Essence Atkins

Actress; Director

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Essence Atkins Biography

Essence Atkins is an accomplished American actress and producer whose career spans over three decades in television and film. Born on February 7, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, she began her acting journey with guest appearances on popular sitcoms like The Cosby Show and Family Matters. Her breakout role came in 1997 as Tasha Yvette Henderson on the WB sitcom Smart Guy.

Atkins is best known for her portrayal of Dee Dee Thorne in the UPN series Half & Half (2002–2006), a performance that earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination. She continued to showcase her comedic talents in TBS's Are We There Yet? (2010–2013) and NBC's Marlon (2017–2018), both of which highlighted her versatility and appeal.

In film, Atkins has appeared in a variety of genres, including comedies like How High (2001), Deliver Us from Eva (2003), and the parody films A Haunted House (2013) and its sequel (2014). Her recent work includes a leading role in a holiday movie for BET+, Queens of Christmas (2024), where she stars alongside longtime friends and co-stars Vanessa Bell Calloway and Terri J. Vaughn. Atkins described the experience as a "full circle moment," reflecting on her early career and enduring relationships in the industry.

Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Atkins is a mother to her son, Varro, born on December 25, 2011. She continues to be a prominent figure in entertainment, known for her engaging performances and commitment to storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/06/2025.

Essence Atkins Videos

  • Essence Atkins Learned to Love and Embrace Her Own Essence ...
    Essence Atkins joins Tamron Hall to reveal her own essence and how she learned to embrace everythign that made her feel good and strong and ...
  • Essence Atkins Chooses Abstinence | Sherri Shepherd - YouTube
    Poppa's House” star Essence Atkins reunites with Sherri with stories of aging gracefully her choice to be abstinent and her friendship with ...
  • Essence Atkins Talks Career Success & Her Leap Of Faith In ...
    HowIMadeIt! Our first guest is Essence Atkins (@essence_says), whose first-ever audition landed her a guest-star role on Season 2 of 'The ...

FAQs on booking Essence Atkins

  • How do I book Essence Atkins to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Essence Atkins

    Speaking fees for Essence Atkins, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Essence Atkins are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Essence Atkins, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Essence Atkins speak about?

    Essence Atkins is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actors, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Cancer, Celebrity, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Activism, Women, Women's Health, Youth.
  • Where does Essence Atkins travel from?

    Essence Atkins generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Essence Atkins for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Essence Atkins for your next private or corporate function.
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Essence Atkins is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Essence Atkins for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Essence Atkins generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Logan Browning, LisaRaye McCoy, Kerry Washington, Yara Shahidi and Keke Palmer. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Essence Atkins for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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