S. Epatha Merkerson was born on November 28th, 1952

Written by: Emily Carter

S. Epatha Merkerson: The Iconic Actress of Stage and Screen

S. Epatha Merkerson is a renowned American actress, best known for her portrayal of NYPD Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the NBC police procedural drama series Law & Order, a role she played from 1993 to 2010, appearing in 388 episodes of the series. She is also recognizable as Reba the Mail Lady on Pee-wee's Playhouse and Sharon Goodwin in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med, a role she has played since the series premiered in 2015.

Early Life and Education

Merkerson was born Sharon Epatha Merkerson on November 28, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, and raised in Detroit. She is the youngest of five children raised by her mother, Ann, who worked for the post office. Merkerson graduated from Cooley High School in 1970 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre at Wayne State University in 1976. She then went on to obtain her master's degree in fine arts from New York University in 1978.

Career Highlights

• In 1978, she moved to New York City and made her television debut as Reba the Mail Lady on Pee-wee's Playhouse.
• Merkerson has also appeared on The Cosby Show, among other series.
• She first appeared in the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order in 1991 and went on to play the role of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for 17 seasons.
• In 2015, she began playing the role of Sharon Goodwin in the NBC medical drama Chicago Med, a role she continues to play to this day.

Awards and Honors

• Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Law & Order (2005)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series - Drama for her role in Law & Order (2006)
• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role in Law & Order (2006)
• Four NAACP Image Awards for her role in Law & Order (1996, 1997, 1998, 2006)
• Two Obie Awards for her work on stage
• Two Tony Award nominations for her work on stage

Personal Milestones and Philanthropy

Merkerson has been recognized for her contributions to the arts and her community, including being made an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Wayne State University in 2009, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2012, Montclair State University in 2013, and the University of Pittsburgh in 2017.

In addition to her acting career, Merkerson has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes.

Legacy

S. Epatha Merkerson's impressive career has left a lasting impact on the world of television and theatre. With a career spanning over four decades, she has proven herself to be a talented and dedicated actress, earning her numerous awards and accolades along the way. Her commitment to her craft and her community has made her a role model for aspiring actors and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Through her iconic roles and her tireless work, Merkerson has cemented her place as one of the most respected and recognizable actresses of our time, inspiring generations to come.