MovieWise

Unfiltered reviews. Cinematic depth.

Mode
S. Epatha Merkerson Biography and Full Filmography - MovieWise

Quick Facts

Born:
1952-11-28

Birthplace:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA

Credits:
67 Total Roles

S. Epatha Merkerson

Acting

The MovieWise Take

Refining cinematic analysis...

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.

Known For

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

Cinema in your inbox.

Weekly deep-dives and cinematic perspectives delivered to you.

By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.