Essence Atkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Essence Atkins
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Atkins in 2019
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| Born |
Essence Uhura Atkins
February 7, 1972 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Jaime Mendez
(m. 2009; div. 2016) |
| Children | 1 |
Essence Uhura Atkins (born February 7, 1972) is an American actress. She started her acting journey on TV shows. Later, she got a regular role in the drama series Under One Roof in 1995.
Essence Atkins is well-known for her roles in TV comedies. She played Tasha Yvette Henderson in Smart Guy from 1997 to 1999. She also starred as Dee Dee Thorne in Half & Half (2002–2006). Later, she was Suzanne Kingston-Persons in Are We There Yet? (2010–2013). Her role as Ashley Wayne in Marlon (2017–2018) was also very popular. In movies, she appeared in How High (2001) and A Haunted House (2013).
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Essence Atkins' Acting Journey
Essence Atkins began acting as a teenager. Her first TV appearance was on The Cosby Show in 1986. After that, she had guest roles on other sitcoms. One of these was Family Matters.
Early TV Roles and Big Breaks
In 1995, she got a main role in the show Under One Roof. She acted alongside famous actors like James Earl Jones. The next year, she co-starred with Keri Russell in Malibu Shores. She also appeared in the pilot episode of Saved by the Bell: The College Years in 1993.
Comedy Success on Television
From 1997 to 1999, Essence Atkins starred in Smart Guy. She played Yvette Henderson, the older sister. Later, from 2002 to 2006, she was Dee Dee Thorne in Half & Half. She acted with Rachel True in this show.
From 2010 to 2013, she starred in Are We There Yet?. She played Suzanne Kingston-Persons. In 2016, she joined the cast of the NBC sitcom Marlon. She played Ashley Wayne in this series. The show ran for two seasons until 2018.
In 2019, Atkins took on a main role in the drama series Ambitions. This show was on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Essence Atkins' Personal Life
In September 2009, Essence Atkins married Jaime Mendez. He was a college football player. They first met online in 2008. Her co-star from Half and Half, Valarie Pettiford, performed at their wedding reception. Essence and Jaime divorced in 2016.
Essence Atkins' Film Appearances
Essence Atkins has acted in many films. Here are some of her notable movie roles:
- 1999: Nikita's Blues as Nikita
- 2001: How High as Jamie
- 2003: Deliver Us from Eva as Kareenah Dandridge
- 2009: Dance Flick as Charity
- 2013: A Haunted House as Kisha Davis
- 2014: A Haunted House 2 as Kisha Davis
- 2022: The Noel Diary as Noel Ellis
Essence Atkins' Television Roles
Essence Atkins has had many roles on television. Here are some of her main TV appearances:
- 1986–1989: The Cosby Show as Paula Young
- 1995: Under One Roof as Charlotte "Charlie" Langston (Main Cast)
- 1996: Malibu Shores as Julie Tate (Main Cast)
- 1997–1999: Smart Guy as Yvette Henderson (Main Cast)
- 2002–2006: Half & Half as Deirdre Chantal "Dee Dee" Thorne (Main Cast)
- 2010–2013: Are We There Yet? as Suzanne Kingston-Persons (Main Cast)
- 2012–2015: Mr. Box Office as Samantha Owens (Main Cast)
- 2017–2018: Marlon as Ashley Wayne (Main Cast)
- 2019: Ambitions as Amara Hughesken (Main Cast)
- 2021–2022: First Wives Club as Maxine Hart (Recurring Cast)
- 2024–2025: Poppa's House as Dr. Ivy Reed (Main Cast)
Awards and Nominations
Essence Atkins has been recognized for her acting. She has received nominations for the NAACP Image Award. This award celebrates the achievements of people of color in entertainment.
- 2003: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Half & Half
- 2011: Nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Are We There Yet?
- 2017: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Marlon
See also
In Spanish: Essence Atkins para niños
