Sophie Monk  

British born beauty Sophie Monk is a model, actress, and singer best known for her work with the band Bardot and her emerging acting career.

Sophie Charlene Akland Monk was born December 14, 1979 in England. At an early age, Monk and her parents relocated to Gold Coast, Queensland in Australia. Graduating from MacGregor State High School, Monk temporarily pursued her secondary education at Somerset College.

By 1999, however, Monk’s music career was about to launch. Responding to an ad calling for girls with both singing and dancing abilities, Monk drove through the night to make the audition. The gig was for a new television series called Popstars, wherein girls were systematically tested and eliminated in order to form a successful girl band. Monk, having played a Marilyn Monroe impersonator before, performed “Happy Birthday, Mr President.” She immediately won over the judges. Monk emerged on top, and she was initiated into the newly formed band, Bardot. Her band mates included Belinda Chapple, Sally Polihronas, Katie Underwood (until 2001), and Tiffani Wood.

Their subsequent single and album both went to number one on the charts, and they undertook an ambitious touring schedule after that. Their second album performed well on the charts, too, as did their new round of singles. After a second intensive tour, the band mutually decided to go their separate ways.

Monk, however, was not ready to leave the music industry. She continued with her solo career, working with Rob Davis, noted producer responsible for Kylie Minogue’s hit “Can’t Get You Out of my Head.”

In addition to promoting her album, Monk also began modeling for Expozay Swimwear. When her anticipated debut album, Calendar Girl, finally hit the shelves, sales proved disappointing. Monk and Warner Music ended their professional relationship. As of July 2006, Monk confirmed she is working on her new singles with the management crew behind Brian McKnight.

On the acting front, Monk made her onscreen debut in 2004 with The Mystery of Natalie Wood. She played Monroe opposite stars Justine Waddell, Michael Weatherly, Matthew Settle, and Elizabeth Rice. She took another bit part in 2005’s London. On set, she rubbed elbows with Chris Evans, Jessica Biel, Jason Statham, Isla Fisher, and Dane Cook.

Her first major role came in the universally despised Date Movie opposite Alyson Hannigan. Luckily, her next role came in the more positively received film Click with Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, and David Hasselhoff. She also showed up in smaller productions such as Sex and Death 101 starring Simon Baker and Winona Ryder.

She is currently working on three films due for a 2008 release.

Others may recognize Monk for appearing in the blink 182 video “Always.” She also steamed up the screen with a racy sex scene for her one-episode stint on Entourage. In addition to film, she appeared in numerous commercials and ad campaigns.

In her personal life, she was romantically linked for a brief period to Jude Law. Her most noted relationship, however, is with Good Charlotte member Benji Madden. They are currently engaged.