Turns out Empire star Gabourey Sidibe is already married!
According to People, the 39-year-old actress revealed that she secretly got hitched to Brandon Fankel more than a year ago during Monday’s Live With Kelly and Ryan appearance.
After detailing their proposal story (the couple got engaged in November 2020 after meeting on a dating app), Gabourey explained, “The thing about weddings is, I don’t like them. I don’t like them.”
“Here’s an example of how much I don’t like them: I’m actually married. We got married over a year ago,” the Oscar nominee continued.
When hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest said they were confused and asked if that was
“breaking news,” Gabourey said yes, while Brandon Fankel, 37, confirmed the announcement by showing off his silver wedding band.
“We got married at the kitchen table,” Gabourey told Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. “It was just us.”
Gabourey added that they’ll eventually have a ceremony since her mom-in-law wants a wedding. She then explained that she doesn’t like weddings because her mother was a wedding singer growing up, so she’s attended many weddings uninvited, and now she just doesn’t like them.
On Instagram Monday, Brandon took to Instagram to celebrate the public reveal, clarifying their wedding to place in March 2021. He wrote:
“SURPRISE! I can finally call her my WIFE publicly! Since @gabby3shabby finally spilled the beans today on Live with Kelly and Ryan- we’ve been MARRIED since March ’21! Relieved, we can finally tell the world. So thankful to have found my forever person, my partner-in-crime, and the love of my life.”
“Every day is the best day with you. Nobody I would rather raise cats with and be in bed by a smooth 8pm with. Love you forever,” he added.
Gabourey commented, “You can finally wear your ring.”
When the Precious star announced their engagement in November 2020, she commented on how weird it was that people thought they were already married…” but I guess our hearts and intentions for each other are just that clear to see.”
She then went on to write: “My BFF proposed, and now I get to hold him forever,”
“The funniest man I’ve ever met. The sweetest human to exist. @brandontour made up a song for when I put my bonnet on at night. The second I look a bit stressed and overwhelmed, he jumps into action to take over what he can for me. Every moment with him is a joy. He is the partner I thought I was too independent to need,” she added.
“I’ve learned so much about myself through him, and I feel grateful and excited to learn more about the entire world with him by my side. My partner, my best friend, my cats’ daddy, my mans, my heart, my fiancé!!!”
