Gabourey Sidibe and her husband, Brandon Frankel, joyfully joined the parenthood journey earlier this year with the arrival of their adorable twins. Their presence has not only filled the couple’s hearts with immense joy but has also led to charming conversations about the similarities each twin shares with their parents.
Gabourey Sidibe, recognized widely for her role in “Precious,” unexpectedly met love. Her husband, Brandon Frankel, an experienced entertainment executive, ventured into the world of online dating following a previous marriage. This step became the foundation for a significant relationship.
As their relationship deepened during the pandemic, Sidibe initially hesitated to embrace a committed relationship with Frankel fully. However, their engagement in 2020 marked a turning point, highlighted by both planned and unexpected surprises.
Their Love Story: From Swipe to Forever
The couple’s love story began on a dating app. Frankel, hesitant about dating after his previous marriage, decided to explore Raya, an app popular among celebrities. His strategy was quirky but effective: swiping “Yes” on everyone.
Sidibe, new to the app, coincidentally swiped “Yes” on him too. This led to a connection that was instant. Their first date was an impressive seven-hour rendezvous that set a warm and promising tone for their future.
Despite this connection, Sidibe confessed to cautiously entering the relationship, citing her “fight or flight” personality. However, the pandemic allowed her to gradually trust and lower her defenses, realizing Frankel wasn’t going anywhere.
Frankel’s patience and devotion were rewarded, and by October 2020, he was ready with a proposal, albeit filled with humorous twists.
“Spoiler alert: She didn’t know what [a princess-cut diamond] was!” Frankel adapted quickly, opting for a round brilliant diamond, an adjustment that accommodated Sidibe’s preferences.
Frankel’s intricate proposal plans faced a small hiccup when Sidibe discovered images of their engagement ring on their shared phone, leading her to predict what was coming. Adding to this, Frankel’s romantic ambiance, complete with rose petals and a “Will You Marry Me?” balloon, was accidentally noticed when Sidibe turned off a light left on.
While these elements would typically spoil the surprise, Frankel cleverly involved their cats, one of which wore a tag that read, “Will you marry my daddy?” bringing some delight to the occasion.
Sidibe happily announced their engagement on Instagram, expressing her joy over holding onto her “BFF” forever, labeling Frankel as the “sweetest man to exist.”
A Private Wedding and Big Revelations
The couple opted for a simple and private wedding at their kitchen table just four months after their engagement, skipping the traditional big wedding. Sidibe, not fond of big weddings, felt more comfortable with a modest ceremony.
During an interview on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” she casually shared that they were married over a year ago, a revelation that certainly surprised fans who had expected a larger celebration.
Through all of life’s busyness, including their private wedding, the couple found ultimate joy with the arrival of their twins.
Meet the Twins: Do They Look Like Mommy or Daddy?
In April 2024, Sidibe and Frankel welcomed their twins, Cooper and Maya. These names were thoughtfully chosen, with Cooper being a long-cherished option for a son, and Maya inspired by a memorable trip to the Mayan Riviera.
Frankel’s affection as a parent and spouse is evident, frequently showcasing their family life on social media with love and devotion, even while defending against negativity.
On November 15, 2024, he composed a heartfelt Instagram message dedicated to his family, lovingly calling them “the loves of my life.”
Despite some negative remarks from trolls, Frankel stood by Sidibe, defending her with quick wit and earning admiration from supporters.
He later shared delightful photos of the twins, clearly capturing their cuteness and uncanny resemblance to their parents, entertaining fans with comments about which parent each child took after.
Sidibe and Frankel’s sincere, humorous portrayal of their lives continues to resonate with fans, who enjoy celebrating every milestone and the couple’s unwavering support for one another.
