Essence Atkins is a talented actress who has starred in many popular TV shows and movies, such as **Smart Guy**, **Marlon**, **Deliver Us from Eva**, and **A Haunted House**. She is also known for her striking resemblance to another pair of famous actresses, Tia and Tamera Mowry. The Mowry twins are best known for their roles in **Sister, Sister**, **The Game**, and **Twitches**.
Many fans have wondered if Essence Atkins is related to Tia and Tamera Mowry, or if she has a twin sister of her own. The rumor started in the late 90s to early 2000s, when Essence played the sister of Tahj Mowry, the real-life brother of Tia and Tamera, in the sitcom **Smart Guy**. The show followed the adventures of a 10-year-old genius (Tahj) who skipped several grades and joined his older siblings (Essence and Jason Weaver) in high school.
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Essence Atkins is Not Related to Tia and Tamera Mowry
The truth is that Essence Atkins is not related to Tia and Tamera Mowry, nor does she have a twin sister. She is an only child, born to Sandy Nelson and Jeffery Atkins on February 7, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. She has no biological siblings, but she considers her co-stars and friends as her extended family.
In an interview with aalbc.com, Essence clarified that she was not related to the Mowry twins in any way. She said:
> Let’s clarify that, and that I’m not related to Tia or Tamera [Mowry]. I did play their real brother’s [Tahj Mowry] sister on Smart Guy, but there’s no relation.
Essence also addressed the rumor on her Instagram account, where she posted a photo of herself with Tamera Mowry-Housley and wrote:
> I love this woman @tameramowrytwo … we are NOT related but we are sisters in spirit … we have been mistaken for each other for over 20 years … I love you my friend … thank you for your support … #marlon #sistersistersister #essenceatkins #tameramowryhousley
Essence Atkins and Tahj Mowry Reunited on a New Show
Although Essence Atkins is not related to Tia and Tamera Mowry, she still shares a close bond with their brother Tahj Mowry, whom she considers as her little brother. The two actors reunited on a new ABC series called **Black Don’t Crack**, which premiered on January 4, 2022.
The show revolves around three former sorority sisters who reconnect after losing touch after college. They realize that sometimes it’s okay to crack, and that they can rely on each other for support. Essence plays one of the sorority sisters, while Tahj plays her son.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Essence expressed her excitement about working with Tahj again. She said:
> It’s been amazing. It’s been so much fun. He’s such a joy. He’s such a light. He’s such a talent. And he’s my little brother. I mean, we really have that kind of relationship where I just adore him.
Essence also shared some photos of her and Tahj on her Instagram account, where she wrote:
> This guy right here @tahj_mowry … my little brother … my son … my friend … my co-star … I love him so much … he’s so talented … so funny … so kind … so generous … so supportive … so loving … I’m so grateful we get to work together again after all these years … #blackdontcrackabc #smartguy #essenceatkins #tahjmowry
Conclusion
Essence Atkins is a successful actress who has starred in many TV shows and movies over the years. She is not related to Tia and Tamera Mowry, nor does she have a twin sister. She played the sister of Tahj Mowry, the real-life brother of the Mowry twins, in the sitcom Smart Guy, which sparked the rumor that they were siblings. However, Essence has denied the rumor several times and clarified that she is an only child. She still maintains a close friendship with Tahj Mowry, whom she considers as her little brother. They recently reunited on a new ABC series called Black Don’t Crack, where they play mother and son.
