She’s an actress widely recognized for her powerful performance in the 2009 film Precious, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination—quite the achievement for a debut. Since then, she has continued to build an impressive career, including a memorable portrayal of Queenie in the popular television series American Horror Story: Coven. Fans also know her well for her recurring role as Becky on the Fox hit show Empire.
Before rising to fame, she pursued her education at Mercy College in New York City, laying the foundation for her future success. Her parents, Alice Tan Ridley and Ibnou Sidibe, have been supportive throughout her journey. On a personal note, she found love with Brandon Frankel, becoming engaged in November 2020 and tying the knot in March 2021—a heartwarming milestone many followed with joy.
In February 2024, she shared the exciting news that they were expecting twins, bringing even more happiness into their lives. By June 2024, the couple welcomed their beautiful babies, Cooper and Maya, marking a new and cherished chapter. Throughout it all, she continues to inspire not only through her work but also through her journey as a wife and now mother of two.
She received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in Precious, and honestly, it was no surprise—her portrayal truly stood out. The way she brought such depth and emotion to the role made a lasting impression on both critics and audiences alike. It’s clear that her talent shone brightly in that film, and the nomination for her work in Precious was well deserved. Many still talk about how impactful her performance was, and it remains one of the defining moments in her career.