Essence Atkins, an American actress who has been in some of the most notable television shows and movies, was born on Feb. 7, 1972, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She has had notable roles in “Family Matters” and “Smart Guy”, as well as a new upcoming role in a Wayans’ family production. 

Atkins’ Start To Acting

Essence Atkins began her television career as a teenager in 1986, starring as Paula Young in a few episodes of “The Cosby Show.” After this, Atkins began to guest star in episodes of “Charlie Hoover,” “Family Matters,” “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wayans Bros.,” “Moesha” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” Eventually, Atkins landed roles as a main cast member for popular Black TV shows, portraying Yvette Henderson in “Smart Guy,” Dee Dee Thorne in “Half & Half,” and Suzanne Kingston-Persons in “Are We There Yet?” 

Her most recent projects include starring as a recurring cast member in “First Wives Club” as Maxine, and guest starring in episodes of “The Company You Keep” and “The Ms. Pat Show.” Atkins will be starring in a new CBS series alongside Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. called Poppa’s House.

Movie Stardom

In addition to having an incredible filmography of television shows, Essence Atkins is also a movie star, portraying characters in popular movies from the 90s and early and mid-2000s. Her first breakout role was in 1999 as Nikita in “Nikita’s Blues.” She has since gone on to star in “Deliver Us From Eva,” “Preacher’s Kid,” “My Sister’s Wedding,” “A Haunted House” and “A Haunted House 2,” “Holiday Road Trip” and more. Her most recent movie was this year, starring as Sheila Hart in “Angie’s Cure.”

Awards And Nominations

Essence Atkins has been nominated for multiple NAACP awards for her television and movie performances. In 2003 and in 2017, she was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Half & Half” and “Marlon.” She was also nominated in 2011 for “Are We There Yet?” under the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series award.

Social Media And Personal Life

When taking a look at Atkins’ Instagram profile, one can tell she is invested in family, career and uplifting Black Women. Recently, Atkins spoke on the Therapy for Black Girls podcast about sisterhood, the importance of friendship and healing.

Atkins has one child with Jaime Mendez, former All-American at Kansas State University. The couple married in 2009, where Atkins’ former “Half & Half” co-star, Valarie Pettiford performed during the reception. They announced their first child in 2011 and ultimately divorced in 2016

Sharing some of her favorite Bible verses and lessons, vacation photos and parenting moments on her social media, Essence Atkins truly has a love for storytelling, self-care and the people around her. She loves to share these moments with her 617k followers. Her Twitter profile is similar, with her sharing acting throwbacks, selfies and more.