Tony Nominee S. Epatha Merkerson Ends 16-Year Run on 'Law and Order'

Entertainment Weekly reports today that after 16 years of playing Lt. Van Buren, Tony nominated and Emmy-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson will bid farewell to "Law and Order.' 

Merkerson spoke with Entertainment Weekly about her decision to leave and what is coming next.  On why she decided to leave the star says: "It's a graceful way to go. It's the end of my contract this year, and the storyline has been so perfect. I've given it my best for 16 years. It's time to move on. I'm doing other things and this will be a great way to leave what has been an extraordinary gig...It was probably midseason when I realized my contract was up. And I just looked at the things that I've been doing, and the show takes a lot of commitment. And I just felt like I wanted to do some other things."

On her favorite "Law and Order Moment: "That's a hard one. I loved singing three-part harmony with Jerry [Orbach] and Jesse [Martin]. Jerry and Jesse knew every song that was ever recorded from Broadway. The thing that I hold dear is that even with everyone coming and going, I still keep in touch with most everyone. They're still very much a part of my life, and I don't think that will change."

To read Entertainment Weekly's full report with Merkerson, click here.

In addition to her role on 'Law and Order,' Merkerson is best known for having received Tony nominations for her work in Come Back, Little Sheba and The Piano Lesson. Additional theater credits include Birdie Blue, F*cking A, and Three Ways Home. She earned Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for her performance Ruben Santiago-Hudson's Lackawanna Blues on television.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.