The daughter of Danielle Brooks, Freeya Gelin, 6, is already making headlines for her early stage presence, dubbed a “diva in training” after a memorable dance class performance reminiscent of Beyoncé, while also deeply appreciating her mother’s cinematic legacy in ‘The Color Purple.’
In the world of classic films and beloved theatrical adaptations, the influence of a star like Danielle Brooks extends far beyond the stage and screen. Known for her powerful performances in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and the recent musical film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple,’ Brooks is now revealing that her talent for captivating an audience might be hereditary.
Recently, the 36-year-old actress shared an exclusive peek into her home life, confirming that her 6-year-old daughter, Freeya Gelin, is already well on her way to becoming a performer. Brooks, who shares Freeya with husband Dennis Gelin, affectionately calls her daughter a “diva in training” after a memorable moment in dance class.
A ‘Beyoncé Moment’ in the Making
While on the red carpet at the ABT Fall Gala, Danielle Brooks recounted a particularly charming anecdote about Freeya’s early foray into dance. “She takes dance, which is like tap and ballet, and I gotta see her perform,” Brooks told People. “My daughter performed and she was like Beyoncé, because she kind of found herself stepping in front of everybody and so she really had her own Beyoncé moment. It was really cute.”
This early display of confidence and stage presence suggests that Freeya, at just six years old, possesses an innate ability to command attention, much like the iconic musician she’s been compared to. It’s a heartwarming glimpse into the budding personality of a child growing up with a celebrated performing artist as a mother.
The Color Purple Legacy Through Young Eyes
Beyond her dance class triumphs, Freeya’s connection to her mother’s career runs deep, particularly with ‘The Color Purple.’ In November 2023, Brooks shared a touching video on her Instagram, capturing Freeya’s reaction to seeing her mom in the trailer for ‘The Color Purple’ for the very first time. The mother-daughter duo was at the theater watching ‘The Little Mermaid’ when the trailer played.
“That’s you! That’s you!” Freeya exclaimed excitedly, her voice filled with pure joy and recognition as her mother appeared on screen. “Mommy!” she shouted, as Brooks laughed off-screen, clearly moved by the moment.
Brooks reflected on this emotional experience, writing in her caption, “A few months ago I took my daughter to her first movie theatre experience, The Little Mermaid. The trailer for @thecolorpurple began to play, and I knew I just had to capture this special moment of my daughter seeing her mother on the big screen for the first time.”
This moment highlights the profound impact artists have, not just on audiences worldwide, but on their own families. For a fan community dedicated to classic films, witnessing a new generation connect with such an iconic story through the lens of a family legacy is truly special.
Halloween Spirit and Motherhood’s Honest Journey
Freeya’s vibrant personality extends to other aspects of family life, including inspiring her mom to get into the festive spirit. While Danielle Brooks admits she’s “not really a Halloween girly,” her daughter’s enthusiasm is infectious. “My daughter’s helping me to get into Halloween because I’m not really a Halloween girly, but we’re decorating the house, doing arts and crafts stuff, and I’m gonna dress up as a curvy cow with a leotard on,” Brooks shared, promising a “cute” outcome.
Beyond these lighthearted moments, Brooks has also been an open book about the more challenging aspects of motherhood. In a May 2021 cover story for Parents’ magazine, she candidly discussed her experience with pregnancy and postpartum recovery. “I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy, and I think I did go through postpartum depression,” she revealed, emphasizing the toll creating a human takes on women’s bodies and minds.
Her message of self-love and patience resonates deeply with many. “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,” Brooks stated. “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.”
The Impact of a Multi-Talented Star
Danielle Brooks’ journey, from her breakout role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ to her acclaimed performance as Sofia in ‘The Color Purple,’ showcases her immense talent and versatility. Her willingness to share both the joys and challenges of her personal life, alongside her professional successes, makes her a relatable and inspiring figure for fans.
As Freeya continues to grow and explore her own “diva in training” tendencies, it’s clear she has a powerful role model in her mother. Whether on the dance floor channeling Beyoncé or in a movie theater recognizing her mom on the big screen, Freeya Gelin is already showing signs of the star quality that runs in the family, continuing a beautiful legacy for the world of entertainment and its passionate fan communities.
