Share

Atkins is tapping into a new role – a brainy psychologist hired to challenge Damon Wayans Sr.’s Poppa.

Essence Atkins has been a household name with a pivotal place in entertainment because of her charm and versatility. So when Damon Wayans Sr. revealed that people told him if he didn’t include Essence Atkins in this new father-son sitcom, Poppa’s House, he was insane. That’s because the veteran actress has a history of skillfully bringing characters to life, and her presence simply makes a production better.

Atkins is Dr. Ivy Reid, a brainy psychologist who becomes Poppa’s (Damon Wayans Sr.) co-host on his radio show. She’s there to challenge his beliefs and add a woman’s point of view. Although, Dr. Reid has her own issues.

“I love how smart and accomplished she is, but at the same time, she’s a hot mess,” Atkins told me during our interview. “When we prescribe advice, it is often the prescription that we ourselves need, and Doctor Reid is very guilty of this.”

Poppa’s House premieres on October 21st on CBS and also stars Damon Wayans Jr., Tetona Jackson and other familiar faces. It follows the life of Poppa, a legendary, happily divorced radio host still raising his adult son, Damon. His son has the heart of a true dreamer, aiming to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband.

Clips of the series give off a feel-good vibe filled with hearty laughs and situations viewers can relate to. According to Atkins, viewers will miss this if they don’t tune in.

“They’re going to miss the reprieve of a big giant exhale and a real heartfelt belly laugh. You’ve got a real-life father and son playing father and son. The way that Damon Jr. and Sr. love each other is something to behold. I say that as someone who works on the show –- but also as a fan of theirs.”

Despite successfully getting through many premieres, Atkins is still nervous about the Poppa’s House debut.

“I’m barely sleeping. I’m super nervous, but it’s coupled with excitement… Working on something where it truly is a collaborative effort, you feel valued and respected and everyone is invited to contribute to the story, because that is the priority: to tell a great story, make people laugh and tell something that resonates with people. [It’s amazing]. That is the overall objective. So, I want people to love it. I’m counting down the days.

I read that this is your first time working with Damon Wayans Sr.

Yes, this is my first time working with Damon Wayans Sr. I’ve worked with [Damon Wayans Jr. before on Dance Flick]. He’s so brilliant and fun, and I had the pleasure of working with him on that film. [There were a lot of Wayans involved in that project, but Damon Sr. was not involved.] He is brilliant, kind, grounded, and an incredible listener and master Craftsman. As a storyteller, I cannot wait for people to see him back in his element.

Will there be any heart eyes between Poppa and Dr. Reid?

You guys are going to have to watch to find out. Poppa is Poppa, and Ivy is Ivy. I mean, you know, they’re two single attractive people. I say the recipe has all the ingredients.

Ivy is a very smart woman; backing down is not in her vocabulary. Did you connect with Ivy in any way? Is there a piece of the character that resonated with you?

When you are an artist, you have to have resilience and tenacity, [and] you might even have to be slightly delusional to believe that you can rise above [all]. There is a ‘take no prisoner’ kind of attitude and the entrepreneurial aspect of [maintaining] yourself for when things happen when you have values in your career, when there’s a strike, or when there’s a global pandemic. You have to be gritty and know how to manage those things. Ivy has some of that; obviously, I think any artist has to have that.

You’ve played many amazing roles. Where would you rank Ivy Reid amongst all your characters?

I love playing her! She’s a bit awkward and not the most popular person in the room, but she leads with her intelligence. I don’t have a favorite character because every role I played for a significant time has been a part of my history. They’re all a part of the landscape, and that is my life. When [viewers] turn on a television and decide to watch, it really feels like I’m being invited to be in [their] house for a moment. To be in your living room is such an invitation. I am very grateful that people keep inviting me in.

One of my favorite parts about sitcoms is the celebrity guest appearances. I saw that Garrett Morris will be in one of the episodes planned for February. Has anyone made an appearance that made you go, “Oh yeah, our audience is going to LOVE THIS?”

Jeffery Owens plays Nina’s (Tetona Jackson) dad. He’s back quite a bit and is brilliant—so funny, has impeccable comedic timing, and is such a great actor. [You’ll definitely see people] you’ve grown up watching that you love, and you’ll be reminded of why you love them in the first place.

For more information on Essence Atkins:

Instagram: @essence_says

 

Images by Jonny Marlow