What Happened to S. Epatha Merkerson?
S. Epatha Merkerson is an acclaimed American actress known for her extensive work in theater, film, and television. She gained widespread recognition for her 17-season portrayal of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on NBC's 'Law & Order' and currently stars as Sharon Goodwin in the 'Chicago Med' series. Merkerson has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, and continues to be an active and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Quick Answer
S. Epatha Merkerson is currently starring as Sharon Goodwin, Chief of Patient and Medical Services, in the NBC medical drama 'Chicago Med,' a role she has held since 2015. In May 2026, she signed a new deal to continue with the series for its upcoming season, extending her remarkable tenure within Dick Wolf's television universe to 29 seasons and over 610 episodes across 'Law & Order' and 'Chicago Med'. She also recently received the 'On Her Shoulders Preservation Award' in March 2026 and was featured in *IMPACT Mag* in August 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Saginaw, Michigan
Sharon Epatha Merkerson was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and later raised in Detroit.
Graduates from Wayne State University
Merkerson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre from Wayne State University.
Television Debut on 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' and Film Debut in 'She's Gotta Have It'
She began her television career as Reba the Mail Lady on 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' and made her film debut in Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It'.
Tony Award Nomination for 'The Piano Lesson'
Merkerson received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Berniece in August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson' on Broadway.
Joins 'Law & Order' as Lt. Anita Van Buren
S. Epatha Merkerson joined the main cast of 'Law & Order' as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, a role she would play for 17 seasons.
Wins Emmy Award for 'Lackawanna Blues'
Merkerson won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her performance as Nanny in the HBO film 'Lackawanna Blues'.
Wins Golden Globe and SAG Awards for 'Lackawanna Blues'
Following her Emmy win, she also received a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in 'Lackawanna Blues'.
Departs 'Law & Order'
Merkerson's final appearance as Lt. Anita Van Buren coincided with the series finale of the original 'Law & Order' after 17 seasons.
Joins 'Chicago Med' as Sharon Goodwin
She began her role as Sharon Goodwin, Chief of Patient and Medical Services, in the NBC medical drama 'Chicago Med', a role she continues to play.
Receives 'On Her Shoulders Preservation Award'
Merkerson was honored with the 'On Her Shoulders Preservation Award' by the Black Women Film Network at their annual summit in Atlanta.
Signs New Contract for 'Chicago Med'
S. Epatha Merkerson finalized a new deal to return as Sharon Goodwin for the upcoming season of 'Chicago Med', extending her tenure in the Dick Wolf universe.
Discusses 'Law & Order' Hair Concerns in Interview
In an interview, Merkerson recalled that NBC executives initially had concerns about her afro hairstyle before she was cast as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on 'Law & Order'.
Featured in IMPACT Mag
S. Epatha Merkerson was featured in IMPACT Mag, highlighted as '#TheBigIcon⭐️'.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
S. Epatha Merkerson, born Sharon Epatha Merkerson on November 28, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, has built a distinguished career spanning over four decades in theater, film, and television. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wayne State University in 1976, she moved to New York City in 1978 to pursue acting, initially finding success in Off-Broadway productions.
Her early television roles included Reba the Mail Lady on 'Pee-wee's Playhouse' from 1986 to 1989 and a small but memorable part in Spike Lee's 1986 film 'She's Gotta Have It'. Merkerson's stage career flourished, earning her a Tony Award nomination for her performance in August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson' in 1990. A pivotal moment in her career came in 1993 when she joined the cast of NBC's 'Law & Order' as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren. She remained with the show for 17 seasons, appearing in 395 episodes, making her the longest-running Black female character in primetime television history at the time. Her casting on 'Law & Order' famously involved initial network hesitation regarding her afro hairstyle, which producer Dick Wolf ultimately championed.
Beyond 'Law & Order,' Merkerson garnered significant critical acclaim for her role as Nanny in the 2005 HBO film 'Lackawanna Blues,' for which she won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. After 'Law & Order' concluded in 2010, Merkerson continued her diverse acting work, including hosting the reality-reenactment series 'Find Our Missing' in 2012 and appearing in Steven Spielberg's 2012 film 'Lincoln'.
In 2015, Merkerson joined another Dick Wolf production, 'Chicago Med,' as Sharon Goodwin, the Chief of Patient and Medical Services. This role has further solidified her status as a television veteran, and she has appeared in crossover episodes across the 'One Chicago' franchise ('Chicago Fire' and 'Chicago P.D.'). As of August 2026, Merkerson remains a central figure on 'Chicago Med.' In May 2026, she, along with Oliver Platt, signed new deals to return for the upcoming season, marking her 12th season on 'Chicago Med' and an astounding 29 seasons and over 610 episodes within the Dick Wolf universe. In March 2026, she was honored with the 'On Her Shoulders Preservation Award' by the Black Women Film Network in Atlanta, acknowledging her impactful contributions to the arts. Merkerson continues to express her passion for acting, stating in March 2026, "As long as I can work, I will."
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if S. Epatha Merkerson made different choices?