Denise Burse-Mickelbury (born January 13, 1952) is an American actress, best known for her role as Claretha Jenkins in the television series Tyler Perry's House of Payne.
An African-American native of Atlanta, Burse received professional training at the Just Us Theatre, The Alliance Theatre and The Atlanta Children's Theater. She has numerous television credits such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Burse has also appeared in various stage productions such as An American Daughter, Harriet’s Return, Ground People, Pearl Cleage's Flyin' West, and Radio Golf. In 2016, she appeared in "San Junipero", an episode of the anthology series Black Mirror.
Known For
Doc
Ruby · (1 episode)
2025
The Wrath of Becky
Elena
2023
Vacation Friends
Grandma Phyllis
2021
New Amsterdam
Marlene · (1 episode)
2018
Manifest
Estelle Vance · (1 episode)
2018
Manifest
Estelle Vance (uncredited) · (1 episode)
2018
Greenleaf
Ethlin Satterlee · (1 episode)
2016
Black Mirror
Elder Kelly · (1 episode)
2011
Peace, Love & Misunderstanding
Angel
2011
Tyler Perry's House of Payne
Claretha Jenkins · (202 episodes)
2007
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Sarah Edgars · (1 episode)
2001
Third Watch
Brigette · (1 episode)
1999
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Counselor Scheider · (1 episode)
1999
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Pamela Tatum · (1 episode)
1999
Basquiat
Mary on TV
1996
New York Undercover
Mrs. Reyes · (1 episode)
1994
Law & Order
Sarah Chase · (1 episode)
1990
Law & Order
ER Nurse #2 · (1 episode)
1990
The Boy King
Bunch
1986