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.<\/p>\n
![\"Gabourey](\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/vsrXBjtex-3qfygzROWJcrLijJDJBmugyU85mLIRhx8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDgwYjUzYTU1YjkyM2Q2NTg1MDRlM2RiYzAzMDdiZWUzMDhmYTAzZWZhZGNkZDQ3OGRlODQwZTc5MDVkYjY5OC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjM3OSZoZWlnaHQ9MzAwMA.jpg)
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\nGabourey Sidibe poses for a portrait during the 2009 Sundance Film Festival on January 16, 2009 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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 \u2014 both planned and accidental.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Their Love Story: From Swipe to Forever<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\nSidibe and Frankel’s\u00a0love story<\/a>\u00a0began 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHis strategy was\u00a0unconventional but effective<\/a>: 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nThe pair’s first date lasted an impressive seven hours, setting the tone for their future together. While the chemistry was undeniable, Sidibe confessed that she approached the relationship cautiously. “I have a real fight or flight personality,” she\u00a0explained<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Gabourey](\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/bb7242088b0e555f06e62adc1eb45f88817fe267ceb3393cf4c7d596d837fb82.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\nGabourey Sidibe poses on December 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDue to her fear of being vulnerable, she initially kept her feelings guarded. Over time, though \u2014 particularly during the pandemic \u2014 Sidibe began to let her guard down. She\u00a0realized<\/a>, “This guy’s not going to disappear,” and embraced the trust that formed the foundation of their relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Gabourey](\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/e65879bb76e40a80cdcf7c2f3e84234b67f72fc094d6ea3aa87e20752bdbad6a.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\nGabourey Sidibe is seen running errands on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nFrankel’s patience and dedication paid off, and their love grew stronger. By October 2020, he was ready to propose \u2014 but not without some humorous twists that made the moment uniquely theirs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nDetermined 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n“Spoiler alert: She didn’t know what [a princess-cut diamond] was!” Frankel\u00a0joked<\/a>. He quickly adjusted the design to fit a round brilliant diamond, the shape Sidibe preferred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nAs the proposal plans progressed, Frankel left no detail to chance \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf that wasn’t enough, Frankel’s elaborate setup, complete with rose petals and a “Will You Marry Me?” balloon display, was revealed when Sidibe went to turn off a light he’d left on for ambiance. “It would have been a really, really great surprise if he didn’t leave the light on,” she\u00a0admitted<\/a>, laughing about the not-so-surprising moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nDespite the unintentional reveals, Frankel managed to incorporate one genuine surprise: their beloved cats. One wore a tag\u00a0reading<\/a>, “Will you marry my daddy?” It was a heartwarming touch that brought joy to the couple’s special day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nSidibe later announced their engagement on Instagram,\u00a0writing<\/a>, “My BFF proposed and now I get to hold him forever.” She\u00a0called<\/a>\u00a0Frankel “the sweetest man to exist” and praised his unwavering support,\u00a0adding<\/a>, “He is the partner I thought I was too independent to need.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhile the engagement didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it perfectly captured the essence of their relationship \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nA Private Wedding and Big Revelations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\nJust like their unconventional engagement, Sidibe and Frankel’s wedding was also something unique, albeit with far less fanfare.\u00a0During an interview<\/a> on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in December 2022, Sidibe casually revealed that the couple had tied the knot over a year earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n“We got married at the kitchen table,” she\u00a0said<\/a>, describing their no-frills ceremony that took place just four months after their engagement in November 2020. Sidibe also confessed she wasn’t a fan of traditional weddings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n“The thing about weddings is, I don’t like them,” she\u00a0admitted<\/a>, explaining their choice to skip the typical pomp and circumstance in favor of something more intimate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIn mid-2022, the couple had hinted at hosting a larger wedding celebration in spring 2023. However, Sidibe’s revelation of their already-married status made it clear that their kitchen table ceremony was all they needed to solidify their bond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nYears after their understated wedding, their lives would take an exciting turn as they welcomed the newest members of their family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nMeet the Twins: Do They Look Like Mommy or Daddy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAdvertisement<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIn April 2024, Sidibe and Frankel reached a new milestone in their relationship,\u00a0welcoming their twins<\/a>, Cooper and Maya. Each child’s name held a special significance. Cooper,\u00a0affectionately nicknamed<\/a> “Coop,” was a name Frankel had long thought about for a son.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nMeanwhile, Maya’s name was inspired by the couple’s babymoon to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, a trip filled with fond memories leading up to their twins’ arrival. Frankel has embraced his role as a husband and father with devotion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHis active social media presence often\u00a0celebrates his love<\/a> for Sidibe and their children. However, he’s also had to defend his wife against online negativity. On November 15, 2024, he expressed deep affection for his family in a heartfelt Instagram post.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nHe wrote a touching tribute to Sidibe and their children. Calling them the “loves of my life,” he\u00a0added<\/a>, “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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhile many fans praised the sweet post, one troll left a disparaging\u00a0comment<\/a>\u00a0directed at Sidibe,\u00a0“Gabby I know u got babies now but keep it sexy your looking homeless respectfully [sic].”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nFrankel, quick to defend his wife,\u00a0replied<\/a>, “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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nJust days later, on November 26, 2024, Frankel delighted fans once again with a new post featuring the twins. The photos highlighted the babies’ adorable features, sparking a flurry of positive comments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n“Little Gabbie and little Brandon! ADORABLE!”