“Half and Half” was among the go-to sitcoms of the early 21st century.
The show had laughs, drama, and plenty of heart.
From 2002 to 2006 (spanning four seasons with 91 episodes), “Half and Half” was among the few shows to look forward to every week.
The show was also among the big hitters on UPN; it was the second-most-watched show on the channel after “Girlfriends.”
The show had a talented cast that included Essence Atkins and Rachel True, but its supporting cast and guest stars were equally impressive.
They included:
- Michelle Williams
- Yvette Nicole Brown
- Nicole Scherzinger
- DMX
- Tatyana Ali
- Tyrese Gibson
- Ginuwine
- Taraji P. Henson
Twenty years have passed since “Half and Half” premiered.
So, where are the prominent cast members now?
What have they been up to in the past two decades?
Rachel True
Before “Half and Half,” Rachel True starred in the cult hit “The Craft” along with “Nowhere” and “Half Baked” with Dave Chappelle.
Since then, True has landed roles in the following:
- Being Mary Jane
- Better Things
- The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula
- Jungle Alley
In 2017, True became a tarot-card reader in LA’s famous Echo Park.
Essence Atkins
The most high-profile among the main cast, Atkins has starred in TV movies, films, and TV series, including:
- Dance Flick
- A Haunted House 1 & 2
- House
- Marlon
- Are We There Yet?
- Mr. Box Office
Atkins’ latest role is on “First Wives Club” and, like always, she gives an outstanding performance.
Telma Hopkins
Telma Hopkins epitomizes graceful aging: at 73, she still dazzles.
She is an underrated legend who has been in more shows than I list, but you’ve probably seen her in:
- Family Matters
- The Matrix Resurrections
- Family Reunion
- The Casagrandes
- The Young and the Restless
- Lab Rats
- Are We There Yet?
When she’s not paying the bills, Hopkins mentors kids and volunteers for different charities.
Valarie Pettiford
Pettiford has remained active on the silver screen since “Half and Half.”
You’ve seen her in one or more of these shows:
- CSI: Miami
- Bones
- Tyler Perry’s House of Payne
- Treme
- Golden Boy
- True Blood
- The Blacklist
- Being Mary Jane
- Valor
- The Family Business
Since 2018, Pettiford has been among the main cast of “A Discovery of Witches.”
And Pettiford’s leading role in “The Family Business” was a dream come true: the actress had always dreamed of playing a mob wife.
Chico Benymon
After “Half and Half,” Benymon’s most prominent TV role came in “The Haunted Hathaways.”
However, he’s had roles in several TV movies and series:
- The Trap Door
- House Arrest
- Hollywood Heights
- The Thundermans
- Bunk’d
MC Lyte
MC Lyte is a hip-hop pioneer who spearheaded the female rap game in the 80s and 90s.
She was already a big deal when she landed the “Half and Half” role.
MC Lyte might not be as prolific in acting as she is in rapping, but she’s had a few roles since the TV show ended:
- Patti Cake$
- Girls Trip
- Loved to Death
- Bad Hair
- Sylvie’s Love
- Queen of the South
- New York Undercover
The 52-year-old still raps and performs on top of acting, and she nails all of them.
“Half and Half”: A Sitcom With A Legendary Cast
The TV show’s cast has continued acting with varying degrees of consistency.
However, many of them have acted together in different shows and movies.
We appreciate the laughs they gave us in “Half & Half.”
