Danielle Brooks has recently opened up about an amusing and challenging chapter in her motherhood journey, highlighting both lighthearted and more emotional aspects as she raises her six-year-old daughter, Freeya, with her husband Dennis Gelin. This discussion, featuring personal anecdotes and reflections, provides insight into Brooks’ experiences with the everyday surprises and profound changes that mark parenthood.
An Unplanned Tooth Fairy Visit
Brooks revealed that Freeya recently lost her third tooth, but the event took an unexpected turn. The young girl accidentally swallowed the tooth, presenting a unique dilemma for the family. In spite of the mishap, the tradition continued as the tooth fairy still delivered a reward. Danielle shared,
“She lost her third tooth and she swallowed it on accident. This tooth fairy still showed up.”
— Danielle Brooks, Actress
Adding humor to the situation, Brooks quipped,
“She came. Yeah. She flew in literally on a plane and made sure she had her money.”
— Danielle Brooks, Actress
This lighthearted family moment shows how Brooks embraces both the unpredictable and joyful experiences in her role as a mother.
Freeya’s Developing Personality
Beyond early childhood milestones, Brooks has noticed strong personality traits in her daughter. Describing Freeya as outgoing, the actress compared her to the renowned singer Beyoncé. Danielle commented on Freeya’s involvement in dance lessons, sharing memorable moments:
In an earlier interview, Danielle noted that during a dance performance, Freeya stepped in front of her peers and took center stage—much like “having her own Beyoncé moment.” Brooks humorously added that her daughter is a “diva in training,” embracing the spotlight with confidence and flair.
Reflections on Motherhood and Personal Challenges
The Orange is the New Black alum has not shied away from discussing the difficulties she encountered during and after pregnancy. Danielle and Dennis Gelin, who met at a game night in New York and welcomed Freeya in 2019, have navigated a range of experiences together. Brooks discussed the impact of childbirth candidly, revealing struggles with body image and mental health. She previously admitted that the transition into motherhood was both physically and mentally taxing. In her words,
really did take a toll on my body and on me mentally
— Danielle Brooks, Actress
Brooks further discussed the realities of postpartum changes, weight gain, and emotional challenges:
You may think you’re going to bounce back miraculously, but that’s not true for a lot of people. I’m one of them. While I want to return to my pre-baby size, at the same time, I want to love this skin that I’m in now.
— Danielle Brooks, Actress
Her openness spotlights the pressures many parents face and the importance of self-compassion during such transformative times.
The Ongoing Journey for Danielle Brooks and Family
Danielle Brooks and her husband, Dennis Gelin, have built their family life together, celebrating both public successes and private milestones. From welcoming Freeya following their engagement on New Year’s Eve 2019 to marrying in Miami’s Alfred DuPont Building in January 2022, their journey illustrates a blend of celebrated moments and profound adjustments.
By speaking candidly about her motherhood journey, Brooks extends support and visibility to others navigating similar paths, emphasizing that experiences such as postpartum depression, bodily changes, and joyful surprises are all part of the process. As Freeya grows, the actress continues to cherish the unpredictable, sometimes comedic, and often deeply meaningful aspects of family life.
