| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | S. Epatha Merkerson |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1952 |
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 72 years old |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Teacher, TV Presenter, and Stage Actor |
| Height | 5 Feet 6 Inch Tall |
| Weight | 79. 67 Kilograms |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband/Boyfriend | Toussaint Jones Jr |
| Education | Wayne State University |
| Net Worth | $12 Million |
| Zodiac Sign |
Sagittarius
|
Note: Facts checked and updated on July 11, 2024.
Short Bio of S. Epatha Merkerson
S. Epatha Merkerson, born on November 28, 1952, is a distinguished American actress known for her roles in movies, stage, and television. Over the years, she has earned numerous prestigious awards such as an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with four NAACP Image Awards, two Obie Awards, and two Tony nominations.
In 2012, she took on the role of host for the TV One reality-reenactment series Find Our Missing, which focuses on locating missing persons of color. To explore more about her career and S. Epatha Merkerson’s net worth, you can look up her contributions to the arts and her various roles in the entertainment industry.
Early Life of S. Epatha Merkerson
Sharon Epatha Merkerson was born on November 28, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, and later raised in, Detroit. She was the youngeZephyrng her siblings Linda, Debbie, Barrie, and Zephry. The family was nurtured by their mother Ann, who worked at the post office. Growing up in a supportive environment, Merkerson developed an early interest in the performing arts, which would shape her future career.
What is the Education of S. Epatha Merkerson?
Merkerson’s formal education in acting began after she graduated from Cooley High School in 1970. She attended Wayne State University, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre in 1976. To further hone her skills, she pursued and obtained a Master of Fine Arts from New York University in 1978.
Her rigorous academic training laid a strong foundation for her career, significantly contributing to S. Epatha Merkerson’s net worth of $12 million as she made strides in the world of acting.
The Career of S. Epatha Merkerson
S. Epatha Merkerson started her television career in 1986 as Reba the Mail Lady on CBS’s Pee-wee’s Playhouse, staying with the show until 1989. Following this, she made her debut on Law & Order as a devastated mother in a tragic episode and appeared in the pilot of Equal Justice. In 1992, she played leading roles in the short-lived series Mann & Machine, a sci-fi police drama, and the sitcom Here and Now.
Merkerson’s significant breakthrough came in 1993 when she joined the cast of Law & Order during its fourth season, taking over from Dann Florek as the head of the detective squad. She portrayed Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for 17 seasons until the series concluded in 2010. Her outstanding performance brought her several nominations and three NAACP Image Awards.
Alongside Law & Order, Merkerson worked on other projects in the 1990s, including the TV movies A Place for Annie and A Mother’s Prayer. In 2005, she delivered a highly praised performance in HBO’s Lackawanna Blues, winning multiple awards such as a Golden Globe, an Emmy, a SAG Award, and an NAACP Image Award. She later appeared in The Closer and the Lifetime movie Girl, Positive.
In 2015, Merkerson began portraying Sharon Goodwin on NBC’s Chicago Med and has also appeared in related series Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. This role marked another significant chapter in her enduring acting career.
Impactful Film Career of S. Epatha Merkerson
S. Epatha Merkerson made her film debut in 1986 with Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, the same year she started her television career. It took four years before she returned to the movie scene, appearing in 1990 in three different movies: the action comedy Loose Cannons, the psychological horror Jacob’s Ladder, and the military action movie Navy SEALS. She also had a notable role as Tarissa Dyson in the hit sequel Terminator 2: Judgment Day directed by James Cameron.
In the early 2000s, Merkerson took on supporting roles in Movies such as The Rising Place, Radio, and Jersey Girl. Her film career continued with roles in Black Snake Moan, Slipstream, The Six Wives of Henry Lefay, and Mother and Child.
In 2012, she played Lydia Smith, a housekeeper in Steven Spielberg’s award-winning movie Lincoln The following year, she appeared as the mother of Kerry Washington’s character in the romantic comedy Peeples.
Other notable roles include her performances in the sports drama The Challenger and the dramedy Year by the Sea. These roles have significantly contributed to S. Epatha Merkerson’s net worth, illustrating her versatility and talent in acting.
S. Epatha Merkerson’s Achievements in Theater
In 1987, S. Epatha Merkerson made a significant impact on stage with her performance in the one-woman play Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, where she portrayed the legendary singer Billie Holiday.
This role was followed by her portrayal of Berniece in the original Broadway production of The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, a play that won the Pulitzer Prize. Her exceptional performance in this play earned her a Tony Award nomination.
Merkerson continued to receive acclaim for her stage work, winning two Obie Awards for her roles in I’m Not Stupid and Birdie Blue.
Her other notable stage appearances include roles in The Old Settler, F**king A, While I Yet Live, and Come Back, Little Sheba. For her role in Come Back, Little Sheba, she received her second Tony nomination, further establishing her as a respected figure in the theater community.
Personal Life of S. Eptha Merkerson
From 1994 to 2006, S. Epatha Merkerson was married to Toussaint Jones Jr., but the couple didn’t have any children and later divorced. When she appeared on the PBS show Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr., Merkerson discovered that she was a descendant of Isaac Hawkins and eight other people who were enslaved and sold in a major slave sale by Jesuits in 1838. This revelation added a significant and personal chapter to her understanding of her family history.
Social Media – S. Eptha Merkerson
Instagram: @merk2577
Twitter: @s_epatha
Facebook: S. Epatha Merkerson
What is the Height and Weight of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Epatha Merkerson stands at a Height of 5 feet and 6 inches tall and has a weight of approximately 79.37 kilograms. Her stature complements her commanding presence, both on screen and on stage, contributing to her distinguished career in acting.
What is the Net Worth of S. Eptha Merkerson
S. Epatha Merkerson is an American actress with a net worth of $12 million. She is best known for her iconic role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on NBC’s Law & Order, where she appeared in 395 episodes from 1993 to 2010. For a long time, Merkerson held the record for the longest-running African-American character on TV, a record later surpassed by Ice T on Law & Order: SVU. After leaving Law & Order in 2010, Merkerson has been active in a variety of roles across Movies, television, and theater.
Her remarkable talent has earned her several prestigious awards, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, an Obie, and four NAACP Image Awards, alongside two Tony Award nominations. In 2015, she joined the main cast of the Chicago series, appearing in shows like Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. Merkerson’s movie credits include roles in She’s Gotta Have It, Jacob’s Ladder, Lackawanna Blues, Lincoln, and Year by the Sea.
FAQs
1) Who is S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson is a Actress, Teacher, TV Presenter, and Stage actor.
2) What is the Net Worth of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson’s Net Worth is about $12 Million
3) What is the Height of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson is about 5 Feet and 6 Inches tall.
4) What is the Weight of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson is about 79.67 Kilograms.
5) Where is S. Eptha Merkerson born?
S. Eptha Merkerson was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
6) What is the Birth Date of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson was born on November 28, 1952.
7) What is the Age of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson is 72 years old.
8) What is the Nationality of S. Eptha Merkerson?
S. Eptha Merkerson is an American Actress and Stage Actor
Wrap Up
S. Epatha Merkerson, an accomplished American actress with a diverse career spanning Movie, television, and theater, has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry. Known for her iconic role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on NBC’s Law & Order, Merkerson has showcased her versatility across various mediums, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Beyond her professional achievements, her personal journey of discovering her ancestral roots has added depth to her life story. With a net worth of $12 million, her stature in the arts is well-recognized, making her a respected and influential figure in acting.
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