S. Epatha Merkerson
Biography
S. Epatha Merkerson is an American actress born on November 28, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, USA. She is known for her work in film, stage, and television. Merkerson has appeared in 67 known credits. She is best known for her long-running role as NYPD Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the NBC police procedural drama series Law & Order, in which she appeared in 390 episodes. Merkerson also stars as Sharon Goodwin on NBC's Chicago Med and has had recurring roles in other television series, including Pee-wee's Playhouse and Here and Now.
Career overview
S. Epatha Merkerson is an American actress known for her work in film, stage, and television. She has appeared in numerous projects throughout her career, with a notable role in the long-running NBC police procedural drama series Law & Order. Merkerson played a starring role in the series, which aired from 1993 to 2010, and also appeared in the Law & Order TV movie Exiled. She holds the record for the most episodes played by any cast member in the series, with a total of 390 episodes.
In addition to her work on Law & Order, Merkerson has had starring roles in other television series, including Chicago Med. She has also made recurring appearances in various TV shows, such as Pee-wee's Playhouse and Here and Now. Merkerson's extensive experience in the entertainment industry has earned her recognition and accolades, although specific details of her awards and nominations are not provided in available sources.
Merkerson's acting career spans multiple genres and formats, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. With a total of 67 known credits, she has established herself as a talented and accomplished actress in the industry.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
68 titles- Eye for an Eye (2025) as May
- We Grown Now (2024) as Anita
- Poker Face (2023) as Joyce Carter
- Desmond's Not Here Anymore (2021) as Selma
- Barbecue (2020) as Lillie Anne
- Blood Sugar Rising (2020) as Narrator (voice)
- The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America (2020) as Belize
- Year by the Sea (2016) as Liz
- You Can Go (2016) as Mrs. Bryant
- Chicago Med (2015) as Sharon Goodwin
- The Challenger (2015) as Jada
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self
- Chicago P.D. (2014) as Sharon Goodwin
- The Gabby Douglas Story (2014) as Miss Caroline
- Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee (2014) as Self
- Peeples (2013) as Daphne Peeples
- The Contradictions of Fair Hope (2013) Director
- Chicago Fire (2012) as Sharon Goodwin
- Finding Your Roots (2012) as Self
- Lincoln (2012) as Lydia Smith
- We Heard the Bells: The Influenza of 1918 (2010) as Narrator (voice)
- The Good Wife (2009) as Judge Melanie Ellis
- Mother and Child (2009) as Ada
- The Six Wives of Henry Lefay (2009) as Effa
- Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun (2008) as Narrator (voice)
- Slipstream (2007) as Bonnie
- Girl, Positive (2007) as Ariel Winters
- Rachael Ray (2006) as Self
- Black Snake Moan (2006) as Angela
- The Best of The Tony Awards: The Plays (2006) as Berniece (segment "The Piano Lesson")
- The Closer (2005) as Dr. Rebecca Dioli
- Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005) as Anita Van Buren
- Lackawanna Blues (2005) as Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby
- Jersey Girl (2004) as Doctor #1
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003) as Self
- Radio (2003) as Maggie
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001) as Anita Van Buren
- The Rising Place (2001) as Lessie Watson
- Random Hearts (1999) as Nea
- Paul Robeson: Here I Stand (1999) as Eslanda Robeson (voice)
- Exiled (1998) as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren
- An Unexpected Life (1998) as Beverly Hawkins
- The View (1997) as Self
- After the SIlence (1996) as Barbara
- A Mother's Prayer (1995) as Ruby
- A Place for Annie (1994) as Alice
- Frasier (1993) as Dr. McCaskill
- It's Nothing Personal (1993) as Louise Waters
- Here and Now (1992) as Claudia St. Marth
- Mann & Machine (1992) as Capt. Margaret Claghorn
- Second Chances (1992) as Ruth Clayton
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) as Tarissa Dyson
- Law & Order (1990) as Denise Winters
- Law & Order (1990) as Anita Van Buren
- Jacob's Ladder (1990) as Elsa
- Navy Seals (1990) as Jolena
- Moe's World (1990)
- Loose Cannons (1990) as Rachel
- LIVE with Kelly and Mark (1988) as Self - Guest
- Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988) as Reba
- Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986) as Reba
- She's Gotta Have It (1986) as Doctor Jamison
- The Cosby Show (1984) as Elena
- Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Nominee
- Today (1952) as Self
- The Emmy Awards (1949) as Self
- After All
- Sexual Healing as Alberta Gay
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is S. Epatha Merkerson best known for?
S. Epatha Merkerson is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Poker Face (2023), Chicago Med (2015), The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014), Chicago P.D. (2014).
When and where was S. Epatha Merkerson born?
S. Epatha Merkerson was born on November 28, 1952 in Saginaw, Michigan, USA.
How many credits does S. Epatha Merkerson have?
S. Epatha Merkerson has accumulated over 68 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1949 to 2025.
What is S. Epatha Merkerson's background in cinema and television?
S. Epatha Merkerson is an American actress born on November 28, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, USA. She is known for her work in film, stage, and television. Merkerson has appeared in 67 known credits. She is best known for her long-running role as NYPD Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the NBC police procedural drama series ...