We laughed when she reigned as one of the Queens of Comedy. We applauded as she hosted the first televised beauty contest for plus size women – Fat Chance. And we marveled as she gave no-nonsense wisdom to the rambunctious participants of the reality TV show Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School. Whom am I talking about? Mo’Nique of course! One of the most prolific, female comedic genuises of our decade.
Her full name is Monique Imes-Jackson and she hails from Baltimore, Maryland. She began her career on a dare and has been steadily rising to the top ever since. We love her so much because she exemplifies the qualities of a real woman who’s wisdom and strength carries her boldly through life. However, unlike many of her celebrity female counterparts, we still don’t know what life events have fashioned her into the beautiful woman she is today. Therefore, here are a few interesting facts about this modern day queen…
1) One of Monique’s sisters was a drug addict. Although not widely discussed, Mo’Nique’s older sister was addicted to drugs. This life-situation affected her so deeply that at one point, she had to distance herself from her sister until she was ready to get help and go clean. The latest report is that her sibling is now free of drugs and an active part of the camp that keeps the machine called Mo’Nique rolling.
2) Her first husband physically abused her. Mo’Nique married her high school sweetheart and even bore a son for him. However, soon after their nuptials, their relationship took a turn for the worst. Mo’Nique’s husband began physically abusing her on a regular basis. At first she felt things weren’t that bad because she admits to hitting him back. However, one day, she wised up and realized that she was in an unhealthy relationship that was a poor example for her son. Then, like the strong woman she is, she got out.
3) Monique adopted a child. During her second marriage, Monique adopted the son of her then spouse. It was an act of love that some people refuse to do even after they marry.
4) She’s married to her best friend. After two failed marriages, Monique finally married her best friend from high school, Sidney Hicks. Together, they’ve had two twin boys and seemed to be living the happily ever after, but with a twist; they have an open marriage. In an Essence Magazine interview, she spoke candidly about the pass she’s gave her husband to sleep with other women. From all reports, he hasn’t taken her up on it yet.
5) She considers herself a sex symbol. Despite societal images that make almost every women believe they have to be a size two in order to be sexy, Mo’Nique considers herself to be sexy in her plus-size skin. She doesn’t care what society states and is on a mad mission to let the world know that sexy comes in every size. You can find out more about her motto by watching her movie Phat Girlz and TV Show Fat Chance.
Now that you know more about this diva, you can understand why her comedy is so raw. You can also see why she appeals to everyone. She is a real woman whose life has helped form her into a rare, unique jewel; hopefully, she will shine on forever.
More Trivia on Mo’Nique
* At one time, she had her own clothing line.
* She is a published author.
* She played the lovable character of Nikki Parker on TV sitcom The Parkers
* She is good friends with basketball player Shaquille O’Neal
