Quick Facts
Born:
1952-11-28
Birthplace:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Credits:
67 Total Roles
S. Epatha Merkerson
Acting
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Biography
S. Epatha Merkerson (born Sharon Epatha Merkerson) is an American film, stage, and television actress. She has won a Golden Globe, Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, Obie Award, 4 NAACP Image Awards, and 2 Tony Award nominations.
She is best known for her role as NYPD Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (1993–2010) on the long-running NBC police procedural drama series Law & Order, as well as the Law & Order TV movie Exiled. She appeared in 390 episodes of the series, more than any other cast member.
She has a starring role as Sharon Goodwin on NBC's Chicago Med. She also had a recurring role as Reba (the mail carrier) on Pee-wee's Playhouse, and Ms. St. Marth on the TV series Here and Now.
She has appeared in feature films including She's Gotta Have It, Loose Cannons, Jacob's Ladder, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Random Hearts, Radio, Black Snake Moan, Lincoln (2012), and Peeples. She has also appeared in TV movies including A Place for Annie, A Mother's Prayer, Breaking Through, Lackawanna Blues, and The Gabby Douglas Story.
She is best known for her role as NYPD Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (1993–2010) on the long-running NBC police procedural drama series Law & Order, as well as the Law & Order TV movie Exiled. She appeared in 390 episodes of the series, more than any other cast member.
She has a starring role as Sharon Goodwin on NBC's Chicago Med. She also had a recurring role as Reba (the mail carrier) on Pee-wee's Playhouse, and Ms. St. Marth on the TV series Here and Now.
She has appeared in feature films including She's Gotta Have It, Loose Cannons, Jacob's Ladder, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Random Hearts, Radio, Black Snake Moan, Lincoln (2012), and Peeples. She has also appeared in TV movies including A Place for Annie, A Mother's Prayer, Breaking Through, Lackawanna Blues, and The Gabby Douglas Story.
Known For
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Tarissa Dyson
Lincoln
Lydia Smith
Chicago P.D.
Sharon Goodwin
Chicago Fire
Sharon Goodwin
Jacob's Ladder
Elsa
Chicago Med
Sharon Goodwin
Jersey Girl
Doctor #1
Black Snake Moan
Angela
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Eye for an Eye MOVIE | May |
| 2024 | We Grown Now MOVIE | Anita |
| 2023 | Poker Face TV | Joyce Carter |
| 2021 | Desmond's Not Here Anymore MOVIE | Selma |
| 2020 | Barbecue MOVIE | Lillie Anne |
| 2020 | The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America MOVIE | Belize |
| 2020 | Blood Sugar Rising MOVIE | Narrator (voice) |
| 2016 | You Can Go MOVIE | Mrs. Bryant |
| 2016 | Year by the Sea MOVIE | Liz |
| 2015 | Chicago Med TV | Sharon Goodwin |