S Epatha Merkerson will celebrate 71rd birthday on a Tuesday 28th of November 2023. I am also over 65, so I've made masks for us, and since the . ", Law Order Oliver Platt and S. Epatha Merkerson Talk All Things Med | NBC's Chicago Med. She has won numerous Image Awards from the NAACP and multiple Screen Actors Guild awards over the years for her role in "Law & Order." Below we countdown to S Epatha Merkerson upcoming birthday. For 16 years, Merkerson would play Anita Van Buren, deciding to leave her role mid-season when Merkerson realized her contract was up and the storyline of her character having cancer seemed like a good time to leave the show. Birdie Blue 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. The seventh season of Chicago Med begins with Goodwin joining hands with Dr. Will Halstead to investigate Dr. Matt Cooper and the Vas-COM machinery he and other doctors use to treat the patients. but never the main stage. My dad said he had a teacher named Epatha who was influential in keeping him in school. In Season 5, Episode 5, Merkerson learned of her family history when professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. explained some of her ancestors were part of a group of enslaved people who the Jesuits owned. In 2012 Merkerson spoke with HuffPost about the documentary saying, "We took the story back to the beginning of the creation of the Benevolent Society, and we come all the way to now to show the way this organization has morphed from what it originally was to what it is now." When Epatha was a small child, she lived in what she described as a multicultural neighborhood. Black Snake Moan The action you just performed triggered the security solution. S. Epatha Merkerson shared her Black memorabilia collection during a special celebrity Antiques Roadshow on Monday. Jet become. The city's police force was largely white, and A Mother's Prayer writer Sharon D. Johnson. balances, " she recalled when discussing the She dealt with a myriad of personal issues and yet she managed to stay on top of her job (for the most part) and help those around her. It's time to . "One of them pointed a gun at the back of my head.". Wolf cast , 1990; The actress has also worked with CancerCare and the American Lung Association, advocating for people to quit smoking. For more information and news on your favorite stars, stay connected to Glamour Fame. "As she has proven on both Law & Order and Chicago Med, she is capable of projecting strength and empathy at the same . According to Celebrity Net Worth, her net worth of 2021 is estimated to be $11 million. S Epatha Merkersons zodiac sign is Sagittarius. , August 13, 2001, p. 93. For that, she was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Play. . There was attention paid to why he was leaving, and we even got a cameo during the Severide and Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) wedding. "All elements were in the neighborhood, but there were checks and Actress: Law & Order. Van Buren was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the season, and since Merkerson had said she was leaving the show after 17 years, there had been considerable speculation about what would happen . "Van Buren is a hell of a character. Merkerson played Rachel "Nanny" Crosby, the It's time to move on. "I noticed that there's been this dialogue, especially on the black radio stations, about the dearth of information on people of color who are missing on a national scale,"Merkerson added. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. S. Epatha Merkerson is an American actress best known for her role in NBC's "Law & Order" as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren and her more recent role as Sharon Goodwin on "Chicago Med," "Chicago Fire," and "Chicago P.D.". Moreover, her significant roles made S. Epatha win many accolades, brand deals, commercials, and many more. television. The web site says:"Since 2006," [that the ] DeShawn Snow Foundation was giving adolescent girls with very . Despite her Mann Machine In 1999, she won the Helen Hayes Award for her lead role in It has great integrity. CHICAGO FIRE Every Scar Tells a Story Episode 1102 Pictured: Jimmy Nicholas as Chief Hawkins (Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC). Merkerson decided to leave the . , for were a serial. " she admitted. But my mother said it was an old girlfriend of his. Awards: A native of Michigan, S. Epatha Merkerson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Wayne State University. Even though the hospital board tries to settle the predicament by firing Cooper, Goodwin informs the FBI about the scandal and the authorities arrest him. S. Epatha Merkerson has been a guest on the PBS series "Finding Your Roots" not once but twice. Her first appearance on television was a guest-starring role on an episode of The Cosby Show (1984). an all-black suburb of Buffalo, New York, during the 1950s, and featured a But Merkerson learned more about these ancestors. Hear more from actress S. Epatha Merkerson about what she learned during her time on the PBS series Finding Your Roots about her family's painful history and. S.Epatha Merkerson is a numerous award-winning actress who is known for her works in the entertainment industry. