When you hear the name Monique Smith, you may find yourself wondering—who is she? For some, it brings to mind a name associated with survival, a chilling real-life drama that became the basis for a moving Lifetime film. For others, Monique Smith is remembered as the devoted mother of twin sisters Tasha Smith and Sidra Smith, both of whom went on to achieve success in Hollywood. Still others may think of her as a name linked to different public figures in politics or literature.
In this article, we focus on the two most prominent and emotionally compelling narratives tied to Monique Smith: the real-life survivor whose experiences inspired Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story, and the mother whose upbringing shaped two creative powerhouses in entertainment. Both stories are powerful in their own right and reveal the resilience and depth behind the name.
The Real-Life Survivor – The Monique Smith Story
A Childhood Stolen
Monique Smith’s life story reads like the plot of a harrowing drama—and indeed, it has been turned into one. Abducted from her crib in New York City at just two years old, Monique’s early life was shaped by lies, trauma, and abuse. She was taken by a woman who raised her in Baltimore under a fabricated identity, stripping her of the family and safety she was meant to have.Enduring Abuse and Exploitation
What followed was a childhood marked by extreme hardship. Monique endured physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, trafficking, and child labor. She was subjected to the kind of cruelty that could break even the strongest spirits. Yet somehow, she survived. She learned to adapt, to endure, and to keep going even when the future looked hopeless.The Truth Revealed
It wasn’t until she was 28 years old that Monique discovered the shocking truth about her identity. She was listed as a missing person—and had, in fact, been one of the longest-living missing persons on record. This revelation was both freeing and devastating: freeing because she now understood her past, devastating because it meant decades had been stolen from her.From Survivor to Advocate
Turning Pain Into Purpose
After reclaiming her identity, Monique didn’t retreat into silence. Instead, she became an outspoken advocate for missing children and survivors of abuse. Her experiences gave her a unique voice in campaigns against trafficking and child exploitation. Her work also influenced the recognition of May 25 as Missing Children’s Day in Maryland.Inspiring Policy Changes
Through public speaking, interviews, and community work, Monique helped raise awareness of the deep and lasting effects of childhood abduction and abuse. She inspired others to share their stories and to seek justice, making her a beacon of hope for those still trapped in cycles of abuse.Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story – From Real Life to Screen
The Lifetime Movie
Monique’s harrowing life inspired the Lifetime television movie Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story, which premiered in April 2025. The film brought her experiences to a wider audience, highlighting the importance of advocacy and awareness around issues of child abduction and abuse.Yaya DaCosta as Monique Smith
Actress Yaya DaCosta portrayed Monique in the film, delivering a performance praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. DaCosta also served as an executive producer, demonstrating her commitment to telling Monique’s story with dignity and truth.Cast of Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story
- Yaya DaCosta – Monique Smith
- Additional supporting cast members brought to life the people in Monique’s journey, from those who harmed her to those who ultimately helped her find justice. (Full casting details were kept intentionally focused on Monique’s experience to center her voice.)
