Gabby Sidibe Has Diabetes & Was Called ‘Ugly’ — Her Muscled Husband Says She Is ‘Gorgeous'

• Oscar nominee Gabby Sidibe faced a prolonged battle with her body image and self-esteem.
• Despite her critics, the "Precious" actress achieved fame and recognition in her career.
• Today, 40-year-old Sidibe is happily married to a handsome husband who cares for her, cooks, helps groom her hair, and finds her beauty enchanting.

Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, born on May 6, 1983, in Brooklyn, New York, gained fame as the star of the critically acclaimed film "Precious" (2009). Raised in Harlem by her African-American mother, Alice Tan Ridley, and Senegalese father, Ibnou Sidibe, she initially had no interest in acting.

However, in the film, Sidibe was cast in the lead role of Claireece "Precious" Jones, a troubled teenager. Despite the challenging subject, "Precious" succeeded and opened doors for Sidibe's acting career.

Sidibe's portrayal of Precious challenged stereotypes, showcasing her talent and versatility. The film's positive reception led to opportunities in other projects, including "Yelling to the Sky" (2011), highlighting her skills as an actress.

Sidibe also appears to be in much better shape on the health front, having made significant changes to her lifestyle after her 2016 surgery.

Sidibe has been criticized for her weight and body appearance throughout her career. In May 2012, a Twitter user made a derogatory comment about her appearance, stating that she was "ugly." Another tweet from November 2012 by the same user compared someone else's appearance to Sidibe's, using offensive language to describe her as a "slightly less ugly fat woman beast."

In May 2016, the Oscar-nominated star underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery, as revealed in her memoir "This Is Just My Face." After years of enduring bullies and struggling to lose weight naturally, Sidibe decided to undergo surgery. This was also because she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, along with her brother, Ahmed Sidibe.

In a speech at the Ms. Foundation Gala in 2014, the "Antebellum" alum shared her inspiring perspective on confidence and self-acceptance. She acknowledged that her challenges, including being laughed at and being told she was ugly, significantly shaped her resilience and sense of humor. She added:

"And if they hadn't told me I was ugly, I never would have searched for my beauty."

The starlet emphasized that those experiences led her to discover her own beauty and realize her strength. Expressing her unbreakable spirit, she humorously deflected how she could be confident, suggesting that confidence isn't limited to any specific individual, using Rihanna as an example.

Inside Gabby Sidibe's Happy Life with Her Handsome Husband

Things took a pleasant turn for Sidibe when she crossed paths with her future husband, Brandon Frankel, on the dating app Raya. They had a memorable first date that lasted for hours.

As their connection grew, Frankel knew he was ready to propose and worked with a jeweler to create his girlfriend's dream engagement ring. However, the surprise proposal plan was foiled when Sidibe saw the setup in advance, including heartfelt messages and romantic decorations.

When it came to planning their wedding, the pair aimed to break away from tradition. They envisioned a non-traditional celebration that reflected their unique style and mixed their Senegalese, American, and Jewish backgrounds.

The couple said they planned to choose a private residence as their preferred venue, preferably with a picturesque waterfront view during golden hour. They emphasized privacy and intimacy, intending to have a small guest list of around 20 to 75 people, who would genuinely celebrate their love without seeking attention on social media.

Sidibe and Frankel reportedly got engaged in November 2020 and chose to keep their marriage private, tying the knot in 2021.

During a December 2022 interview, Sidibe revealed that she and Frankel were already married. She explained her lack of fondness for weddings while disclosing that she and her fiancé had already exchanged their vows over a year ago.

The actress went on to say that she and Frankel tied the knot at their kitchen table about four months after their engagement, adding that they still planned to have a ceremony at a later date.

Sidibe and Frankel seem like a lovely pair who are completely smitten with each other. Frankel has publicly declared his affection for his better half on numerous occasions. He affectionately referred to Sidibe as his "queen" and praised her for being a ray of sunshine who brought generosity and love to their relationship.

The "Seven Psychopaths" actress has also reciprocated the love by calling her husband her favorite love song and expressing her joy in being with him. The pair, who have been together since around May 2019, was also pictured wearing "Queen" and "King" hoodies, showcasing their unity.

Frankel, who appears to be putting in the work to maintain his fitness, is enamored with Sidibe and never misses the chance to dote on her beauty. The loving husband left an endearing comment on his wife's Instagram post from June 29, 2023, which read:

"GORGEOUS AND MINE 😍😍😍😍."

Gabby Sidibe's Life Today after Losing Weight

Today, Sidibe, 40, is leading a happy and fulfilling life with her darling muscled husband, who loves taking care of her and is her biggest support system. The "Tower Heist" alum's social media is peppered with photos of her loving spouse cooking for her, grooming her hair, and encouraging her to be happy however she chooses.

Sidibe also appears to be in much better shape on the health front, having made significant changes to her lifestyle after her 2016 surgery. In 2017, the actress looked back on her life-changing experience, describing how her stomach was surgically reduced to limit her hunger and eating capacity.

She acknowledged that the procedure altered her brain chemistry, leading to a desire for healthier food options. Recognizing the need for a change in her lifelong relationship with food, Sidibe expressed her willingness to undergo the surgery and embrace the necessary transformation.