What Gabourey Sidibe & Her Husband’s Cute Twins Look Like: One Is Like “Mommy,” the Other like Dad
Gabourey Sidibe, known for her breakout role in “Precious,” found love in an unexpected place. Her partner, a seasoned entertainment executive, took a leap into online dating after his first marriage ended. What followed was an enjoyable first date that laid the foundation for a lasting relationship.
Gabourey Sidibe poses for a portrait during the 2009 Sundance Film Festival on January 16, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Their bond deepened during the pandemic, with Sidibe overcoming her initial hesitation to step into a serious relationship with Frankel. In 2020, they took the next big step, but their engagement story wasn’t without its surprises — both planned and accidental.
Sidibe and Frankel’s love story began with a swipe on a dating app. After a failed marriage in his 20s, Frankel was hesitant about re-entering the dating world. When he finally decided to give it another shot, he joined Raya, an exclusive app often frequented by celebrities.
His strategy was unconventional but effective: swipe “Yes” on everyone. Sidibe, on the other hand, had only downloaded the app the day before and swiped “Yes” exclusively on him. Their connection was immediate.
Gabourey Sidibe poses on December 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Due to her fear of being vulnerable, she initially kept her feelings guarded. Over time, though — particularly during the pandemic — Sidibe began to let her guard down. She realized, “This guy’s not going to disappear,” and embraced the trust that formed the foundation of their relationship.
Gabourey Sidibe is seen running errands on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Determined to make the proposal perfect, Frankel worked closely with Seattle-based jeweler Pendergast & Painter to design a ring Sidibe would love. However, his thoughtful plan hit a snag when he realized that she didn’t actually like the style he’d painstakingly chosen.
As the proposal plans progressed, Frankel left no detail to chance — except for one that inadvertently gave the surprise away. Sidibe accidentally discovered photos of the engagement ring on their shared phone, leading her to suspect what was to come.
Despite the unintentional reveals, Frankel managed to incorporate one genuine surprise: their beloved cats. One wore a tag reading, “Will you marry my daddy?” It was a heartwarming touch that brought joy to the couple’s special day.
While the engagement didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it perfectly captured the essence of their relationship — love, humor, and spontaneity. But just as they did with their proposal, Sidibe and Frankel would approach their wedding day on their own terms, keeping the world guessing about their next big milestone.
Just like their unconventional engagement, Sidibe and Frankel’s wedding was also something unique, albeit with far less fanfare. During an interview on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in December 2022, Sidibe casually revealed that the couple had tied the knot over a year earlier.
“The thing about weddings is, I don’t like them,” she admitted, explaining their choice to skip the typical pomp and circumstance in favor of something more intimate.
Years after their understated wedding, their lives would take an exciting turn as they welcomed the newest members of their family.
In April 2024, Sidibe and Frankel reached a new milestone in their relationship, welcoming their twins, Cooper and Maya. Each child’s name held a special significance. Cooper, affectionately nicknamed “Coop,” was a name Frankel had long thought about for a son.
He wrote a touching tribute to Sidibe and their children. Calling them the “loves of my life,” he added, “No matter how tough things get, or how crazy the world becomes, the way you all light up when you see me just warms my heart. I love you all the most.”
Frankel, quick to defend his wife, replied, “Disrespectfully, I know you ain’t talking. Go find a therapist asap, you’re unwell.” His unapologetic response earned admiration from supporters, who commended his loyalty and sharp wit.
“Little Gabbie and little Brandon! ADORABLE!” one fan wrote. Others marveled at the resemblance the twins shared with their parents. “So cute! One looks like mommy, other like daddy, [sic]” gushed one while another added, “They both look like their mama.”
Sidibe and Frankel’s authenticity has truly connected with their fans. Their honest and humorous take on their experiences has been both inspiring and relatable. Fans celebrate each milestone with them, finding joy and resonance in their genuine support for one another.
