S. Epatha Merkerson Headshot

S. Epatha Merkerson

Birth Place: Saginaw, MI, USA

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S. Epatha Merkerson 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.

S. Epatha Merkerson Photos

S. Epatha Merkerson STAGE CREDITS

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Original Production at Williamstown Theatre Festival, 2017
Sharon

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Revival, 2008
Lola

[Broadway]
1990
Berniece

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1980
Performer (Understudy)


S. Epatha Merkerson Movies

She's Gotta Have It
[ 1986 ] Doctor Jamison Epatha Merkerson
Loose Cannons
[ 1990 ] Rachel
Jacob's Ladder
[ 1990 ] Elsa
Navy Seals
[ 1990 ] Jolena
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
[ 1991 ] Tarissa Dyson
Random Hearts
[ 1999 ] Nea
The Rising Place
[ 2001 ] Lessie Watson
Radio
[ 2003 ] Maggie
Jersey Girl
[ 2004 ] Doctor #1
Black Snake Moan
[ 2006 ] Angela
Slipstream
[ 2007 ] Bonnie
The Six Wives of Henry Lefay
[ 2009 ] Effa
Mother and Child
[ 2009 ] Ada
Lincoln
[ 2012 ] Lydia Smith
Peeples
[ 2013 ] Daphne Peeples
The Challenger
[ 2015 ] Jada
Year by the Sea
[ 2016 ] Liz

S. Epatha Merkerson TV Shows

Chicago Fire
Sharon Goodwin
Chicago Med
Sharon Goodwin
Chicago P.D.
Sharon Goodwin
Here and Now
Ms. St. Marth
Law & Order
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, Mrs. Denise Winters

S. Epatha Merkerson Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, While I Yet Live

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, Come Back, Little Sheba

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, Come Back, Little Sheba

The Lortels - 2006 - Outstanding Lead Actress

S. Epatha Merkerson, Birdie Blue

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actress

S. Epatha Merkerson, Fucking A


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

S. Epatha MerkersonThe Old Settler

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Actress - Play

S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson

Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

S. Epatha MerkersonThe Piano Lesson

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

S. Epatha MerkersonThe Piano Lesson

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

S. Epatha Merkerson , The Piano Lesson

S. Epatha Merkerson Videos

S. Epatha Merkerson News


THE PIANO LESSON Broadway Revival Officially Recoups


The Broadway revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson which concluded its Broadway engagement on January 29, 2023, has officially recouped its investment.

Ethan Watermeier & Rachel Stern to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Olney Theatre Center


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.

Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS


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!

New Federal Theatre to Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration Next Month at Edison Ballroom


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.

New Federal Theatre To Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration in October


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.  

Annual Black Theatre Day to Celebrate The Legacy of the African Grove Theatre & More


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.

The Negro Ensemble Company to Premiere MECCA IS BURNING at Harlem Schoool Of The Arts In August


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.

Video: Broadway Comes Out to Celebrate 50 Years of TKTS


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!

S. Epatha Merkerson, Eric Ulloa & More to Take Part in TKTS 50th Anniversary Celebration


On Wednesday, June 28, TDF’s TKTS will mark 50 years in Times Square. Starting at 11am, there will be a special celebration in honor of TKTS’ golden anniversary behind the TKTS Booth on Broadway and 47th Street, in front of the red steps.

Theater J Reveals Lineup For 2023-24 Season


Theater J has announced its 2023-2024 season, the first season planned by the theater’s new Artistic Director, Hayley Finn. Featuring world premiere productions, the debut of a solo play series, and an abundance of new works by emerging writers within the American theater landscape, this season builds on Theater J’s legacy as a home for exceptional new work within Washington, DC and throughout the country.

Megan Hilty, Dulé Hill, and More to Perform at PBS' NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT This Month


PBS' NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, America's national night of remembrance, will return live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors who are dedicated to veterans' causes and supporting our troops in active service.

