Mo’Nique Angela Hicks (née Imes; born December 11, 1967) is an American comedian and actress. She debuted as a member of The Queens of Comedy and gained recognition as a stand-up comedian. In 2002, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
Mo’Nique starred in the UPN series The Parkers (1999–2004) and films like Phat Girlz (2006) and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008). She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Precious (2009) and earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Bessie (2015).
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Monique Net Worth
Mo’Nique has amassed significant fame and wealth, with a net worth of $13 million. She revealed that she was only paid $50k for her Oscar-winning performance in “Precious.” Gabourey Sidibe mentions in her book that she earned about $30,000 from Precious, and it went fast.
Early life
Mo’Nique was born on December 11, 1967, in Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland, to Alice Imes and Steven Imes Jr. She is the youngest of four children. She graduated from Milford Mill High School in 1985 and attended Morgan State University.
In 1987, she graduated from the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. Before becoming an actress, Mo’Nique worked as a customer service representative at MCI in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Her comedy career began when her brother Steve dared her to perform at the Baltimore Comedy Factory Outlet.
Career
Mo’Nique portrayed Nicole “Nikki” Parker on the UPN series The Parkers from 1999 to 2004. She performed at major stand-up venues like Showtime at the Apollo, Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, and Thank God You’re Here.
In her routines, Mo’Nique addresses race issues, such as in her 2000 performance at the Montreal Just For Laugh Festival, where she joked, “White and black people, we’re just mad at each other… It’s the Chinese people we need to watch out for.” In 2005, she starred in Domino with Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke, and in 2006, she led Phat Girlz, a comedy about a fashion designer’s struggle with love and acceptance.
Personal life
Mo’Nique was married to sportswriter Calvin Watkins, whom she met in broadcasting school, and they had son Shalon Watkins, Jr. in 1990. She later described this marriage as abusive. From 1997 to 2001, she was married to barber Mark Jackson. In October 2005, Mo’Nique gave birth to twin sons Jonathan and David Hicks two months premature.
In 2006, she married their father, Sidney Hicks. Mo’Nique mentioned in a New York Times profile that they have an open marriage based on honesty and trust, rejecting traditional views on infidelity.
What does the name Monique mean?
The name Mo’Nique means Advisor. It has French and Greek origins, coming from the name Monica. It translates to “advisor” and symbolizes a right-hand confidante. This name is sure to inspire the bearer to build wisdom and care for others.
Conclusion
Monique’s career, marked by both comedy and controversy, illustrates her resilience and versatility as an artist. Her ability to overcome challenges and her dedication to her craft has cemented her status as a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
FAQs about Monique
- What is Monique’s most acclaimed role? – Her role in “Precious” earned her an Academy Award.
- Has Monique faced any controversies? – Yes, including disputes with Netflix over pay disparities.
- What is unique about Monique’s comedy style? – Her comedy often tackles social issues with humor and honesty.
- Does Monique have any children? – Yes, she has four children, including twins with her husband Sidney Hicks.
- What is Monique’s stance on relationships? – She has openly discussed having an unconventional, open marriage with her husband.
