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…
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.
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.
