Essence Atkins Biography: Age, Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Height, Parents, Son, Ex-Husband

Essence Uhura Atkins, known professionally as Essence Atkins, is an American actress, producer, model, and voice artist celebrated for her versatile roles in television and film.

She gained prominence for her performances as Dee Dee Thorne in the UPN sitcom Half & Half and Yvette Henderson in Smart Guy, showcasing her comedic and dramatic talents.

With a career spanning over three decades, Atkins has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and voice projects. She has earned recognition for her charisma and contributions to entertainment, particularly in African-American-led productions.

Profile

• Full Name: Essence Uhura Atkins
• Stage Name: Essence Atkins
• Born: 7, February 1972
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Model, Voice Artist
• Height: 1.57m
• Parents: Mr. Atkins and Mrs. Atkins
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Jaime Mendez (m. 2009–2016)
• Children: Varro Blair Mendez
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Essence Uhura Atkins was born on February 7, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents are referred to as Mr. Atkins and Mrs. Atkins, as their names are not publicly disclosed. Information about siblings is also unavailable.

Raised in New York, she developed an interest in performing arts early on. She attended the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan.

She later studied at Howard University, though specific details about her degree are not publicly available. Her ethnicity is African-American, and her religious beliefs are not widely shared.

Career

Essence Atkins began her career in the mid-1980s with a guest role on The Cosby Show at age 13, marking her entry into television. Her early work included appearances in shows like Saved by the Bell and Family Matters.

Her breakout role came as Yvette Henderson in Smart Guy (1997–1999), where her comedic timing earned her widespread recognition. She further solidified her status as Dee Dee Thorne in Half & Half (2002–2006), a sitcom exploring sisterhood and identity, which became a cultural touchstone for many viewers.

Atkins expanded her career with roles in films like Deliver Us from Eva (2003) alongside Gabrielle Union and Dance Flick (2009), showcasing her versatility in both comedy and drama. She starred in and produced projects like Marlon (2017–2018) with Marlon Wayans and led the TV One series Ambitions (2019) as Amara Hughes.

Her voice work includes animated series like Under One Roof, and she has modeled for various brands, enhancing her presence in entertainment. Her ability to balance lead and supporting roles across genres has kept her relevant in Hollywood.

Atkins remains a respected figure in television and film, with recent roles in projects like The Company You Keep (2023) and Poppa’s House (2024–present) alongside Damon Wayans. Her production work through her company, A Divine Ensemble, focuses on uplifting diverse stories.

As a mentor to younger actors and an advocate for representation, her legacy is defined by her contributions to African-American storytelling and her enduring appeal across generations.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @essencesays
• Facebook Handle: Essence Atkins
• Twitter Handle: @essencesays

Personal Life

Essence Atkins married Jaime Mendez, a former collegiate football player, in 2009, and they welcomed a son, Varro Blair Mendez, in 2011. The couple divorced in 2016, and Atkins is currently single with no publicly known romantic partners.

Based in Los Angeles, she maintains a private personal life, focusing on raising her son and her career. Atkins is passionate about fitness and wellness, often sharing glimpses of her lifestyle on social media.

She supports causes related to education and empowerment within the African-American community.

Filmography

• The Cosby Show (1986)
• Smart Guy (1997–1999)
• Half & Half (2002–2006)
• Deliver Us from Eva (2003)
• Dance Flick (2009)
• Marlon (2017–2018)
• Ambitions (2019)
• Poppa’s House (2024–present)

Net Worth

Essence Atkins has an estimated net worth of $5 million, primarily earned through her extensive acting career in television shows like Half & Half, Smart Guy, and Marlon, as well as films such as Deliver Us from Eva.

Additional income comes from her production work with A Divine Ensemble, modeling contracts, and voice acting roles.