The “Half & Half” cast included Rachel True, Essence Atkins and Telma Hopkins, who played Mona Thorne, Dee Dee Thorne and Phyllis Thorne, respectively. The sitcom debuted in 2002 on the United Paramount Network (UPN). Since the show ended in 2006, the three actresses have continued to build careers in film and television, taking on a variety of roles beyond their characters in the series.
The Half & Half show followed two half-sisters who shared a father but had very different personalities and upbringings. Mona grew up with her mother, Phyllis, while Dee Dee grew up in a wealthy household with her mother. Their different backgrounds often caused tension between them, but as adults, they lived in the same San Francisco apartment building and gradually developed a closer relationship.
With 91 episodes across four seasons, “Half & Half” ended in 2006. Fans interested in what happened to the three actresses after the sitcom can look at their work in film and television to see how their careers developed.
Rachel True as Mona Thorne
Rachel True played Mona Thorne, one of the two half-sisters. Raised by Phyllis, Mona had a more independent personality than Dee Dee. Their different backgrounds often caused conflict, but their relationship grew stronger throughout the series.
Before taking on the role of Mona in “Half & Half,” True had already built a career in film and television. Her earlier credits include “The Cosby Show,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The Craft”, and “Half Baked.” After “Half & Half,” True continued appearing in film and television. Her credits include “Being Mary Jane,” “Better Things,” “Family Reunion”, and “Harlem.” She also appeared in the films “The Manor” and “Agnes.”
True returned to the “Half Baked” franchise in “Half Baked: Totally High,” a 2024 sequel in which she reprised her role as Mary Jane. True has continued to work across different genres, adding to a career that began years before she played Mona.
Essence Atkins as Dee Dee Thorne
Essence Atkins played Dee Dee Thorne, Mona’s younger half-sister. Dee Dee grew up in a wealthy family and initially appeared more materialistic and privileged than Mona. Their contrasting personalities created tension between the sisters, but Dee Dee matured throughout the series and developed a stronger bond with Mona.
Before “Half & Half,” Atkins had already appeared in “The Cosby Show,” “Family Matters” and “Smart Guy.” She also had a recurring role as Piper Davis on “Moesha.” After “Half & Half,” Atkins continued working in television and film. Her film credits include “A Haunted House,” “A Haunted House 2” and “Dance Flick.” She also starred in “Are We There Yet?” from 2010 to 2013 and later appeared in the sitcom “Marlon.”
Atkins continued taking on television roles in projects such as “The Company You Keep,” “Family Reunion” and “Poppa’s House.” She played Dr. Ivy Reed in “Poppa’s House,” which aired on CBS during the 2024-25 television season. Although Dee Dee remains one of Atkins’ most recognizable roles, her work after “Half & Half” has included both comedy and drama.
Telma Hopkins as Phyllis Thorne
Telma Hopkins played Phyllis Thorne, Mona’s mother, in “Half & Half.” Before joining the sitcom, Hopkins had already established herself as a television actress. She was known for playing Rachel Crawford on “Family Matters” and had also starred in “Bosom Buddies” and “Gimme a Break!”
Phyllis was an overprotective mother who often tried to guide Mona and make decisions for her. Her relationship with Mona became another important part of the series. Hopkins continued her television career after “Half & Half.” She reunited with Atkins in the TBS sitcom “Are We There Yet?” and later appeared in projects including “2 Broke Girls,” “Dead to Me” and “Family Reunion.” She also voiced the animated series “The Casagrandes.”
In film, Hopkins played Freya in “The Matrix Resurrections” in 2021. She later appeared in “Brewster’s Millions: Christmas” in 2024 as Aunty Brewster. Hopkins also starred in the 2025 series “Clean Slate,” continuing a career that has spanned television, film and voice acting.
Where is the “Half & Half” cast now?
Rachel True, Essence Atkins and Telma Hopkins have each continued working since “Half & Half” ended in 2006. True has remained active in film and television, adding a variety of roles to a career that began years before the sitcom.
Atkins has continued working extensively in television and film, with sitcoms and comedy projects making up a notable part of her career. Hopkins has likewise maintained a long-running career across television, film and voice acting. Although their careers have taken different paths, all three actresses have remained active in the entertainment industry. For fans who remember “Half & Half,” their work after the sitcom offers a look at how the stars of the Thorne family continued beyond their memorable roles on the show.
