What we can say to introduce Frankie Grande, that he is a TV star? a Theatre Actor? a Producer? an Ex-Big Brother? and a huge Social Media influencer? Maybe all of them will be part of that introduction.
Born in New York City and developed a love for performing at a very young age, his vivacious personality, creativity and passion for performance has garnered him much praise and media attention throughout his career.
Through his work on Broadway, Grande gained a love for producing theater. In 2009 he produced Hamlet on Broadway, which starred Jude Law and generated many positive reviews. He went on to produce La Bête (2010–11) starring David Hyde Pierce, and Born Yesterday (2011) starring Jim Belushi. He also produced Brooke Shields’ one-woman cabaret show in 2011.
It was during this time that Frankie began his one YouTube channel, frankiejgrande, which has since garnered over 18 million views and eventually led to him creating “Livin’ La Vida Grande,” a one-man cabaret show where he performed his favorite songs, impersonations and skits inspired by his wildly successful YouTube channel and love for theatre and is now a national tour.
When Grande is not performing on Broadway or starring on television he can be spotted on the red carpet at major network awards shows such as American Music Awards and Kid’s Choice Awards where he acts as a red carpet coverage host for outlets including “Entertainment Tonight.”
As a social media powerhouse with a combined reach of 2.6 million, Grande likes to interact with his fans and amplify messages of social good and happiness through his channels. In March 2015, he partnered with the Truth Campaign to produce “Left Swipe Dat,” a video aimed at swaying teens from smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
As a volunteer and advocate for buildOn, Frankie traveled to Malawi in January 2015 to break ground on the Frank Grande School, a project partially made possible with his donated earnings from “Big Brother” and named in memory of his grandfather who passed away during the filming of the show.
The organization honored him with its Global Impact Award in 2014 for his work.
And if you are not following Frankie’s Social Networks (we doubt that) follow him now!
Instagram – 1.5 Million Followers
Twitter – 1.12 Million Followers
YouTube – 408,524 Subscribers and over 23.2M views
Facebook – 290K Likes
His total reach including his Vine following is over 3.6M.
Check our exclusive interview with Frankie Grande next!!!
Hi, Frankie thanks for this interview. Please tell us a little about you?
I am a biology/theatre/dance major turned Broadway chorus boy, turned reality TV star, turned judge, turned Broadway star, turned TV host, with a little YouTube and social media magic thrown in there!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Unapologetic
Shiny
Happy
Who was your role model as a child?
Madonna
What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
Brush my teeth! Who wants morning or evening breath?
Besides Ariana is there any other family member is in the business?
Well I think Nonna is actually the most famous member of the family, so yeah, she is in the business.
Now tell us about your recent project with Amazon’s newest live stream show “Style Code Live.”
It is a fun filled show where we get to talk all about beauty fashion and pop culture while giving helpful tips and advice to our viewers live in real time. It’s the first of its time and it is fantastic.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing people post their Style Code Live success stories and knowing we helped someone feel a little bit better about themselves that day!
Biggest beauty inspiration? Why?
David LaChapelle, because he understands that beauty has no limits and that anyone or anything can be beautiful, he brings it out in everyone he shoots in the most bizarre and gorgeous ways.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without.?
My fashion style is big, bold, colorful, shiny, yet fashion forward and not retro at all! I don’t think I could live without my Nike wedges (which I have in every color).
Who are some of your favorite models and designers?
Versace, Dsquared, Diesel, Louis Vuitton.
I have always been a huge fan of the models originating from America’s Next Top Model. The show has provided the opportunity to people desiring to break into the industry and has allowed them to rise to the top. I will have to look elsewhere, now that the show is off the air. However, Tyra Banks will always be queen!
How do you keep fit?
SoulCycle and weightlifting every other day, but I like to give myself one day off a week.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Spinach, I love it!
And your favorite cheat food?
Junior’s Golden Fudge Cake. Ugh, it’s amazing.
Now what do you think of Social Media as you are a big influencer in this category?
I love it! It gives people from all over the globe a way to communicate quickly, efficiently, and lets the news of big events travel faster than ever before. I am big fan.
Do you think your life is different after this Social Media inclusion and also after Big Brother?
Um…yes! Extremely different, my entire life is public now. There is no privacy and you know what, I don’t mind it.
I can imagine how is difficult for you to be on the street and people recognize you. How you deal with that?
I am recognized when I am out and about quite often and I LOVE IT and appreciate the amazing support from my fans!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Watching TV in bed!
Best advice ever given?
Never squander an opportunity.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Music
Starbucks
Yankee hats
Any plans for 2016 that you want to share with us?
Style Code Live has me pretty busy at the moment but since I am living in New York for the foreseeable future and with Broadway just blocks away, I’m working on bringing back my one-man show. I am also currently exploring the possibility of doing some Broadway readings of some pretty incredible shows.
One of my passions has always been singing and I really want to get back to that in my free time.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself hosting my own late night talk show.
Favorite song? Why?
“Dangerous Woman” because it inspires everyone to dig deep, find that inner superhero, and choose when to let her out, or not! I think it is a song about choice and that is the message everyone needs to hear. WE have the power to choose our fate.
What music can we find on your iPod?
Ariana Grande
Coldplay
Madonna
Counting Crows
Rock of Ages
Where we can follow you?
@frankiejgrande – Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Youtube
Quote: It’s not a matter of keeping up, it’s a matter of not being able to follow.
Favorite Singer/Artist: Ariana Grande
Movie: Aliens
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Food: Starbucks
Drink: Starbucks
Sports Team: Florida Panthers
TV Show: Downton Abbey
Book: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Photo Credit: Matt Sayles
