Image Credits: Willy Sanjuan / Invision / Associated Press
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The internet has a way of sparking bizarre rumors, as SpongeBob SquarePants voice actor Tom Kenny can now confirm. In an amusing twist last year, Kenny became the subject of false gossip suggesting he was romantically involved with pop superstar Ariana Grande, a situation he has since found “hilarious.”
Tom Kelly on dating rumors
The confusion arose after Grande, 31, was linked to a new romantic partner who had played the beloved animated character SpongeBob. However, the actor in question was Broadway performer Ethan Slater, who portrayed SpongeBob in the SpongeBob SquarePants musical. Slater’s performance on the stage was confused with Kenny’s long-standing role as the voice of SpongeBob on Nickelodeon’s hit TV show, which has been on air since 1999.
Kenny, 61, has been happily married to actress Jill Talley for 27 years, further adding to the absurdity of the rumor. Talley, who herself has voiced characters on SpongeBob, felt compelled to clear up the misunderstanding. In a lighthearted Instagram post, Talley directly addressed the swirling rumors and offered some clarity.
“Hi everyone, I’m married to Tom Kenny (who voices SpongeBob on the TV show),” Talley wrote. Further in her post she mentioned that Tom is not dating Ariana and she is not sure whether Ethan Slater (who played SpongeBob in the musical) is dating Ariana or not.
Talley also revealed that the rumors surfaced just as she and Kenny were celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary, making the timing even more awkward yet amusing for the couple.
While the internet has a habit of blurring the lines between fact and fiction, Kenny and Talley have taken the situation in stride. Despite the confusion, both actors maintain a positive and humorous outlook, with Talley expressing support for Slater and Grande’s rumored relationship in her own playful way.
For fans of SpongeBob SquarePants, the miscommunication offered a brief moment of entertainment—much like the show itself—before the truth was set straight. As for Kenny, he continues to enjoy his iconic role and longstanding marriage, undisturbed by the internet’s latest mix-up.