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The Unforgettable Aunt May: Why Mo'Nique’s 'Almost Christmas' Role Still Steals The Show In 2025

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Every holiday season, a few films become mandatory viewing, and for fans of family comedy-dramas, the 2016 hit Almost Christmas, featuring the incomparable Mo'Nique, sits firmly at the top of the list. As of the current date in late 2025, this movie continues to be a streaming staple, celebrated for its perfect blend of heartfelt family dynamics and laugh-out-loud humor, largely thanks to Mo'Nique’s scene-stealing performance as the boisterous and unfiltered Aunt May. The film’s lasting appeal proves that a strong ensemble cast, anchored by a comedic powerhouse, is the secret recipe for a timeless holiday classic.

The enduring popularity of the movie often brings new attention to the legendary actress behind the role. From her Oscar-winning dramatic turns to her iconic stand-up comedy, Mo'Nique's career has been marked by fearless performances. While Almost Christmas is a beloved entry in her filmography, her recent reunion with director Lee Daniels on the highly anticipated 2024 film The Deliverance shows that her career is entering an exciting new chapter, keeping her work fresh and relevant for audiences today. This article dives deep into the movie that made her a holiday icon and explores her latest career moves.

Mo'Nique: A List of Biographical Highlights and Recent Career Updates

Mo'Nique Angela Hicks, known professionally as Mo'Nique, is one of the most versatile and celebrated figures in American comedy and drama. Born on December 11, 1967, in Woodlawn, Maryland, she transitioned from a successful stand-up career to a highly respected actress, achieving accolades that few comedians ever reach.

  • Full Name: Monique Angela Hicks
  • Date of Birth: December 11, 1967
  • Birthplace: Woodlawn, Maryland, U.S.
  • Iconic TV Role: Nikki Parker on the UPN series The Parkers (1999–2004)
  • Breakout Film Comedy: Phat Girlz (2006)
  • Oscar Win: Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her chilling dramatic performance in Precious (2009)
  • Christmas Movie Role: Aunt May in Almost Christmas (2016)
  • Recent Project (2024): Reunited with director Lee Daniels for the horror film The Deliverance, starring alongside Andra Day and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

The Enduring Magic of 'Almost Christmas' and Aunt May

Released in 2016, Almost Christmas quickly established itself as a modern holiday classic, particularly within the canon of Black Christmas movies. Written and directed by David E. Talbert and produced by Will Packer (known for hits like This Christmas and Ride Along), the film centers on the dysfunctional Meyers family gathering for their first Christmas since the death of their beloved matriarch.

Aunt May: The Unfiltered, Scene-Stealing Character

Mo'Nique’s character, Aunt May, is arguably the heart and soul of the film’s comedic energy. She plays the wife of Uncle Lonnie (J.B. Smoove), and her role is that of a retired backup singer with a flair for the dramatic, a penchant for colorful wigs, and a complete lack of a filter. Her presence injects a much-needed dose of bawdy, honest humor into the family's tense reunion, which is grappling with grief, sibling rivalry, and personal secrets.

Mo'Nique’s performance is a masterclass in physical comedy and impeccable timing. She delivers some of the movie's most quotable lines and memorable moments, from her attempts to sing the family back together to her hilarious interactions with other family members, including Danny Glover’s patriarch, Walter. Critics and fans alike praised her return to mainstream comedy with this role, noting that her comedic brilliance was a major draw for the film. The blooper reel featuring her character is often cited as being "worth the price of admission alone," solidifying Aunt May’s status as an all-time great holiday movie character.

The Star-Studded Ensemble Cast

The success of Almost Christmas is also a testament to its incredible ensemble cast, a hallmark of producer Will Packer's projects. Mo'Nique is surrounded by a wealth of talent, which elevates the family drama and comedy. The key cast members include:

  • Danny Glover as Walter Meyers, the grieving patriarch
  • Kimberly Elise as Cheryl, the eldest sister
  • Gabrielle Union as Rachel, the middle sister
  • Romany Malco as Christian, the political-minded brother
  • J.B. Smoove as Lonnie, Aunt May’s husband
  • Jessie Usher as Alfred, the youngest son
  • Nicole Ari Parker as Sonya, a sister-in-law
  • Omar Epps as Eric, a family friend

This deep roster of talent, ranging from dramatic veterans like Danny Glover and Kimberly Elise to comedic stars like J.B. Smoove and Mo'Nique, creates a believable and relatable family dynamic. The film expertly balances the serious themes of loss and reconciliation with the chaotic, often over-the-top nature of a large family holiday gathering, making it a perfect example of the holiday comedy-drama genre.

Where to Watch 'Almost Christmas' and Mo'Nique’s Latest Work in 2025

For those looking to stream the film during the 2025 holiday season, Almost Christmas remains widely accessible. Its continued presence on major platforms is a key reason for its ongoing relevance and popularity. The film is available to stream on several major services, including HBO Max and Peacock Premium, ensuring that Aunt May’s antics are just a click away.

Beyond her iconic Christmas role, Mo'Nique’s career has seen a major resurgence in recent years, demonstrating her commitment to both comedy and serious drama. After a period of public disputes and what she described as being "blackballed" following her Oscar win, the actress has re-emerged with high-profile projects.

Her most notable recent work is the highly anticipated horror film The Deliverance, where she reunites with her Precious director, Lee Daniels. This movie, which is set to be a significant release in 2024, sees her star alongside a stellar cast that includes Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Glenn Close. This project shows Mo'Nique returning to the dramatic gravitas that won her an Academy Award, proving her versatility extends far beyond the holiday comedy genre.

Furthermore, Mo'Nique continues to tour and release stand-up specials, reminding her fans that she is first and foremost a comedian. This continued output of fresh, new content ensures that even as audiences revisit her beloved role as Aunt May in Almost Christmas, they are also looking forward to her next groundbreaking project.

Whether you are watching the Meyers family navigate their first Christmas without their mother, or anticipating her next dramatic turn with Lee Daniels, Mo'Nique remains a powerful and unforgettable force in entertainment. The enduring legacy of Almost Christmas is a testament to her ability to turn a supporting role into a legendary, scene-stealing performance that will be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come.

The Unforgettable Aunt May: Why Mo'Nique’s 'Almost Christmas' Role Still Steals the Show in 2025
christmas movie with monique
christmas movie with monique

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