S. Epatha Merkerson
Birth Place: Saginaw, MI, USA
A BREAK IN THE RAIN Film Adds New Festival Screenings (Feb 20, 2026)
Woodie King, Jr., Founder of New Federal Theatre, Passes Away at 88 (Jan 31, 2026)
Photos: Raúl Esparza, Corey Cott, & More Attend LAW & ORDER Season 25 Celebration (Jan 9, 2026)
BIO
S. Epatha Merkerson 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.
Photos
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Jessy Schram as Hannah Asher, Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood, Marc Grapey at Peter Kalmick, S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin, Oliver Platt as Daniel Charles, Dominic Rains as Crockett Marcel, Nick Gehlfuss as Will Halstead
From: Photos: First Look at Ethan & April's Wedding on CHICAGO MED
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman, U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, S. Epatha Merkerson, Brian Stokes Mitchell, David Hodgson, NYC Deputy Mayor Vicki Been, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts Mara Manus
From: Photos: Manhattan Theatre Club Celebrates Re-Opening with First Preview of LACKAWANNA BLUES
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STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1986 ] Doctor Jamison Epatha Merkerson
[ 1990 ] Elsa
[ 1990 ] Jolena
[ 1990 ] Rachel
[ 1991 ] Tarissa Dyson
[ 1999 ] Nea
[ 2001 ] Lessie Watson
[ 2003 ] Maggie
[ 2004 ] Doctor #1
[ 2006 ] Angela
[ 2007 ] Bonnie
[ 2009 ] Ada
[ 2009 ] Effa
[ 2012 ] Lydia Smith
[ 2013 ] Daphne Peeples
[ 2015 ] Jada
[ 2016 ] Liz
TV Shows
Sharon Goodwin
Sharon Goodwin
Sharon Goodwin
Ms. St. Marth
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, Mrs. Denise Winters
[ 2015-2024 ] Sharon Goodwin
[ 2015-2025 ] Sharon Goodwin
[ 2015-2025 ] Sharon Goodwin
Awards and Nominations
S. Epatha Merkerson, While I Yet Live
S. Epatha Merkerson, Come Back, Little Sheba
S. Epatha Merkerson, Come Back, Little Sheba
S. Epatha Merkerson, Birdie Blue
S. Epatha Merkerson, Fucking A
winner
S. Epatha MerkersonThe Old Settler
S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson
winner
S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson
S. Epatha MerkersonThe Piano Lesson
S. Epatha MerkersonThe Piano Lesson
S. Epatha Merkerson , The Piano Lesson
Videos
Photos & Video: See Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Brooks & More at THE PIANO LESSON First Preview
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-09-20 14:30:22
VIDEO: THE PIANO LESSON Director LaTanya Richardson Jackson Stops By The Barrymore
by A.A. Cristi - 2022-08-29 23:56:37
TV: Chatting with the Company of Billy Porter's WHILE I YET LIVE on Opening Night
by TV - Opening Night Special - 2014-10-14 13:55:42
TV: Billy Porter, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lillias White & More Preview WHILE I YET LIVE at Primary Stages
by Randy Rainbow - 2014-09-20 15:00:45
STAGE TUBE: Directors Hudson, Rashad and More Talk August Wilson Live Recordings
by Stage Tube - 2013-08-23 16:41:22
News
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 20, 2026
A Break In The Rain, a new independent film directed by Don Scardino, is currently on the film festival circuit, and new screenings have been added for the film at Boomtown Film & Music Festival, Sedona International Film Festival, and more.
by Gillian Blum - Jan 31, 2026
Producer, director, and New Federal Theatre founder Woodie King Jr. passed away at 88 on January 29 following complications from emergency heart surgery.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 9, 2026
The cast and crew of Law & Order recently gathered in New York to celebrate the show's 25th season with many Broadway alums in attendance, including Raúl Esparza, Corey Cott, Sam Waterston, and more. Check out photos from the event now.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025
The HBO Original two-part documentary Pee-wee as Himself will debut Friday, May 23 (8:00 p.m.-11:20 p.m. ET/PT) with both parts airing back-to-back on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Watch the trailer now!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 12, 2024
It's been almost a decade since Jen Silverman wrote The Roommate- a play that is making its Broadway debut this season with the help of the stage and screen power duo that is Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. Jen checks in about the new play in this interview!
