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.
Media of
S. Epatha Merkerson
Photos (21)
Filmography of
S. Epatha Merkerson
May
... 2025
Anita
... 2024
... 2021
Lillie Anne
... 2020
... 2020
Narrator (voice)
... 2020
Mrs. Bryant
... 2016
Liz
... 2016
Jada
... 2015
... 2014
Miss Caroline
... 2014
Daphne Peeples
... 2013
Lydia Smith
... 2012
Narrator (voice)
... 2010
Ada
... 2009
... 2009
Narrator (voice)
... 2008
Ariel Winters
... 2007
Bonnie
... 2007
Angela
... 2006
Berniece (segment "The Piano Lesson")
... 2006
Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby
... 2005
Doctor #1
... 2004
Maggie
... 2003
Lessie Watson
... 2001
Nea
... 1999
Eslanda Robeson (voice)
... 1999
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren
... 1998
Beverly Hawkins
... 1998
Barbara
... 1996
Ruby
... 1995
Alice
... 1994
Louise Waters
... 1993
Ruth Clayton
... 1992
Tarissa Dyson
... 1991
Elsa
... 1990
Jolena
... 1990
... 1990
Rachel
... 1990
... 1988
Doctor Jamison
... 1986
Alberta Gay