Essence Atkins
Actor · Director
Born Feb 7, 1972 · New York City, New York, USA
Active 1984–present
Essence Uhura Atkins (born February 7, 1972) is an American actress. She is best known for the roles of Dee Dee Thorne on the UPN sitcom Half & Half and as Yvette Henderson on the The WB sitcom Smart Guy.
Filmography
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America (2026) — ClaraToni Braxton’s Breathe Again (2026) — EvelynHe Wasn't Man Enough (2025) — MonicaHouse (2004) — Greta CooperSabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996) — MarnieCurb Your Enthusiasm (2000) — Renee HolcombA Haunted House 2 (2014) — KishaA Haunted House (2013) — KeishaHow High (2001) — JamieThe Cosby Show (1984) — Paula YoungFamily Matters (1989) — BeckyFamily Reunion (2019) — MaureenThe Noel Diary (2022) — Noel HaydenMarlon (2017) — Ashley WayneThe Wayans Bros. (1995) — NinaThe Company You Keep (2023) — ProstituteSmart Guy (1997) — Yvette HendersonDeliver Us from Eva (2003) — Kareenah DandridgeHalf & Half (2002) — Dee Dee ThorneSaved by the Bell: The College Years (1993) — Danielle MarksDance Flick (2009) — CharityMoesha (1996) — Piper DavisA Black Lady Sketch Show (2019) — Hannah · Chef RaynaAmbitions (2019) — Amara