Gabourey Sidibe's Mom, AGT’s Alice Tan Ridley-Sidibe, Dead

Actress Gabourey Sidibe Reflects on Early Career and Protecting Children from Fame

In a recent interview, Gabourey Sidibe, known for her breakout role in Precious and subsequent roles in American Horror Story and Empire, discussed her initial experiences in the entertainment industry and her present concerns about shielding her young children from the spotlight. The Academy Award nominee revealed she felt like a “secret” in the early stages of her career, hoping for guidance and mentorship as she navigated the industry.

Navigating Early Career Challenges

“I was kept very private,” Sidibe told The Times, recalling her early career. “I wondered, ‘Why doesn’t anyone introduce me to someone who could assist me?’” This candid reflection highlights the actress’s initial feelings of isolation and her desire for support as she began her journey in Hollywood.

Shifting Perspectives on Fame

However, after achieving mainstream success, Sidibe’s perspective evolved. “When I was no longer out of sight,” she continued, reflecting on her transition into public life, “I found myself missing the anonymity.” This statement reveals a nuanced view of fame, acknowledging a sense of loss for the privacy she once had before widespread recognition.

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Balancing Career and Family Life

Just as her character Alice followed a familial path, Sidibe has also carved her own successful trajectory. Since her Oscar-nominated debut in 2009’s Precious, the 41-year-old actress—mother to twins Cooper and Maya, with husband Brandon Frankel—has starred in popular television series such as American Horror Story and Empire. Despite her flourishing career, Sidibe expresses a strong desire to protect her children from the intensity of a public life.

Protecting Children from Public Exposure

“There’s a somewhat peculiar aspect where I recognize myself as both a mother and a mama bear,” Sidibe shared with People in a recent interview. “I am fiercely protective of my children, yet my profession inherently exposes them to a larger world, a world I hope they remain unaware of.”

Desire for Privacy for Her Children

Sidibe further elaborated on her parental instincts, stating, “I genuinely want to shield the world from my children, and I intend to do so for as long as realistically possible.” This sentiment underscores her commitment to maintaining a private and sheltered upbringing for her twins, despite her own prominent position in the public eye.