Gabourey Sidibe, best recognized for her breakout performance in “Precious,” discovered love in an unlikely location. Her spouse, a seasoned entertainment professional, ventured into online dating after his previous marriage failed. What followed was a wonderful first date that created the groundwork for a long-term partnership.

During the epidemic, their closeness became stronger, and Sidibe overcame her initial reluctance to pursue a meaningful relationship with Frankel. They took the next major step in 2020, but their engagement tale was full of surprises, both planned and unplanned.

Sidibe and Frankel’s romance began with a swipe on a dating app. After a disastrous marriage in his twenties, Frankel was apprehensive to return to the dating scene. When he eventually decided to give it another attempt, he joined Raya, an elite app popular among celebs.

His method was odd yet successful: swipe “Yes” on everyone. Sidibe, on the other hand, had only downloaded the app the day before and swiped “yes” only at him.  Their bond was instant.

The couple’s first date lasted an amazing seven hours, establishing the tone for their future relationship. While the chemistry was evident, Sidibe admitted that she approached the relationship with caution. “I have a real fight-or-flight personality,” she stated.

Because she was afraid of being vulnerable, she originally kept her emotions hidden. However, Sidibe began to relax her vigilance over time, particularly during the epidemic. She recognized, “This guy isn’t going away,” and accepted the trust that was the core of their relationship.

Frankel’s patience and perseverance paid off, and their relationship got stronger. By October 2020, he was ready to propose, but not without some amusing twists that made the occasion their own.

Determined to make the proposal right, Frankel collaborated with Seattle jeweler Pendergast & Painter to create a ring Sidibe would love. However, when he discovered that she disliked the style he had meticulously selected, his well-thought-out strategy came crashing down.

“Spoiler alert: She didn’t know what [a princess-cut diamond] was!” Frankel joked. He swiftly altered the design to accommodate a round brilliant diamond, which Sidibe wanted.

Frankel meticulously planned every detail of the proposal, except for one that accidentally revealed the surprise. Sidibe unintentionally saw images of the engagement ring on their shared phone, which made her suspect what was to follow.

Sidibe’s attempt to turn off a light he had left on for the atmosphere exposed Frankel’s elaborate setup, complete with rose petals and a “Will You Marry Me?” balloon display. “It would have been a really, really great surprise if he didn’t leave the light on,” she said, chuckling over the not-so-surprising event.

Despite the inadvertent admissions, Frankel did manage to include one genuine surprise: their pet animals. One carried a tag that said, “Will you marry my daddy?” It was a kind gesture that added delight to the couple’s special day.

Sidibe later confirmed their engagement on Instagram, saying, “My BFF proposed, and now I get to hold him forever.” She described Frankel as “the sweetest man to exist” and commended his constant support, saying, “He is the partner I thought I was too independent to need.”

While the engagement did not go precisely as planned, it brilliantly represented the spirit of their relationship—love, laughter, and spontaneity. However, similar to their proposal, Sidibe and Frankel chose to customize their wedding day, leaving the public curious about their next significant milestone.

Sidibe and Frankel’s wedding, like their unorthodox engagement, was distinctive, but with significantly less hoopla. During an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in December 2022, Sidibe casually mentioned that the couple had married almost a year before.

“We got married at the kitchen table,” she added, describing their low-key ceremony, which took place barely four months after their engagement in November 2020. Sidibe also admitted she was not a fan of conventional weddings.

“The thing about weddings is, I don’t like them,” she said, explaining their decision to forego the traditional pomp and ceremony in favor of something more private.

In mid-2022, the pair hinted at a grander wedding ceremony for spring 2023. However, Sidibe’s disclosure of their already-married status made it evident that their kitchen table ceremony was all they needed to cement their relationship.

Years after their simple wedding, their lives took an exciting turn as they welcomed the newest members of their family.

Sidibe and Frankel’s love hit a new milestone in April 2024, when they welcomed their twins, Cooper and Maya. Each child’s name has tremendous meaning. Frankel had long considered naming his child Cooper, affectionately known as “Coop.”

The couple’s babymoon to Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, which was filled with joyful memories leading up to the birth of their twins, inspired Maya’s name. Frankel has accepted his responsibilities as a spouse and parent wholeheartedly.

His active social media presence frequently reflects his affection for Sidibe and their children. However, he has also had to defend his wife from internet criticism. On November 15, 2024, he conveyed his love for his family in an emotional Instagram post.

He composed a heartfelt homage to Sidibe and their children. Calling them the “loves of my life,” he continued, “No matter how difficult things get, or how crazy the world gets, the way you all light up when you see me just warms my heart.” “I love you the most.”

While many admirers praised the touching photo, one troll scathingly commented, “Gabby, I know you got babies now, but keep it sexy; you’re looking homeless, respectfully [sic].”

Frankel quickly defended his wife, saying, “Disrespectfully, I know you aren’t talking. You’re not feeling well, so go see a therapist right away. His forthright statement drew plaudits from followers who praised his commitment and humor.

Only days later, on November 26, 2024, Frankel surprised followers once more with a fresh post depicting the twins. The photographs highlighted the newborns’ lovely characteristics, eliciting a storm of favorable feedback.

One admirer wrote, “Tiny Gabbie, tiny Brandon! Adorable!” Others marveled at the twins’ likeness to their parents. “How adorable!” One looks like Mommy, the other like Daddy,” exclaimed one, while another added, “They both look like their mama.”

Other comments included “The baby girl resembles her mother” and “They possess such beauty!” “They look exactly like Mommy.”

Sidibe and Frankel’s honesty has definitely resonated with their audience. Their candid and humorous reflections on their experiences have been both encouraging and relevant. Fans celebrate each milestone alongside them, finding delight and resonance in their sincere support for one another.