and I think that it has a lot to do with the tools I’ve learned through Kabbalah, I really do.

1. Frankie Grande was a houseguest on Big Brother.

In the summer of 2014, Frankie appeared a cast member on the 16th season of CBS’ Big Brother.  Initially, Grande was one of the most well-liked contestants on the show; however, he eventually earned a negative reputation with some even considering him the worst houseguest Big Brother had ever seen.   When the season ended, Grande earned more attention when he revealed that he fell in love with Zach, a another houseguest. Although Zach is straight, he stated: ““I’m not gay,but the bond that Frankie and I have is so genuine and sincere that I truly feel like he is my boyfriend.”  During his exit interview, Grande also discussed his friendship with Zach, stating: “The Zankie reality show should happen as soon as possible. I am just now seeing some of the footage and there is no doubt that we love each other. I felt it in the house but I didn’t realize how ridiculous it looks to everyone else because [we look like] we are a couple. It’s very strange. It’s unbelievable. I love Zach so much. I’ve already told him the answer is “yes” if he proposes.”

(Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

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