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 5, 2024
Cynthia Erivo, the Tony Award winner and star of the upcoming Wicked movie, will guest star in the second season of Peacock's Poker Face. Other guest stars for the upcoming season include Margo Martindale, BJ Novak, Giancarlo Esposito, and Katie Holmes.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 19, 2024
The upcoming adaptation of The Piano Lesson will mark a cinematic departure from the stage version. Co-writing the screenplay with Virgil Williams, director Malcolm Washington opened up the world of the story for the movie, utilizing flashbacks and other filmmaking techniques to sometimes take viewers out of the living room where the original play is set.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 19, 2024
Spark creativity and imagination with Shout! TV’s Pee-wee Forever – a 24-hour marathon of every episode of the iconic television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The marathon streams all-day on August 27 in honor of Paul Reubens and his beloved character Pee-wee Herman. Join Pee-wee, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Chairry, Conky and more for adventures at the fantastic Playhouse.
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 22, 2024
The film version of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson will make its international premiere at the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, scheduled to run from September 5, 2024 to September 15, 2024.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 15, 2024
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is launching its Legacy Collection today, offering a comprehensive archive of interviews and materials celebrating the contributions of actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Learn more!
by Josh Sharpe - May 13, 2024
Shout! Studios announced they have once again acquired worldwide home entertainment, broadcast, and digital distribution rights for Paul Reubens’ groundbreaking TV series PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE. Shout! Studios now has extensive distribution rights to all 45 episodes of PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE as well as PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 29, 2024
Mother Play officially opened on Broadway on April 25 at the Hayes Theater. Check out photos of the cast and VIPs at the after party here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2024
The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson which concluded its Broadway engagement on January 29, 2023, has officially recouped its investment.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2023
Discover Olney Theatre Center's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' with a fresh global perspective. This timeless musical explores themes of rising anti-Semitism, Russian aggression, refugee crises, and women's struggles against patriarchal authority. Don't miss this captivating show running from November 8 to December 31 in Olney, Maryland.
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 2, 2023
BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big opening night of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here!
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 23, 2023
NEW FEDERAL THEATRE will hold its 53rd Anniversary Celebration on October 2 at Edison Ballroom, honoring Woodie King, Jr., Gabrielle Kurlander, and Sade Lythcott. The gala is chaired by Kenny Leon and Lynn Whitfield.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 30, 2023
Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT), led by Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke, will hold a 53rd Anniversary Celebration October 2, 2023 at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2023
Join the annual Black Theatre Day celebration on Sunday, Sept. 17 to honor the legacy of the African Grove Theatre and support Black theatres worldwide. Discover the history and impact of Black theatre and the careers it has launched.
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 30, 2023
From August 10 to 26, the Negro Ensemble Company, Inc. (NEC), in conjunction with their residency at Penn Live Arts, will perform the world premiere of 'Mecca Is Burning' at Harlem School of the Arts.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 29, 2023
TKTS, which revolutionized same-day discount theatre tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, marked 50 years in Times Square with a special celebration in front of the red steps. IN this video, watch as Broadway comes out to celebrate!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
S. Epatha Merkerson has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.
S. Epatha Merkerson has not appeared in the West End.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for While I Yet Live, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come Back, Little Sheba, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Come Back, Little Sheba, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Birdie Blue, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Fucking A, Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Old Settler, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for The Piano Lesson and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Piano Lesson.
S. Epatha Merkerson has won the Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play award at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Old Settler and the Outstanding Actress - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for The Piano Lesson.
Videos