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.
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.
Their Love Story: From Swipe to Forever
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.
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 explained.
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.
Frankel’s patience and dedication paid off, and their love grew stronger. By October 2020, he was ready to propose — but not without some humorous twists that made the moment uniquely theirs.
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.
“Spoiler alert: She didn’t know what [a princess-cut diamond] was!” Frankel joked. He quickly adjusted the design to fit a round brilliant diamond, the shape Sidibe preferred.
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.
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 admitted, laughing about the not-so-surprising moment.
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.
Sidibe later announced their engagement on Instagram, writing, “My BFF proposed and now I get to hold him forever.” She called Frankel “the sweetest man to exist” and praised his unwavering support, adding, “He is the partner I thought I was too independent to need.”
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.
A Private Wedding and Big Revelations
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.
“We got married at the kitchen table,” she said, 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.
“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.
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.
Years after their understated wedding, their lives would take an exciting turn as they welcomed the newest members of their family.
Meet the Twins: Do They Look Like Mommy or Daddy?
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.
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.
His active social media presence often celebrates his love 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.
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.”
While many fans praised the sweet post, one troll left a disparaging comment directed at Sidibe, “Gabby I know u got babies now but keep it sexy your looking homeless respectfully [sic].”
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.
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.
“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.”
Other comments included, “Baby girl looks just like her mama” and “They are so beautiful! They totally look like mommy.”
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.
