“Meet Gabourey Sidibe’s Cute Twins: One Takes After Mom, the Other Mirrors Dad”

Gabourey Sidibe and her husband, Brandon Frankel, became parents to twins earlier this year. The babies are capturing hearts and stirring fun debates over which parent they resemble most.

Gabourey Sidibe, best known for her role in Precious, discovered love in an unexpected way. Her partner, an experienced entertainment executive, turned to online dating after his first marriage ended. Their delightful first date sparked the beginning of a strong and enduring relationship.

Gabourey Sidibe and Brandon Frankel grew closer during the pandemic, as Sidibe overcame her initial doubts about committing to a serious relationship. In 2020, they got engaged, but their engagement story was filled with unexpected twists—some intentional, others accidental.

Their Love Story: From Swipe to Forever
Gabourey Sidibe and Brandon Frankel’s romance began with a swipe on the exclusive dating app Raya. After a failed marriage in his 20s, Frankel was initially hesitant to return to dating but eventually decided to try again, leading to their fateful connection.

Their first date lasted an incredible seven hours, hinting at the strong connection they would share. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Sidibe admitted to approaching the relationship with caution, describing herself as having a “fight or flight” personality.

Initially, Sidibe kept her feelings guarded, driven by a fear of vulnerability. However, as their relationship deepened—especially during the pandemic—she began to lower her defenses. Realizing, “This guy’s not going to disappear,” she embraced the trust that became the cornerstone of their bond.

Frankel’s patience and commitment strengthened their love, and by October 2020, he was ready to propose. The proposal, however, came with humorous twists, making the moment distinctly their own.

“Spoiler alert: She didn’t know what [a princess-cut diamond] was!” Frankel joked. Realizing the mismatch, he quickly redesigned the ring to feature a round brilliant diamond, the shape Sidibe actually preferred.

As Frankel fine-tuned every detail of the proposal, one small slip-up almost ruined the surprise. Sidibe accidentally stumbled upon photos of the engagement ring on their shared phone, which led her to suspect what was about to happen.

As if the phone mishap wasn’t enough, Frankel’s elaborate setup, complete with rose petals and a “Will You Marry Me?” balloon display, was inadvertently revealed when Sidibe went to turn off a light he had left on for ambiance. “It would have been a really, really great surprise if he didn’t leave the light on,” she laughed, reflecting on the not-so-surprising moment.

Despite the unintentional reveals, Frankel still managed to include one true surprise: their beloved cats. One of the cats wore a tag that read, “Will you marry my daddy?” It was a heartwarming touch that added a special and joyful moment to the couple’s big day.

Sidibe later shared their engagement news on Instagram, writing, “My BFF proposed and now I get to hold him forever.” She described Frankel as “the sweetest man to exist” and praised his unwavering support, adding, “He is the partner I thought I was too independent to need.”

Although the engagement didn’t go as planned, it perfectly reflected the essence of their relationship—love, humor, and spontaneity. Just like their proposal, Sidibe and Frankel decided to approach their wedding day on their own terms, keeping everyone curious about their next big milestone.

A Private Wedding and Big Revelations
True to their unconventional style, Sidibe and Frankel’s wedding was a private affair with little fanfare. In December 2022, during an interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Sidibe casually shared that the couple had actually gotten married over a year earlier.

“We got married at the kitchen table,” Sidibe revealed, describing their simple, no-frills ceremony that took place just four months after their engagement in November 2020. She also admitted that she wasn’t a fan of traditional weddings.

“The thing about weddings is, I don’t like them,” Sidibe confessed, explaining their decision to forgo the typical pomp and circumstance in favor of a more intimate, personal ceremony.

In mid-2022, the couple had hinted at hosting a larger wedding celebration in spring 2023. However, Sidibe’s revelation that they had already married made it clear that their intimate kitchen table ceremony was all they needed to solidify their bond.

Years after their understated wedding, Sidibe and Frankel’s lives took an exciting turn with the arrival of the newest members of their family.

Meet the Twins: Do They Take After Mommy or Daddy?

In April 2024, Sidibe and Frankel celebrated a new milestone in their relationship with the arrival of their twins, Cooper and Maya. Each name held special meaning, with “Cooper” — affectionately called “Coop” — being a name Frankel had long considered for a son.

Maya’s name was inspired by the couple’s babymoon to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, a trip filled with cherished memories leading up to the arrival of their twins. Frankel has embraced his role as both a devoted husband and father with deep commitment.

Frankel frequently uses his active social media presence to celebrate his love for Sidibe and their children. He’s also stepped up to defend his wife against online negativity. On November 15, 2024, he shared a heartfelt Instagram post, expressing deep affection for his family.

In his touching tribute, Frankel referred to Sidibe and their children as the “loves of my life,” adding, “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 Frankel’s sweet post, one troll left a disparaging comment aimed at Sidibe, saying, “Gabby I know u got babies now but keep it sexy your looking homeless respectfully [sic].” Frankel swiftly defended his wife, responding, “Disrespectfully, I know you ain’t talking. Go find a therapist asap, you’re unwell.” His unapologetic reply earned admiration from supporters, who praised his loyalty and quick wit.

Just days later, on November 26, 2024, Frankel delighted fans with a new post featuring the twins. The photos showcased the babies’ adorable features, sparking a wave of positive comments from followers.

“Little Gabbie and little Brandon! ADORABLE!” one fan wrote. Others marveled at how much the twins resembled their parents. “So cute! One looks like mommy, the other like daddy,” one fan commented, 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 deeply resonated with their fans. Their honest and humorous approach to life’s experiences has been both inspiring and relatable. Fans celebrate every milestone with them, finding joy in their genuine support for one another.