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. She has won a Golden Globe, an Emmy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, an Obie Award and four NAACP Image Awards. A native of Michigan, S. Epatha Merkerson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Wayne State University. , June 10, 1998, p. E8. Broadway production of playwright August Wilson's Pulitzer In an interview with the Television Academy, Merkerson said this job was "probably the worst job I've ever had," but later shared that the highlight of this experience had been traveling to Rome and Israel with the theater troupe to perform. Merkerson, who won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for her performance in the 2005 HBO film Lackawanna Blues, said she's next producing and directing a documentary. Lackawanna Blues No such luck. "The thing about Lt. Van Buren is that "Epatha has been employed by me continuously since 1993, when she joined the cast of Law & Order fulltime," Wolf says. appeared in early 2006, she had recently acquired the rights to a 2004 In 2007, she starred as Lola Delaney in the Los Angeles stage production of William Inge's Come Back, Little Sheba. typecast as an African American and generally not expecting much.". S. Epatha Merkerson is single as current as of 2021. Merkerson has been a staple of the show since 1993, three years after its launch, and more than a dozen years later her name became the answer to a trivia question: she is the longest-serving African-American . "It's a graceful way to go. But as It's not like I can get in front of a group and talk about a CT scan with real authority, but I can talk to young people about my experience." the larger world. Tossing away the habit took years for the Law & Order actress, who spent a decade trying "everything from the sublime to the ridiculous." [3][4][5] She is the youngest of five children (Linda Merkerson, Debbie Merkerson-Gooch, Barrie Merkerson, and Zephry Merkerson) raised by their mother, Ann, who worked for the post office.[3]. Jones' house. Its still affecting Violet and her day-to-day behavior, and understandably so, as Hawkinss death was so quick and unexpected that it took a while to sink in. theater. Breaking Through in 2004, and in several more made-for-television movies. Arts Degree from Wayne State University. [1] Merkerson graduated from Cooley High School in 1970 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre at Wayne State University in 1976. Van Buren also appeared in the franchise's only movie, Exiled: A Law & Order Movie. S. Epatha Merkerson branched out of acting to produce and direct the 2012 documentary "The Contradictions of Fair Hope" narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. When Merkerson first arrived in New York after graduating college, she found work in Black theater, first in musicals and then as an understudy. proprietor of a boardinghouse. , an interracial drama starring Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, and Her body size is 42 inches, as well. That's what the "S" stands for. State degree in 1975, but instead took a job in Albany, New York, with a Merkerson played Lt. Anita Van Buren on Law & Order for 17 seasons and currently . Entertainment Weekly Their open mind and philosophical view motivates them to wander around the world in search of the meaning of life. Chicago Tribune According to Broadway World, Merkerson took the role of Lola in the revival of "Come Back, Little Sheba" in 2008 and was nominated for a Tony for her portrayal. [6] Her screen credits include Jacob's Ladder, Loose Cannons, She's Gotta Have It, James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day; and Navy Seals. Law Order 75.119.149.119 ", Merkerson, whose character was diagnosed with cancer earlier this season, says she doesn't know yet if Lt. Van Buren will live or die. recalled in an interview with Galina Espinoza for Agent In 2014, Merkerson appeared in the Primary Stages production of While I Yet Live, written by Billy Porter. award for She also began her fourteenth season on white, " she told Revoked. the screen. Nick Gehlfuss as Will Halstead and Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin in the "Those Times You Have Crossed the Line" episode of "Chicago Med" on NBC on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Merkerson did not immediately head for Manhattan once she earned her Wayne Merkerson said, "It was. anti-smoking organization. The Old Settler episodes. The Piano Lesson Powered by WordPress.com VIP. This is the official Facebook Page for actor S. Epatha Merkerson. S. Epatha Merkerson was known all over the world for playing Lieutenant Anita Van Buren in countless seasons of "Law & Orde. Carol "My older brother, Zephry, and I were out driving, and the Scenes from Angels in America. "It's a graceful way to go. New York City from the Maryland home they shared for a number of years, Merkerson says, "I'd never seen anyone die before, and I remember taking her clothes from the hospital and there was a cigarette in her pocket,." one can take your education from you. Random Hearts NOTE: She won the. According to astrologers, Sagittarius is curious and energetic, it is one of the biggest travelers among all zodiac signs. Jacob's Ladder. She is fiercely protective of . According to Biography , Merkerson was born in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan in 1952. In 2015, she joined the cast of NBC medical drama Chicago Med as Sharon Goodwin, Chief of Patient and Medical Services. Brennan. trying to take my spirit. March 20, 1994 - February 14, 2006 (divorced), The Great Work Begins. City to apply her craft on stage. , 2004; Their marriage ended after 12 . , 2003; Later, Maryland Eastern University, Montclair State University, andthe University of Pittsburgh awarded her additional honorary doctorates. