Mayte Jannell Garcia (/ˈmaɪteɪ/ MY-tay; born November 12, 1973) is an American dancer, actress, and former singer.
Her father John was a United States military pilot, and her mother Janelle (also known as Nelly) was a dancer.
Garcia spent the summers of her childhood with her extended family in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Garcia assumed the guise of an Egyptian princess for the concept album and the 3 Chains o' Gold video compilation.
In 1995, Prince produced an album for her, titled Child of the Sun, for a European release on his NPG Records label.
[2] In addition, Garcia directed music videos for Chaka Khan and Graham Central Station.
Garcia was offered the role of Marilyn in the film Just like a Woman (2012) as well as to be its main dance choreographer, but declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Garcia has guest starred on various television series, such as 2 Broke Girls, Psych, The Closer, Las Vegas, Nip/Tuck, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
On June 25, 2012, she began appearing as a principal cast member on VH1's reality show Hollywood Exes.
Her treatment program, along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, has stopped the MS symptoms from progressing, allowing her to live an active lifestyle and continue working.
"At first, I stayed at the Sofitel, then they moved me to a nice little prairie house at the Country Suites, but I couldn't even make a cup of tea there, so they got me an apartment and rented furniture," she said.
[19] Depressed from the loss of her son, Garcia contemplated suicide, but the affection of her dog, Mia, stopped her.
[22][23][24] Garcia dated drummer Tommy Lee from heavy metal band Mötley Crüe for two years.