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Gabourey Sidibe and her husband, Brandon Frankel, officially entered the parenthood club earlier this year, welcoming twins. The babies are already melting hearts and sparking playful debates about which parent each twin favors.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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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.
‘A Strange Loop’ Star Kyle Birch Dies at 26 – Details
‘A Strange Loop’ Star Kyle Birch Dies at 26 – Details
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Aside from announcing his passing, Kyle Birch’s agent penned a lengthy and heartfelt tribute to the late star in which he also revealed that a GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of Birch’s family.
Talented British actor Kyle Birch sadly passed away at the age of 26 on Monday evening, December 2. The founder of London-based talent agency Russell Smith Associates Ltd, who represented Birch, took to X to announce the news and share reflections about the life the young star led and the incredible person he was.
After noting his heartbreak over the death of his client and close friend, Russell Smith expressed, “Kyle was a truly remarkable talent, with vocal abilities that could move audiences to tears. His voice wasn’t just beautiful–it was soulful, powerful, and deeply resonant, capable of conveying emotions that stayed with you long after the final note.”
Expanding on Birch’s persona outside the entertainment space, Smith labeled the late star as “the most tender and lovely man” he could have ever hoped to work with. The late actor was also a kind-hearted and gentle individual, who “made every interaction special.”
Birch’s grieving agent went on to shower him with compliments about how impactful his lovely smile and presence were, noting how Birch had an energy capable of uplifting and inspiring many people.
“Kyle’s star shone brightest when he took on the role of Usher in ‘A Strange Loop’ at the Barbican. As the leading man, he delivered a performance so profound and nuanced that anyone lucky enough to witness it could see just how extraordinary he truly was,” boasted Smith in his message.
“A Strange Loop,” which was on show from June 17 to September 9, 2023, follows the story of “a Black, queer writer” caught in a loop of writing musicals about being such.
According to the theater production’s description online, “‘A Strange Loop’ exposes a young Black artist grappling with desires, identity and instincts he both loves and loathes. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head, brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-shooting ensemble.”
Created by critically acclaimed and award-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson, “A Strange Loop” received stellar reviews from various iconic outlets such as the Evening Standard, the Guardian, the Financial Times, Time Out, and the Independent, to name a few.
While starring in the production, Smith said that Birch “poured his heart into every moment on stage, leaving an indelible mark on all who watched him.”
His nuanced performance also showed incredible range, with Smith highlighting how Birch prompted him to laugh at one moment and be moved to tears the next.
Smith went on to note being an agent to Birch as a privilege more than a job, as the late talent “became an integral part” of his life.
“I was his biggest champion and his biggest fan, which makes sharing this heartbreaking news all the more difficult. His passing leaves an unfillable void in the lives of all who knew him and in the hearts of those who admired his artistry,” disclosed Birch’s agent.
Following a reiteration of how near and dear, and one-of-a-kind Birch was, Smith expressed his condolences to the late 26-year-old’s family and loved ones.
He also alerted the public that a GoFundMe account has been set up to help Birch’s family, whom Smith stated “would be extremely grateful for any donations” toward covering Birch’s funeral costs.
“Rest in peace, Kyle. You will be missed more than words can ever express, but your legacy will live on in every heart you touched […] I love you, Kyle. Russell x,” concluded Smith.
He accompanied his statement with beautiful photos of Birch, including an image of the duo that the agent called his favorite.
Thus far, approximately $26,253.48 (£20,560) has been raised on the GoFundMe page, exceeding its original goal of about $12,769.20 (£10,000) in just 48 hours after its creation. A woman named Alice Catherine Field is organizing the GoFundMe, alongside another woman named Megan.
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Outside of the statement that Smith penned on X, a man named Andrew Keates, who had the opportunity to direct Birch in many concerts with Ben David Papworth, also spoke out.
“He lit up every room he entered and possessed perhaps one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard. His talent shimmered, and at 26, it seems so impossibly unfair to lose him so young,” wrote Keates in a Facebook post that included a photo of Birch smiling.
While Birch is widely recognized for his role in “A Strange Loop,” he has starred in other productions as well. One of which saw him feature as Brenda Dee Cankles alongside actors Tessa Albertson and Anders Hayward in “I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Macguire.”
The theatre production is about the leader of a devout online Tobey Macguire fan club who “decides to risk it all for love, kidnap Tobey Maguire, and marry him… in her basement.”
Birch also starred as “Bobby/Buster/Ensemble” in the musical “The Color Purple.” Buzzing with excitement, the late actor announced the news via a post on Instagram, which also included the sweet reaction his mom, who was full of joy, had when she found out.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to Birch’s mom, other family members, loved ones, and friends who are mourning such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, Birch.
