Essence Atkins is an American actress known as Dee Dee Thorne in the popular series Half & Half. Starting the career in the entertainment industry at the age of fourteen, she appeared in several TV-series and movies including Family Matters, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, Marlons, and Dance Flick.
Also, a public figure, she volunteered for the Greater Than AIDS campaign backed by The Black AIDS Institute in 2011.
Ex-Husband/ Children
In the past, the Half & Half star, Essence Atkins, age 48, has trailed the romantic spheres with her ex-boyfriend-turned-husband, Jaime Mendez, the professional football player. The former married couple first met through the online dating service, match.com and shared the sparkles of romances.
When the couple faced each other during the Valentines’ Day in 2008, they drifted their relationship ahead. After dating for a year, Essence and Jamie shared their wedding vows on 26 September 2009.
The couple who rejoiced their married life for seven years separated after she filed divorce papers back in 2016. Essence disclosed her split with Jaime stating that she is entering the dating world and is in the process of divorce with the football player.
Their married life begets them a son named Varro Blair Mendez whom they welcomed back on 25 December 2011.
Besides that, she has briefly dated several other celebs including Ron Truppa, Eric Benet (now married to charity worker Manuela Testolini), and Ace Young.
Dating Again? On-Screen Former Couples
Essence Atkins, who played the role of Marlon Wayans’ ex-wife, Ashley Wayne in the comedy series, Marlon, seems to have sparkled her romance with him. The rumors swirled after they were spotted cuddling at the Red Carpet Event at the NBCUniversal Press Day in May 2018.
Besides that, Essence revealed that she treasured the working moment with Marlon on the set. In the series, they try to stay in good terms for the sake of their children, Marley (Notlim Taylor) and Zack (Amir O’Neil).
Despite the rumors, neither of the stars has confirmed the fling of their romances publicly. Marlon has a brother named Shawn Wayans, who starred in the autobiographical sitcom The Wayans Bros.
Net Worth
Essence Atkins rejoices the estimated net worth of $5 million that she garners from the professional career as an actress. The Brooklyn native started her acting career since the mid-80s’ from The Cosby Show and later appeared in Family Matters, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, Under One Roof, and Malibu Shores in the 90s.
Essence, who became the household with her role on Half and Half, also appeared in several movies including Love Song, How High, and Deliver Us from Eva.
Wiki, Bio & Parents
Essence Atkins was born in New York, the United States, in 1972 and she celebrates her birthday on 7 February. The native American with Afro-American ethnicity has a height of 5 feet 2 inch and weighs around 52 kg.
Her parents Jeffery Atkins and Sandy Nelson, who are already divorced, raised her in Brooklyn, New York. She is the only child of her parents and does not have any siblings.