Monique Dupree, also known by the title Tha True Original Gata and in some circles is referred to affectionately as The First Black Scream Queen.  She has done independent horror films, fetish, comic-book, catalog and/or alternative modeling, local and national reality television and an occasional cross-over into mainstream television and cinema. This includes music with her band Negro Childe, publishing, promotion, internet radio, fitness, production and pro-wrestling.  She currently tours the world wrestling with former WWE star Tommy Dreamer in his promotion House of Hardcore. She is involved in several grass-root charities and social outreach organizations.

What got you into wrestling?

I’ve always LOVED wrestling.  I became uninterested for quite some times after having a few children, because all I did was work and take care of my babies.  My oldest daughter is the one that got me back into watching wrestling and attending shows.  That’s what led me to meeting Tommy Dreamer after hearing Bruno Sammartino speak at a brunch at Wrestlemania 27.  We talked with Tommy for awhile.  I showed interest in the business for myself and my daughter.  He brought me to a couple of shows and then he started his own company House of Hardcore.  He invited us there and it was MAGICAL.  I was pregnant that first show.  By the second show I made my debut and by the fourth, my daughter made hers, the rest is history.  Now I help with production of the show as well as the social media manager.

If you could change anything about the wrestling industry, what would it be?

Politics and the B.S. that needs no explanation, just clear cut.

Favorite female wrestler of all time?

Woah…that’s really hard, because I have a few.  I would watch Sensational Sherri and think I’d love to do what she does.  I secretly idolized her wild personality and thought if I were ever in Wrestling, I’d be her.  She wasn’t the girl next door type, she was tough. She wrestled, she managed, she was just all around awesome for me.  When I first knew I would have a chance to valet, I watched a lot of her stuff.

What is your favorite wrestling moment or event of all time?

One of my favorite wrestling moments was WrestleMania III with Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan.  It wasn’t the match itself, it was the moment when they both stood in front of one another they were so intense in different ways.  I was a teenager, It was AMAZING for me.  I loved both wrestlers, but I wanted so badly for Andre the Giant to win.  I am a huge fan of his to this day.

What actor/actress would you like to work with in the future?

Pam Grier, Meryl Streep and Viola Davis are on my OH MY GOD dream list.  A girl can dream can’t she?

Tell everyone about your musical background?

I’ve always had a kinship with music.  It’s how I’ve always communicated.  I formed a band with my husband Saint called Negro Chile.  We don’t fit into one genre, because our sound goes from Metal to Classic R&B to Rock..a little bit of everything.

Any upcoming projects coming up that you would like to share with everyone?

Well, I will always want everyone to keep an eye out for House of Hardcore shows as well as The House of Hardcore Podcast.  I’m not on the podcast, but it’s Tommy Dreamer’s and I help to produce episodes sometimes.  I am also finishing up a role as a detective in a film called The Dark Net.  I have a film coming up called Death Care this summer.  I’m also working on my own reality type show on my YouTube channel called “GATA Speaks”, the pilot has Tommy Dreamer, Al Snow and Mick Foley http://www.youtube.com/thaoriginalgata.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Cosplaying, red wine and dark chocolate.  My guilty pleasures.

What is your dream vacation?

I want to go to Hawaii or Cancun and just turn the world off.  I’ve never actually had a vacation.

What is your most treasured memory?

Times with my grandmother and great grandmother.  They were the ones to raise me and they made me feel so very special during times where I was bullied and mistreated by my maternal parents.  They made me feel like I could do anything I want in life.

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be and why?

That’s a long list.  I know that pain and struggle are a part of life, but I hate living in a world where people hurt children.  It turns my stomach upside down and angers me.

What is your biggest success?

My biggest successes are my 10 beautiful children.  They will always be my biggest successes.

How can readers keep in contact with you on social networks?

Instagram: thaoriginalgata.  Twitter: thaoriginalgata.  Facebook: Tha True Original GATA.  Snapchat: thaoriginalgata.  You tube: http://www.youtube.com/Thaoriginalgata .