Essence Atkins expressed her excitement about starring in CBS’s new sitcom “Poppa’s House” alongside Damon Wayans Sr., marking a significant milestone in her nearly 30-year collaboration with the Wayans family.
Atkins shared her enthusiasm for working with Damon Wayans Sr., explaining, “I never worked with Senior before; I worked with [Damon Wayans] Junior on ‘Dance Flick.’ I had basically worked with the entire [first] generation,” highlighting him as the last member of the iconic family with whom she wanted to collaborate. She acknowledged Damon Wayans Sr.’s legendary contributions to comedy, calling him “iconic and amazing.”
In “Poppa’s House,” Atkins plays Dr. Ivy Reed, a confident psychologist who partners with veteran radio host Poppa, portrayed by Wayans, to revitalize his struggling show. “Dr. Ivy is all heart, but masking it with achievement,” she noted, emphasizing the character’s depth, which reflects the essence of many strong, independent women.
Atkins elaborated on Dr. Ivy’s motivations for joining Poppa’s show, describing their dynamic that includes initial disagreements and a humorous rap diss. Ultimately, she conveys her admiration for Poppa, stating, “She has great respect for you and a great affection for you in what you have done in this genre.”
Having a long-standing relationship with the Wayans family, Atkins has appeared in various projects like “Dance Flick,” “A Haunted House,” and “Marlon.” She reminisced about her first experience working with them back in 1995 on “The Wayans Brothers,” where she played a character related to John Witherspoon’s character.
Despite her history with the family, Atkins emphasized that no role comes easy. “You’re being vetted,” she said, asserting that she had to earn her role in “Poppa’s House” through a formal process, despite receiving an invitation for a screen test.
Atkins compared the Wayans’ practice of collaborating with trusted actors to Judd Apatow’s approach in romantic comedies, appreciating the continuity and shared storytelling among familiar faces.
She concluded by expressing pride in the unique father-son dynamic showcased in the show, stating, “The love between them is palpable,” and expressed her eagerness for audiences to witness this heartwarming interaction.
“Poppa’s House” is set to premiere on Monday, October 21, on CBS at 8:30 p.m. EST/PST.