The Robertson Treatment – Monique

"I want to be a movie star … I’m honored that ‘my’ people know who I am … but I want everybody to know who I am. I want to go to fuckin’ Germany and have people, ‘there goes Mo’Nique.’ That’s what I’m working for, that’s what I’m reaching for."

She shouldn’t have to reach far, as one of the reigning Queens of Comedy Mo’Nique has been very busy putting the ‘movie’ in front of star. Currently starring in the very hip and smart film "Two Can Play At That Game," the actress recently began her third season on the UPN comedy ‘The Parkers," and if that wasn’t enough, she is also ready to unveil a clothing line bearing her designs and name this fall. Mo’Nique is in no short supply of energy or optimism.

"You have to believe that your goals are reachable," says the actress from her suite at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina Del Rey, California. "If you sit back and remind content where you are, then you’ll never know if you could have achieved more. Twelve years ago I set out to make the goals that I aimed for in this business a reality. I could have remained content with being a popular comedienne in Baltimore, but then that’s where I would have probably stayed. I wanted more, so I set my sights on conquering Hollywood."

A Baltimore native, Mo’nique comes from the ‘what you see is what you get’ school of thought. "With my work, I don’t have any serious agenda, and I’m also not trying to use my comedy to deal with some deep seeded emotional issue," she says. I don’t care what you know about Mo’Nique, because I don’t have any issues that I’m trying to hide. I think my fans know that and connect with me because I’m real. I come from the heart, I wear me right here (Mo’Nique touches her heart with the palm of her hand.) I’m just Mo’Nique and I think that’s what people embrace."

Indeed, there is something very pure about her who she is. Original too. As she moves about her suite preparing to leave for her next appointment, Monique projects a self-assuredness of someone who always knew that she was going to be successful, no matter what she did. She’s a woman with a vision that she still has yet to realize. "I knew the day I walked away from my job, that I was going to make it. I knew what God had planned for me, and I know that I’m just starting to recognize his plan."

Singer/Model/Actor/MTV VJ Tyrese recently held his 2nd Annual
Watts Day in Watts, CA. Committed to using his star power to help shine light on a community that is often over-looked, the R&B heart-throb is one of a growing number of celebrities who are using there star power to give pack. For Tyrese building the Watts Foundation Community Center in the heart of his hometown is his answer. With a goal of offering the citizens of Watts many services and programs, Tyrese calls this project something close to his heart. "I am dedicated to the children and families of Watts, and it is my hope that what I’m trying to create here will an impact on the lives of this community in a very positive way," he says.

Another celebrity giving back to the community is actress Vivica Fox, who recently took 100 LA high school senior students (age 17 and up of course) to a special screening of Screen Gems "TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME". Fox selected the young people based on the grades that they received on their most recent report cards and adds that she hopes her action will encourage more students to do well in school.
Additional reporting: Ronda Planner

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