For every chubby, little, Black girl waiting for the world to see the beauty beyond her bigger body, this Baltimore bombshell reminded her that her worth wasn’t tied to the weight she carried. After entering the local open-mic circuit at her brother’s urging, actress/comedienne Mo’Nique became a triple threat in the late ’90s and early 2000s as she (iconically) introduced a new standard in Hollywood. Gone were the days when plus size women were only seen on-screen serving the wealthy or overcompensating for their fatness by wearing the label of the funny friend. Bold, boisterous, and all-around badaxx, let’s revisit some times Mo’Nique gave us big girl royalty.
The Maryland native fiercely strutted onto the entertainment scene, making the industry her runway to global stardom as she (shamelessly) kept her foot on everyone’s necks… time and time again. From looked-over to leading lady, Mo’Nique proved that she was valuable without the need for anyone’s validation. Her raw humor, natural acting chops, and audacious persona set her apart. The stand-up queen’s cutthroat stage presence allowed her to dominate the full-figured space, inspiring us never to be afraid of taking up the room we so rightfully deserve.
Undoubtedly, Mo’Nique opened lanes and unlocked doors many still walk through today. With films like Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008), Bessie (2015), and The Reading (2023), the multi-faceted great showed range, offering a hilarious appeal that created timeless memes and musings for the generations that followed. Be it the cameras she captivated or the clothes she flaunted, one could never deny the impact Mo’Nique has (and has had) on ensuring that larger individuals are not only seen but heard and heralded.
Check out these legendary moments that Mo’Nique gave us big girl royalty!
Remembering the Best Times Mo’Nique Gave Us Big Girl Royalty
1. That Time She Made Us Fall Head Over Heels for Nikki Parker
One of the first ways Mo’Nique gave us big girl royalty was her starring role as Nikki Parker in the hit UPN series The Parkers from 1999 to 2004. Serving as a spin-off of Moesha, the uber-successful sitcom saw her as an (almost) middle-aged, single woman who loved nothing more than her “pudding,” Kim (Countess Vaughn), Professor Oglevee (Dorien Wilson), hanging with her bestie, Andell (the late Yvette Wilson), and a bottle of Alizé.
Viewers took a major liking to the show as it chronicled the mother-daughter dynamic of Nikki and her daughter, Kim, attending the same community college and the silly adventures of Nikki’s obsession with one of the school’s popular teachers, Oglevee. While The Parkers’ depiction of plus size women wasn’t the most favorable among the audience (due to the desperation trait the writers implemented into Mo’Nique’s character), her sassy personality, fly fashion sense, and unapologetic aura made her a household name.
2. That Time She Proved Why She Was the Queen of Comedy
In 2001, Mo’Nique joined forces with fellow comediennes Laura Hayes, Adele Givens, and Sommore for The Queens of Comedy. The Steve Purcell-directed film acted as the ladies’ version of famed producer Walter Latham’s The Original Kings of Comedy (2000). Recorded at Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN, the phenomenon featured on-set and behind-the-scenes footage of the four icons as they delivered their unfiltered, comedic performances before a real crowd. Mo’Nique’s jokes were centered around the struggles of being a fat girl in a skinny girl’s world, instantly gaining overwhelming applause. As fatphobia rose in modern media, her candid (yet humorous… and sometimes vulgar) approach to addressing such societal issues catapulted her to the front of female comedy.
3. That Time She Told Us Why She Thinks Skinny Women are Evil
Mo’Nique dipped into the literary arena with her book, Skinny Women Are Evil: Notes of a Big Girl in a Small-Minded World, in 2003. The light-hearted read held witty musings from the Blockbuster star as she spoke of her personal experiences as a voluptuous diva and shared advice for others walking in similar shoes. From survival tips to general plush-girl-isms, the publication shot to the bestseller’s list in no time. Although the title may give “slender-free zone,” Mo’Nique’s jocular way of weaving the story together made it an enjoyable work for those of all body types.
4. That Time She Let Us Know that Big Girls Could Give Beyoncé a Run for Her Money
Mo’Nique gathered a group of fluffy sistas and rocked the house at the 2004 BET Awards when she did a full-blown choreographic routine to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love.” The memorable appearance solidified her as one of the show’s best hosts, marking a monumental event for the plus size movement. Whereas Hollywood often put limitations on women of bigger sizes during that period, Mo’Nique broke barriers for those who succeeded her. To this day, it’s recognized as one of the most pivotal moments in mainstream media.
5. That Time She Showed Us the True Meaning of “F.A.T.”
Mo’Nique created the reality TV competition Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance in 2005. The miniseries, which aired on Oxygen until 2007, documented 10 plus size women participating in the “Miss F.A.T.” (aka Fabulous and Thick) beauty pageant. Kevin Lennox, Shaquille O’Neal, and Mia Tyler appeared as judges. Mo’Nique’s showcasing and celebration of curvier statures sparked a major buzz, bringing in some of the highest ratings on the network and changing the narrative for the full-figured. Because of endeavors like this, the Marylander will always be honored as a staple in fat culture.
6. That Time She Had Us All Proud to be a PHAT Girl
Phat Girlz debuted in 2006 and became a box-office hit, becoming one of the best moments Mo’Nique gave us big girl royalty. Written by Nnegest Likké, the production followed aspiring fashion designer Jazmine Biltmore (portrayed by Mo’Nique) who works at a high-end clothing store and is battling issues with her weight. Obsessed with dropping down to a smaller size, the sassy (but depressed) fashionista indulges in everything from diet pills to sulking in her own sorrows as she dreams of how “good” life could get if only she had a thinner waistline. After winning a trip to Palm Springs, she and her best friend, Stacey, who’s also plus size, meet their Nigerian knight in shining armor and gain a new outlook on esteem, self-discovery, and body appreciation. Despite letting society condition them to do otherwise for so long, Jazmin and Stacey soon learn to readjust their crowns and embrace their extra love handles.
7. That Time She Dominated Late Nights on BET
Mo’Nique gave us big girl royalty when she snagged her talk series, The Mo’Nique Show, in 2009. The two-season sensation included interviews with celebrity guests, performances, and intimate conversations with the comic herself. Unfortunately, The Mo’Nique Show ended in 2010, but it’s still respected as one of the most entertaining talk shows. Each hour-long episode offered fresh perspectives on various topics and a spotlight on the industry’s finest talents. Mo’Nique created and produced the venture alongside her husband, Sidney Hicks, for BET.
Mo’Nique is a true legend in her own right. The award-winning powerhouse has been a force to be reckoned with for over 20 years. Decades later, nothing seems to have changed. Mo’Nique’s influence goes unnoticed, and the Curvy Cuties won’t ever rest when giving her flowers while she can still smell them. After all, she deserves it.
Which was your favorite time Mo’Nique gave us big girl royalty? Share in the comments below!
