Monique Coleman plays Gabriella's best friend and fellow scholar, Taylor McKessie. Initially used to sticking to her own "group", Monique soon broke the mold, even becoming friends with the jocks, once Gabriella and Troy began to shake things up at East High!
Here are some facts about Monique Coleman herself!

Born: 13 November 1980, in Orangeburg
Favourite Flowers: Stargazer Lillies
Celebrity Idol: Whoopi Goldberg
Awards Won: Include a Camie Award in 2006, for "The Reading Room"
Motivating Person: Oprah Winfry (just like Taylor!)
Did You Know: Monique was in the third season of "Dancing With the Stars", and was the last female contestant to be eliminated?

After Monique Coleman gained the role of Taylor McKessie in High School Musical 1, 2 and 3, she developed a close friendship with Corbin Bleu, who she believes helped her improve her dancing abilities.
Corbin also greatly supported Monique during the swimming pool scenes in High School Musical 2, as she admitted herself that she was rather nervous as she previously couldn't swim!

Fans of Monique's will undoubtedly have spotted her guest-starring, usually alongside Vanessa Anne Hudgens, on the Disney Channel show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, playing a class-mate of Maddie's - who is considerably more sensible than Vanessa's character!
Monique's acting credits also include roles on Gilmore Girls, Strong Medicine, Malcolm in the Middle, Boston Public and The Reading Room.

To learn more about Monique Coleman's character, check out Taylor McKessie's Character Page!