Monique Coleman was born on November 13, 1980 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her passion for acting began at an early age. After studying drama at the Workshop Theatre School of Dramatic Arts and appearing on dozens of productions, the young Monique Coleman grabbed whatever casting calls she could find locally. However, her efforts finally landed her a modeling gig in a commercial, after an impressive performance in one of her acting classes that turned out to be an audition. From then on, Monique Coleman appeared on local commercials, stage productions and even small films.

In 1995, Monique Coleman landed a lead role in the independent movie “Mother of the River.” With the film winning awards from Chicago-based film festivals, Monique was given an edge to go pro. Two years later, Monique Coleman made her TV debut in the TV-movie “The Ditch Digger’s Daughter.” During this time, she also wrote, directed, produced and starred in the play “Voices from Within.” Monique then continued her studies at the Theatre School in DePaul University, where she appeared in productions such as “The Real Thing,” “Polaroid Stories,” “The Colored Museum,” and “Noises Off.” Coleman graduated in 2002 with a BFA in Acting.

Although Monique Coleman appeared in numerous TV shows, such as “Strong Medicine,” “Gilmore Girls,” “10-8: Officers on Duty,” “Married to the Kellys,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Boston Public,” and “Veronica Mars,” a recurring role on “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” as well as her award-winning role in the Hallmark TV-movie “The Reading Room,” it was her role as Taylor McKessie in the Disney movie “High School Musical” that made Monique Coleman a star.

With the dancing-singing crew of “High School Musical,” Monique Coleman was able to show off her talents to the world. She then reprised her role in the 2007 film “High School Musical 2” and “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” in 2008. In between her HSM gigs, Monique Coleman also landed a spot in the 2006 competition of “Dancing with the Stars,” but only finished fourth with her dancing partner Louis van Amstel.