Gabourey Sidibe, the acclaimed actress known for her role in “American Horror Story,” recently expressed her delight in the similarities she shares with her two-year-old daughter, Maya. During a chat following the screening of “American Horror Story: 13” at PaleyFest New York, Sidibe spoke fondly about Maya’s character, describing her as possessing an innate sense of humour. Along with her twin brother Cooper, Maya has certainly brought joy and laughter into Sidibe’s life since they welcomed the twins in April 2024.
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“Maya is genuinely funny and has a knack for comedic timing,” Sidibe revealed. The 43-year-old actress, who shares her children with husband Brandon Frankel, emphasised that her daughter’s humour is deliberate and not merely the by-product of childish antics. “She’s very, very weird and hilarious,” Sidibe added, sharing a recent anecdote that showcased Maya’s emerging talent for comedy. When the family battled a cold, Maya, amidst her coughing, declared, “I was acting,” leaving Sidibe both impressed and a little bewildered.
Despite her own success in the entertainment industry, Sidibe has made a conscious choice to keep her professional life separate from her children’s understanding. “My husband and I never mention the word ‘acting’ around them,” she shared. This decision stems from her desire to shield her kids from the complexities of her career. “I’m a bit of a weirdo, but I don’t want them to know what I do,” she explained. Nonetheless, it seems Maya may have an inkling about the world of performance, with her playful declaration signalling an enthusiastic interest in the arts.
In addition to discussing her daughter, Sidibe reflected on her marriage to Brandon Frankel and how their relationship has evolved since becoming parents. “We used to be lovers, now we’re teammates,” she remarked with a laugh, highlighting the challenges of parenting twins. The adjustment has indeed transformed their dynamic, as they navigate the turbulent waters of toddlerhood together. “It’s tough finding time for just us; we often spend each day merely surviving,” Sidibe admitted.
Nevertheless, Sidibe expressed profound admiration for Frankel’s role as a father. “Watching him be a dad is incredibly rewarding,” she remarked. The actress, who previously grappled with the notion of motherhood, feels assured that she made the right choice in her partner. “He needed to be a father, and he has truly blossomed in that role,” she noted, capturing the joy they share as a family.
With Halloween approaching, Sidibe playfully acknowledged that the twins would likely change their minds multiple times about their costumes before the festivities. Maya is currently set on dressing as a werewolf, amusingly insisting on being called Dr. Werewolf during preparations. Sidibe quipped, “But tomorrow I’m going to ask her, and she’ll say, ‘I want to be Rusty the robot.’”
As for her son Cooper, he has his heart set on a rather unconventional costume choice. “He wants to dress up as a blackberry,” Sidibe laughed, noting the irony in his preference despite not having a strong affinity for the fruit. “He’s committed to the idea, almost like he’s exasperated by our questions,” she added.
Despite the challenges of caring for toddlers, Sidibe’s approach emphasizes both humour and love. Her Instagram presence reflects this light-heartedness; in a post sharing a snapshot of the twins visiting her on set, she emphasised their screen-free lifestyle, stating, “They STILL aren’t allowed to watch screens tho.” Frankel took a moment to express his admiration for Sidibe as both a parent and a professional, underscoring the honour it is to witness her balance motherhood with her career.
Through candid anecdotes and reflections, Gabourey Sidibe captures the joys and challenges of parenting as well as her dedication to her craft. As she continues to navigate this extraordinary journey, it is clear that the comic timing she sees in her daughter may very well carry on to the next generation.