S. Epatha Merkerson
Acting
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
Acting66
tvPoker Face
2023
Joyce Carter
movieBarbecue
2020
Lillie Anne
movieBlood Sugar Rising
2020
Narrator (voice)
movieYou Can Go
2016
Mrs. Bryant
tvChicago Med
2015
Sharon Goodwin
movieThe Gabby Douglas Story
2014
Miss Caroline
tvChicago P.D.
2014
Sharon Goodwin
moviePeeples
2013
Daphne Peeples
movieLincoln
2012
Lydia Smith
tvChicago Fire
2012
Sharon Goodwin
movieWe Heard the Bells: The Influenza of 1918
2010
Narrator (voice)
tvThe Good Wife
2009
Judge Melanie Ellis
movieZora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun
2008
Narrator (voice)
movieGirl, Positive
2007
Ariel Winters
movieSlipstream
2007
Bonnie
movieThe Best of The Tony Awards: The Plays
2006
Berniece (segment "The Piano Lesson")
tvThe Closer
2005
Dr. Rebecca Dioli
tvLaw & Order: Trial by Jury
2005
Anita Van Buren
movieLackawanna Blues
2005
Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby
movieJersey Girl
2004
Doctor #1
movieRadio
2003
Maggie
tvLaw & Order: Criminal Intent
2001
Anita Van Buren
movieThe Rising Place
2001
Lessie Watson
moviePaul Robeson: Here I Stand
1999
Eslanda Robeson (voice)
movieExiled
1998
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren
movieAn Unexpected Life
1998
Beverly Hawkins
tvThe View
1997
Self
movieAfter the SIlence
1996
Barbara
tvFrasier
1993
Dr. McCaskill
movieIt's Nothing Personal
1993
Louise Waters
tvHere and Now
1992
Claudia St. Marth
tvMann & Machine
1992
Capt. Margaret Claghorn
Second Chances
1992
Ruth Clayton
movieTerminator 2: Judgment Day
1991
Tarissa Dyson
tvLaw & Order
1990
Anita Van Buren / Denise Winters
movieNavy Seals
1990
Jolena
movieLoose Cannons
1990
Rachel
tvLIVE with Kelly and Mark
1988
Self - Guest
movieShe's Gotta Have It
1986
Doctor Jamison
tvThe Cosby Show
1984
Elena
tvTony Awards
1956
Self - Nominee
tvToday
1952
Self
Sexual Healing
Alberta Gay
