Underappreciated Actress of Color #17: Essence Atkins

Can't talk True without talkin' Essence; the two did a show together, after all.  Essence Uhura Atkins (yes, that is her middle name, y'all) is the beautiful, sassy New Yorker who's been working Hollywood since childhood, and has being written out to show for it.

Essence is one of those good-looking, hard-working actresses who's been in a whole lotta shows, but not enough films.  I see her as a comedy diva, but I also see her as someone with great dramatic potential, capable of heading a big-budget film.

So...this hasn't happened why?