Danh Monica (born 4 November 1986) is a Cambodian-born actress, dancer and entrepreneur based in Australia. Classically trained in Cambodian ballet and opera, Monica started her career as a child actor, starring in The Snake King's Child (2001). She was one of the first television soap opera stars in Cambodia.

Early life

Monica's mother, Men Chennary, was a court dancer when the Khmer Rouge seized power, and later became a teacher at the dance academy. At the age of 8, Monica started studying classical Cambodian dance and opera at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. She and her mother sometimes performed, side by side, for King Norodom Sihanouk. At the age of 13, Monica was cast in her debut film, The Snake King's Child. According to director Fai Sam Ang, she was chosen for the starring role for her beauty, acting skill, and calm demeanor around snakes.

Career

In the 2000s, Danh Monica starred in a large number of films, including Tum Teav (2003) directed by Fai Sam Ang. Monica featured as Teav, a role which her mother had performed in stage productions throughout the 1960s. She later moved to Australia, where she started her own international online business.

Filmography