EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Monique Coleman Grows Up, Talks Fame & Philanthropy
Feb. 4 2011, Published 4:00 a.m. ET
Monique Coleman has been keeping busy since her High School Musical days, with independent film roles and her popular youth-empowering website and talk show GimmeMo.com.
Recently the gorgeous star was named the first-ever United Nations Youth Champion, which will take her on a UN World Tour to raise awareness on youth issues. The philanthropic starlet took some time out of her jet-setting life to talk philanthropy, fame and life after Disney.
How She Manages To Stay Down To Earth In Hollywood:
"My foundation is rooted in southern values and I've always made an effort to remain grateful and humble. I didn't actually grow up in Hollywood. I'm what the chain restaurant Cracker Barrel calls 'good grits,' a good girl raised in the south."
On Why She Always Keeps Her Personal Life Out Of The Press:
"I think artists can be a little too open. When you invite people into all areas of your life you are open to as much criticism as praise. People focus on my work, not on my personal life, which is how I prefer it."
On Why She Decided To Put Her Ideals Ahead Of Her Acting Career:
"I chose to give youth empowerment the lead role in my life because I felt in my heart, if not now, then when? There will always be acting roles to play and opportunities to do self-serving ventures, but time doesn't slow down for anyone. Before I got com