S. Epatha Merkerson - Actor Profile

S. Epatha Merkerson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 18, 2026
44Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 28, 1952
Birth Place: Saginaw, Michigan, USA

About S. Epatha Merkerson

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.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of S. Epatha Merkerson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 44 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of S. Epatha Merkerson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), S. Epatha Merkerson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best S. Epatha Merkerson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from S. Epatha Merkerson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of S. Epatha Merkerson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Eye for an Eye May Average Similar →
2024 We Grown Now Anita Hit Similar →
2021 Desmond's Not Here Anymore Selma Flop Similar →
2020 Barbecue Lillie Anne Flop Similar →
2020 The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America Belize Super Hit Similar →
2020 Blood Sugar Rising Narrator (voice) Flop Similar →
2016 You Can Go Mrs. Bryant Flop Similar →
2016 Year by the Sea Liz Super Hit Similar →
2015 The Challenger Jada Average Similar →
2014 Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee Self Flop Similar →
2014 The Gabby Douglas Story Miss Caroline Hit Similar →
2013 Peeples Daphne Peeples Average Similar →
2012 Lincoln Lydia Smith Hit Similar →
2010 We Heard the Bells: The Influenza of 1918 Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
2009 Mother and Child Ada Hit Similar →
2009 The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Effa Flop Similar →
2008 Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun Narrator (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2007 Girl, Positive Ariel Winters Average Similar →
2007 Slipstream Bonnie Flop Similar →
2006 Black Snake Moan Angela Hit Similar →
2006 The Best of The Tony Awards: The Plays Berniece (segment "The Piano Lesson") Flop Similar →
2005 Lackawanna Blues Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby Average Similar →
2004 Jersey Girl Doctor #1 Average Similar →
2003 Radio Maggie Hit Similar →
2001 The Rising Place Lessie Watson Average Similar →
1999 Random Hearts Nea Average Similar →
1999 Law and Order: Justice Anita Van Buren Flop Similar →
1999 Paul Robeson: Here I Stand Eslanda Robeson (voice) Flop Similar →
1998 Exiled Lieutenant Anita Van Buren Average Similar →
1998 An Unexpected Life Beverly Hawkins Flop Similar →
1996 After the SIlence Barbara Hit Similar →
1995 A Mother's Prayer Ruby Super Hit Similar →
1994 A Place for Annie Alice Average Similar →
1993 It's Nothing Personal Louise Waters Flop Similar →
1992 Second Chances Ruth Clayton Flop Similar →
1991 Terminator 2: Judgment Day Tarissa Dyson Super Hit Similar →
1990 Jacob's Ladder Elsa Hit Similar →
1990 Navy Seals Jolena Flop Similar →
1990 Moe's World - Flop Similar →
1990 Loose Cannons Rachel Flop Similar →
1988 Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special Reba Hit Similar →
1986 She's Gotta Have It Doctor Jamison Hit Similar →
N/A Sexual Healing Alberta Gay Flop Similar →
N/A After All - Flop Similar →

S. Epatha Merkerson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of S. Epatha Merkerson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring S. Epatha Merkerson is "The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has S. Epatha Merkerson acted in?

S. Epatha Merkerson has been featured in at least 44 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by S. Epatha Merkerson?

Other notable films include "A Mother's Prayer", "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", and "Year by the Sea".