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Monique Coleman Biography

Apr 11, 2007

Birthdate: November 13, 1980
Birthplace: Orangeburg, South Carolina

Monique Coleman is best probably best known as Taylor McKessie from High School Musical, but with a fourth place finish on Dancing with the Stars under her belt and an HSM sequel on the way, Monique is a star on the rise!

Monique Colman - The Early Years

Monique grew up in South Carolina where she attended the Workshop Theater School of Dramatic Arts. A guest teacher noticed her talent and booked her in her first commercial. From there, Monique landed many roles in commercials - and even a few small film parts. Always the well-rounded citizen, Monique also kept herself busy by volunteering with abused children and running track.

Monique Coleman - Hollywood Bound

After high school, Monique headed to Chicago where she got her degree in fine arts at DePaul University. In 1997, Monique starred in The Family Channel Movie The Ditchdigger's Daughters, which earned her an Young Artists Award of Hollywood nomination. In 2005, she worked with James Earl Jones in the Hallmark flick The Reading Room. The next year, Monique was cast as Taylor in High School Musical!

Monique Coleman - High School Graduation

After her High School Musical success, Monique graduated on to Dancing with the Stars where she came in fourth. She's also had a reoccurring role on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and has made guest appearances on Boston Public, Gilmore Girls, Malcolm in the Middle, and Veronica Mars. Monique was also voted as one of Teen People's 25 hottest stars under 25 in the summer of 2006. Up next, Monique's due to appear in High School Musical 2, which will hit the Disney Channel in August 2007!

Monique Coleman - Did U Know?

  • Monique Coleman danced to the High School Musical song Bop to the Top when she was a competitor on Dancing with the Stars.
  • Her character in High School Musical really hates jocks, but in her high school days Monique was actually a cheerleader.
  • Monique's Dancing With the Stars partner Louis van Amstel has also appeared on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
  • Monique Coleman Says...

    "As an African American actress there are people who have been staples in my life that opened a door that I can walk through. I hope that I can have that impact."

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