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. A former smoker, Merkerson quitted after falling into a 23-year addiction, but her best friend, Yvette Hawkins, never got the chance. These priests owned plantations on which the enslaved people tilled tobacco; proceeds from the sale were used to pay off the debts of the Jesuit-operated Georgetown College (now Georgetown University). Sharon Epatha Merkerson (/ipe/; born November 28, 1952), best known as S. Epatha Merkerson, is an American film, stage, and television actress. She started dating her former husband ( Toussaint Louverture Jones Jr) in 1975. We never thought Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas) was going to become part of the main cast or anything, but he seemed like a character who could be recurring for seasons on end as Violets boyfriend. "You know, 'That's Dr. After graduating from Cooley High School in 1970, S. Epatha Merkerson first went to Eastern Michigan University, where she enrolled as a dance major. She recalled visiting with her family once, and she talked about seeing the lights in Times Square, thinking someday she was going to move to New York too. Lackawanna Blues. breakthrough 1986 film, S. Epatha Merkerson . Time Equal Justice but the marriage ended. Jerome Bernard Orbach (October 20, 1935 - December 28, 2004) was an American actor and singer, described at the time of his death as "one of the last bona fide leading men of the Broadway musical and global celebrity on television" [1] and a "versatile stage and film actor". Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. guaranteed them every week, " she told Kilian in the Merkerson made her television debut as Reba the Mail Lady on Pee-wee's Playhouse. S. Epatha Merkerson was born in 1952 in Saginaw, Michigan. Wayne State University, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Miniseries or Television Film, Gracie Allen Award for Outstanding Female Lead in a Miniseries, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, Prism Award for Performance in a Television Movie or Miniseries, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie, Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead, Satellite Award for Best Actress Miniseries or Television Film, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, "Exclusive: S. Epatha Merkerson exits 'Law & Order', "Closing the Case With Law & Order's S. Epatha Merkerson", "TV One's 'Find Our Missing' highlight African Americans who vanished", "Laurie Holden Cast In NBC's 'Chicago Med', "PBS' Finding Your Roots Shares History of the GU272", The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=S._Epatha_Merkerson&oldid=1137280605, 2002 Regulus Award For her dedication to lung cancer awareness and education, 2006 SunDeis Film Festival at Brandeis University Entertainer of the Year Award, 2006 PRISM Award Performance in a TV-Movie or Miniseries (, 2006 Obie Award Outstanding Performance (, 2006 NAACP Image Award Best Actress in a Made for TV Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special (, 2010 NAACP Image Award Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (, 2011 NAACP Image Award Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (, 2012 Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1990 Helen Hayes Award Best Actress, Non-Resident Play (, 1997 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (, 1998 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (, 1999 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (, 2001 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (, 2006 Vision Award Best Dramatic Performance (, 2006 Drama League Award Distinguished Performance (, 2007 NAACP Image Award Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (, 2008 NAACP Image Award Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (, 2008 NAACP Image Award Nomination Best Actress in a Made for TV Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special (, 2008 Tony Award Nomination Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play (, This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 20:17. Merkerson is also a recipient of the Obie Award for her off-Broadway role in "Birdie Blue.". writer Michael Kilian. Tintypes (Oct 23, 1980 - Jan 11, 1981) Understudy: S. Epatha Merkerson [Performer] MusicalRevue . Pee-wee's Playhouse. screen credit came when a young filmmaker, Spike Lee, cast her in his . She first appeared in the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order in "Mushrooms" (Season 1: Episode 17) as the grief-stricken mother of an 11-month-old boy who is shot accidentally. She launched the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' crusade and numerous CancerCare and the American Lung Association of New York. "That's why people like [her]. On the bright side, Mills is still alive and could theoretically come back for a cameo at some point. Black Issues Book Review student in the program, and though she asserted she received a solid Everyone knows now because some numbskull I went to high school with decided to put it on the Internet. Merkerson in the part of the humorless Lieutenant Anita Van Buren without Photo Source: Huff Post. New York, NY 10019. (movie), 1998; S. Epatha Merkerson (born November 28, 1952) is a film, stage, and television actor.She has received numerous high-profile accolades for her work, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, four NAACP Image Awards, two Obie Awards and two Tony Award nominations. CHICAGO FIRE -- "Every Scar Tells a Story" Episode 1102 -- Pictured: (l-r) Hanako Greensmith as Violet, Jimmy Nicholas as Chief Hawkins -- (Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC). It appears she's not interested in engaging in marital life soon. You don't make a lot of noise there. Among its lengthy roster of cast members over the years, she During an interview with the Television Academy, the celeb discussed the difficulty she had being cast during her years as a theater major because casting was not colorblind in universities during the '70s. "Not Apr 26, 2022. 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