Mona and Dee Dee are half-sisters who share the same father. They are completely unlike each other, but they live in the same apartment building, so disagreements are common.
According to listed dates of birth for all three actresses, Valarie Pettiford (Big Dee Dee) is six years older than Rachel True (her stepdaughter on the show) and twelve years older than Essence Atkins (her daughter on the show).
Big Dee Dee Thorne:
Oh, my. Is that mildew I smell or Phyllis's wet hair?
Phyllis Thorne:
If you don't want me to use that cheap wig as a mop, I suggest you shut your trap.
In the pilot, Mona moves to the upstairs apartment which is on the right. Later, when Dee Dee is renovating it, it's on the left.
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