Yvonne Cherrie, widely known by her stage name Monalisa, stands as a prominent Tanzanian actress, filmmaker, and media figure celebrated for her contributions to screen entertainment. Her notable roles appear in films and series like Black Sunday, Network, Leo, and Siri Ya Mtungi, highlighted by her 2010 Best Actress win at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Yvonne Cherrie |
| Date of birth | 19 August 1981 |
| Place of birth | Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Partner | Former husband: George Otieno Okumo |
| Children | Daughter: Sonia Akinyi; Son: Sean Abdulwahid Jr. |
| Occupations | Actress, filmmaker, scriptwriter, producer, director, media personality, judge |
| Net worth | $300,000-$800,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born on 19 August 1981 at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, Yvonne Cherrie grew up partly in Luanda, Angola, due to her father’s work before returning for primary schooling at Muungano Primary School in Temeke, Dar es Salaam.
She continued at Zanaki Girls’ Secondary School and pursued secretarial training at Tanzania Public Service College, along with Pre-Advanced English at the British Council Tanzania and a mass communication diploma from Wilnag Media Training College in Nairobi.
Career
Cherrie launched her acting journey early through stage performances and television, solidifying her Monalisa persona. Key films in her portfolio include Girlfriend (2002), Sabrina (2003), Dilemma (2004), She Is My Sister (2006), Kwa Heshima Ya Penzi (2007), Black Sunday (2010), Network (2014), and Leo (2019).
She has also featured in TV shows like Mambo Hayo and Siri Ya Mtungi, judged Tanzania Movie Talents, and expanded into scriptwriting, producing, directing, and founding the Act with Monalisa foundation while directing for AWAFFEST.
Personal Life
Yvonne Cherrie was married to George Tyson Akinyi, a noted Kenyan film director and producer, from 2001 until their divorce in 2005. She had a daughter named Sonia Akinyi with him before they separated. Tragically, George Tyson died in a car accident in 2014.
She later welcomed a son, Sean Abdulwahid Jr., with a different partner, while keeping current personal details private.
Net Worth
Yvonne Cherrie’s net worth is estimated at approximately $300,000 to $800,000 as of 2026, derived from her successful acting career, production ventures, and media endorsements. This figure reflects her prominence in Tanzanian cinema and related entrepreneurial activities.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Mambo Hayo | Monalisa; TV role |
| 2002 | Girlfriend | Tumpale |
| 2003 | Sabrina | Sabrina |
| 2004 | Dilemma | Role not specified |
| 2006 | She Is My Sister | Rose |
| 2007 | Kwa Heshima Ya Penzi | Miranda |
| 2010 | Black Sunday | Featured work tied to ZIFF award |
| 2014 | Network | Known role |
| 2014–2015 | Tanzania Movie Talents | Judge |
| 2013–2015 | Siri Ya Mtungi | Lulu |
| 2019 | Leo | Known role |
| 2021 | Sinia | Rosemary Venus |
Awards and Recognitions
Cherrie earned the Best Actress award at the 2010 Zanzibar International Film Festival for Black Sunday, alongside a 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards nomination for Pan African Actress of the Year.
Additional honors encompass the 2008 Kiu Media Awards Queen of Bongo Movies, 2010 Filamu Central Best Actress for Binti Nusa, and 2018 African Prestigious Awards Best Female Movie Star.
