Abstract: A fuel cell gasket assembly for use in conjunction with a fuel cell stack by placing the gasket assembly between the periphery of a face of the stack and a manifold. The periphery of the stack face includes periphery portions that expand differently during operation of the stack. The gasket assembly comprises a member adapted to have different compressibilities over predetermined portions of the member and/or a resilient shim embedded in preselected sections the member whereby the gasket maintains contact with the periphery of the stack face and the manifold. The structure of the gasket assembly of the present invention provides a compliant fuel cell gasket assembly that accommodates bipolar plate growth and end cell growth in the fuel cell stack and maintains the gas seal between the stack and manifold structure.