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S. Epatha Merkerson

Nov 28, 1952 (72 years old) in Saginaw, Michigan, USA

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

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Law & Order
Anita Van Buren
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Chicago P.D.
Sharon Goodwin
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Frasier
Dr. McCaskill
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Chicago Fire
Sharon Goodwin
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Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren
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The Cosby Show
Elena
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The Good Wife
Judge Melanie Ellis
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Chicago Med
Sharon Goodwin
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The Closer
Dr. Rebecca Dioli
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Tony Awards
Self - Nominee

Credits

Images

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