<\/i>\u00a0one fan\u00a0wrote<\/a>. Others marveled at the resemblance the twins shared with their parents.\u00a0“So cute! One looks like mommy, other like daddy, [sic]”<\/i>\u00a0gushed<\/a>\u00a0one while another\u00a0added<\/a>,\u00a0“They both look like their mama.”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Sidibe and Frankel’s\u00a0love story<\/a>\u00a0began 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n His strategy was\u00a0unconventional but effective<\/a>: 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The pair’s first date lasted an impressive seven hours, setting the tone for their future together. While the chemistry was undeniable, Sidibe confessed that she approached the relationship cautiously. “I have a real fight or flight personality,” she\u00a0explained<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gabourey Sidibe poses on December 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Due to her fear of being vulnerable, she initially kept her feelings guarded. Over time, though \u2014 particularly during the pandemic \u2014 Sidibe began to let her guard down. She\u00a0realized<\/a>, “This guy’s not going to disappear,” and embraced the trust that formed the foundation of their relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gabourey Sidibe is seen running errands on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Frankel’s patience and dedication paid off, and their love grew stronger. By October 2020, he was ready to propose \u2014 but not without some humorous twists that made the moment uniquely theirs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Spoiler alert: She didn’t know what [a princess-cut diamond] was!” Frankel\u00a0joked<\/a>. He quickly adjusted the design to fit a round brilliant diamond, the shape Sidibe preferred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n As the proposal plans progressed, Frankel left no detail to chance \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If that wasn’t enough, Frankel’s elaborate setup, complete with rose petals and a “Will You Marry Me?” balloon display, was revealed when Sidibe went to turn off a light he’d left on for ambiance. “It would have been a really, really great surprise if he didn’t leave the light on,” she\u00a0admitted<\/a>, laughing about the not-so-surprising moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Despite the unintentional reveals, Frankel managed to incorporate one genuine surprise: their beloved cats. One wore a tag\u00a0reading<\/a>, “Will you marry my daddy?” It was a heartwarming touch that brought joy to the couple’s special day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Sidibe later announced their engagement on Instagram,\u00a0writing<\/a>, “My BFF proposed and now I get to hold him forever.” She\u00a0called<\/a>\u00a0Frankel “the sweetest man to exist” and praised his unwavering support,\u00a0adding<\/a>, “He is the partner I thought I was too independent to need.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While the engagement didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it perfectly captured the essence of their relationship \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Just like their unconventional engagement, Sidibe and Frankel’s wedding was also something unique, albeit with far less fanfare.\u00a0During an interview<\/a> on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in December 2022, Sidibe casually revealed that the couple had tied the knot over a year earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “We got married at the kitchen table,” she\u00a0said<\/a>, describing their no-frills ceremony that took place just four months after their engagement in November 2020. Sidibe also confessed she wasn’t a fan of traditional weddings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “The thing about weddings is, I don’t like them,” she\u00a0admitted<\/a>, explaining their choice to skip the typical pomp and circumstance in favor of something more intimate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In mid-2022, the couple had hinted at hosting a larger wedding celebration in spring 2023. However, Sidibe’s revelation of their already-married status made it clear that their kitchen table ceremony was all they needed to solidify their bond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Years after their understated wedding, their lives would take an exciting turn as they welcomed the newest members of their family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In April 2024, Sidibe and Frankel reached a new milestone in their relationship,\u00a0welcoming their twins<\/a>, Cooper and Maya. Each child’s name held a special significance. Cooper,\u00a0affectionately nicknamed<\/a> “Coop,” was a name Frankel had long thought about for a son.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Meanwhile, Maya’s name was inspired by the couple’s babymoon to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, a trip filled with fond memories leading up to their twins’ arrival. Frankel has embraced his role as a husband and father with devotion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n His active social media presence often\u00a0celebrates his love<\/a> for Sidibe and their children. However, he’s also had to defend his wife against online negativity. On November 15, 2024, he expressed deep affection for his family in a heartfelt Instagram post.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n He wrote a touching tribute to Sidibe and their children. Calling them the “loves of my life,” he\u00a0added<\/a>, “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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While many fans praised the sweet post, one troll left a disparaging\u00a0comment<\/a>\u00a0directed at Sidibe,\u00a0“Gabby I know u got babies now but keep it sexy your looking homeless respectfully [sic].”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Frankel, quick to defend his wife,\u00a0replied<\/a>, “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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Just days later, on November 26, 2024, Frankel delighted fans once again with a new post featuring the twins. The photos highlighted the babies’ adorable features, sparking a flurry of positive comments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Little Gabbie and little Brandon! ADORABLE!”<\/i>\u00a0one fan\u00a0wrote<\/a>. Others marveled at the resemblance the twins shared with their parents.\u00a0“So cute! One looks like mommy, other like daddy, [sic]”<\/i>\u00a0gushed<\/a>\u00a0one while another\u00a0added<\/a>,\u00a0“They both look like their mama.”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Gabourey](\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sC1vJoGe9C-ftOsgFq2MpWXvf0YmSqZcT1AWyzbhR8A\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmI3MjQyMDg4YjBlNTU1ZjA2ZTYyYWRjMWViNDVmODg4MTdmZTI2N2NlYjMzOTNjZjRjN2Q1OTZkODM3ZmI4Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTYwMSZoZWlnaHQ9MjQwMA.jpg)
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Gabourey](\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/8W3-zSGVSupU-2EAVqp_W0bxuvA2KS6CtJ1z7mUupW0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTY1ODc5YmI3NmU0MGE4MGNkY2Y3YzJmM2U4NDIzNGI2N2Y3MmZjMDk0ZDZlYTNhYTg3ZTIwNzUyYmRiYWQ2YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjY4MiZoZWlnaHQ9MzM3Nw.jpg)
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Private Wedding and Big Revelations<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Meet the Twins: Do They Look Like Mommy or Daddy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n