July 2024

As a constant presence in our living rooms since the mid-90s, Essence Atkins is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. Atkins starred as Yvette Henderson on the beloved Disney syndicated hit “Smart Guy.” She has been a series regular on numerous network and cable shows including “Malibu Shores,” “Half & Half,” “Are We There Yet,” “Marlon,” “Ambitions,” “First Wives Club,” “The Company You Keep,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and the short lived, critically acclaimed CBS drama “Under One Roof” with Joe Morton and the iconic James Earl Jones. Upcoming, Atkins will have a recurring role on “Reasonable Doubt.” In 2019, Atkins won Best Performance by a Lead Actor at the American Black Film Festival for her film “Same Difference,” in which she seamlessly portrays two very different and troubled characters.

Atkins produced season two of the popular web-series “Black Actress,” and the Nina Holiday film “Open” which was released on BET in 2020. Atkins directed a television movie for the first time in 2020 with “Christmas Dilemma” for TVOne.

Atkins is a single mom to her son, Varro. She oversees RiSon Village, a successful accredited homeschool she created for her son and other children from his now defunct school which closed permanently after the pandemic in 2020. Atkins and her son live in Los Angeles. Her birthday is February 7. Follow her on social media @essencesays.