Essence Atkins
Essence Atkins Born Essence Uhura Atkins (1972-02-07) February 7, 1972 (age 43) Brooklyn, New York, U.S. Other names Essence Uhurra Atkins Occupation Actress, Model Years active 1986–present Spouse(s) Jaime Mendez (2009–present) Children Varro Blair Mendez (born December 25, 2011) Essence Uhura Atkins (born February 7, 1972) is an American actress and model. 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. She has also starred in the TV series Are We There Yet? as Suzanne Kingston-Persons. In 2013 and 2014, Atkins appeared as "Kisha Davis" in the films A Haunted House and A Haunted House 2.