Malaysia Pargo
Malaysia Pargo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Laquisha Shanek Gilbert August 12, 1980 Compton, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Known for | Basketball Wives |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
Malaysia Pargo (born August 12, 1980)[1] is an American television personality, actress, and entrepreneur. She is best known for her long-running role as a main cast member on VH1's reality television franchise Basketball Wives LA and its parent series Basketball Wives, appearing regularly from 2011 to 2023.
Career
Pargo began her career in entertainment as a model and video vixen, appearing in several high-profile hip hop music videos in the early 2000s. Among her most notable appearances were Ludacris's "Splash Waterfalls" and Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" in 2004.[2] She later starred in the 2014 music video for "Nothing" by rapper and pastor Ma$e, which received media attention ahead of its premiere on Revolt TV.[2][3]
Pargo rose to mainstream prominence as a reality television personality after joining the cast of Basketball Wives LA when the series premiered in 2011. She remained a main cast member for multiple seasons and later continued her role on the flagship series Basketball Wives, appearing regularly from 2017 through 2023. In 2024, she joined the main cast of the WE tv reality series Bold & Bougie, produced by Carlos King, where she showcased her personal life and business ventures.[4]
In addition to television, Pargo has pursued multiple entrepreneurial ventures in fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. In 2011, she launched Three Beats Custom Children's Jewelry, a jewelry line designed specifically for children, in partnership with jeweler Jason Arasheben, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles.[5] In 2015, she debuted Malaysia Pargo by Hedgecock Creed, a luxury bedding collection combining fashion-forward design with affordable pricing, which was launched at an event in Beverly Hills, California and sold through the Hedgecock Creed brand.[6][7] In 2020, she collaborated with skincare brand Urban Skin Rx on a limited-edition product, the Malaysia x Urban Skin Rx Skin Quench Oxygen Gel Mask.[8]
Personal life
Pargo married former NBA player Jannero Pargo in 2006, after dating for four years.[9] The couple legally separated on December 27, 2012, and Pargo filed for divorce in May 2014 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences.[9] They have three children: a son, Jannero Jr. (born 2006), and twins, Jayla and Jayden (born 2011).[10] In her divorce filing, Pargo requested sole legal and physical custody of the children, visitation rights for Jannero Pargo, spousal support, and payment of legal fees.[9]
On December 27, 2013, Pargo's brother, Dontae Hayes, was fatally shot by police in Riverside, California, during an attempted arrest related to a warrant for failure to appear in traffic court.[11] Pargo and her family disputed police statements that Hayes was armed and subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Riverside Police Department.[11] The incident and its emotional impact on Pargo were later discussed on the reality television series Basketball Wives, where she described experiencing fear during encounters with law enforcement following her brother's death.[11]
In 2024, Pargo announced that she was dating American football player Kenny Clark, describing the relationship as supportive and noting that they had previously dated before reconnecting.[4]
In March 2025, Pargo's mother passed away.[12]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Behind the Veil 2 | Coco | Feature film debut |
| TBA | Have You Seen Her | Carmel |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2016 | Basketball Wives LA | Self | Regular cast member (several seasons) |
| 2012 | Big Morning Buzz Live | Self | Guest appearances |
| 2013 | Datzhott | Self | Guest/appearance (1 episode) |
| 2014 | AbSIRd | Self — Guest | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2014 | The Arsenio Hall Show | Self — Guest | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2015 | Noches con Platanito | Self — Guest | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2015 | VH1 Big in 2015 (with Entertainment Weekly) | Self | TV special appearance |
| 2016 | 4th Annual Gospel Goes to Hollywood Awards | Self | TV special appearance |
| 2016 | Home & Family | Self | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2016 | The Eric Andre Show | Self | Guest appearance (1 episode) |
| 2017–2023 | Basketball Wives | Self | Regular cast member (several seasons) |
| 2019 | Hip Hop Squares | Self — Contestant | Panelist/contestant (1 episode) |
| 2020 | Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta | Self | Guest appearances (2 episodes) |
| 2023–2024 | Bold & Bougie | Self | We TV series; main cast member |
References
- ^ Daniels, Andrii (June 7, 2018). "Slam Dunk! Basketball Wives Wouldn't Be The Same Without These 6 Eccentric Women". OK!.
- ^ a b Little, Char (July 2, 2014). "Mase 'Nothing' Video: Rapper Releases New Video For Latest Single Featuring 'BBWLA' Malaysia Pargo [WATCH]". Enstarz.
- ^ Thomasos, Christine (June 27, 2014). "Ma$e Previews Malaysia Pargo as Star In 'Nothing' Music Video". The Christian Post.
- ^ a b Anderson-Niles, Amanda (March 15, 2024). "Malaysia Pargo Reveals Her Boo on 'Bold & Bougie'". Urban Belle Magazine.
- ^ "Malaysia Pargo Launches 'Three Beats' Jewelry Collection". BCK Online. November 16, 2011.
- ^ "Malaysia Pargo Invites Fans Of 'Basketball Wives LA' To The Launch Of Her New Luxe Bedding Line". VH1. February 17, 2015.
- ^ Reed, Tami (February 24, 2015). "Malaysia Pargo's Bedding Collection Launch Party In Beverly Hills". Talking With Tami.
- ^ Evans, Shalwah (December 6, 2020). "Urban Skin Rx Teams Up With Reality Star Malaysia Pargo On A New Product". Essence.
- ^ a b c Robinson, Nicholas (May 25, 2014). "Malaysia Pargo files for divorce from husband". Rolling Out.
- ^ Harper, Stephanie (July 18, 2022). "How Many Kids Does Malaysia Pargo Have? Meet the 'Basketball Wives' Star's Fam". Distractify.
- ^ a b c "Malaysia Pargo Relives Brother's Shooting In 'Basketball Wives' Preview". Urban Belle Magazine. July 30, 2018.
- ^ Abioye, Lyndon (March 26, 2025). "Basketball Wives Star Malaysia Pargo's Mother Passes Away". Media Take Out.