Exclusive: The Company of NEW YORK, NEW YORK's Celebrates Opening Night!


New York, New York, the final musical of the 2022-23 Broadway season is open at last!  The show is now officially running at Broadway's St. James Theatre. We have photos from inside the opening night party!

Video: WORKING IN THE THEATRE Docuseries Spotlights THE PIANO LESSON


The hit Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson is featured in the latest episode of “Working in the Theatre” with director LaTanya Richardson Jackson and set designer Beowulf Boritt. The episode features exclusive interviews and discussion on their collaboration on August Wilson's The Piano Lesson.

Danielle Deadwyler & More Join Samuel L. Jackson & John David Washington in THE PIANO LESSON Film Adaptation


Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington will reprise their Broadway performances in the upcoming film adaptation of The Piano Lesson, which is currently set for a Netflix premiere. Malcolm Washington will direct the upcoming feature, which will also include Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, and Ray Fisher.

Cynthia Nixon, Matthew Broderick, Tony Shalhoub, and More Are Set For This Weekend's Philip Roth Festival


New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents The Philip Roth Festival, a three-day celebration (Friday, March 17 - Sunday, March 19) of the iconic writer from Newark, New Jersey. A bevy of actors come out to discuss and participate in events celebrating the novelist who influenced their work as actors. 

Tony Shalhoub, Cynthia Nixon, And More To Lead Reading of Philip Roth's THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA, March 19


Some of the country's finest actors including Tony Award-winner Tony Shalhoub and Cynthia Nixon, with Sam Waterston and more will deliver a March 19 dramatic reading of The Plot Against America, Philip Roth's timely and timeless masterwork.

Matthew Broderick, Tony Shalhoub, and More Join the Roth Festival Line-Up


New Jersey Performing Arts Center announced the complete cast of its one-time dramatic reading of the late Philip Roth's bestselling novel The Plot Against America featuring some of the most esteemed actors working today in a monumental performance at the center of PHILIP ROTH UNBOUND: Illuminating a Literary Legacy, NJPAC's three-day celebration of the iconic writer.

Peacock Renews POKER FACE For Season Two


POKER FACE has been renewed for a second season. POKER FACE is T-Street's two-time Academy Award nominee Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s first television series and is produced by MRC Television, along with multiple Emmy nominated executive producer and star Natasha Lyonne, under her production banner Animal Pictures.

Rogue Machine to Present COME GET MAGGIE Beginning Tonight


Rogue Machine is presenting the World Premiere of “COME GET MAGGIE” in Los Angeles beginning tonight. Written by Diane Frolov, with Lyrics by Diane Frolov and Susan Justin, and Music by Susan Justin, this intergalactic, joyously quirky new musical pays homage to all those with the courage to live life as their true selves. The production is directed by Michael Pressman and runs through March 26, 2023.

Leading Artists Perform, Discuss, and Celebrate Author Philip Roth at Weekend-Long Festival Next Month


New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the anchor cultural institution for the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey, in collaboration with the Newark Public Library, will present PHILIP ROTH UNBOUND, a weekend-long festival that will celebrate, challenge and explore the life, legacy and work of novelist and Newark-native Philip Roth, on what would have been his 90th birthday weekend.  

S. Epatha Merkerson FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has S. Epatha Merkerson been in?

S. Epatha Merkerson has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has S. Epatha Merkerson been in?

S. Epatha Merkerson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has S. Epatha Merkerson been nominated for?

S. Epatha Merkerson has been nominated for various awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play at The Lortels for "While I Yet Live," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Come Back, Little Sheba," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Come Back, Little Sheba," Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for "Birdie Blue" and "Fucking A," Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for "The Old Settler," Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Piano Lesson," Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Piano Lesson," Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards and Olivier Awards for "The Piano Lesson," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Piano Lesson."

What awards has S. Epatha Merkerson won?

S. Epatha Merkerson has won the Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for "The Old Settler" and the Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Piano Lesson."

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