S. Epatha Merkerson
Date of Birth: November 28, 1952 (73)
Birth Place: Saginaw, MI, USA
Latest News on 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.
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
Date:
12/05/2022
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
Date:
09/16/2021
From: Photos: Manhattan Theatre Club Celebrates Re-Opening with First Preview of LACKAWANNA BLUES
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STAGE CREDITS
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Original Production at Williamstown Theatre Festival, 2017
Sharon
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S. Epatha Merkerson
Connection
Movies
She's Gotta Have It
[ 1986 ] Doctor Jamison Epatha Merkerson
[ 1986 ] Doctor Jamison Epatha Merkerson
Jacob's Ladder
[ 1990 ] Elsa
[ 1990 ] Elsa
Navy Seals
[ 1990 ] Jolena
[ 1990 ] Jolena
Loose Cannons
[ 1990 ] Rachel
[ 1990 ] Rachel
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
[ 1991 ] Tarissa Dyson
[ 1991 ] Tarissa Dyson
Random Hearts
[ 1999 ] Nea
[ 1999 ] Nea
The Rising Place
[ 2001 ] Lessie Watson
[ 2001 ] Lessie Watson
Radio
[ 2003 ] Maggie
[ 2003 ] Maggie
Jersey Girl
[ 2004 ] Doctor #1
[ 2004 ] Doctor #1
Black Snake Moan
[ 2006 ] Angela
[ 2006 ] Angela
Slipstream
[ 2007 ] Bonnie
[ 2007 ] Bonnie
Mother and Child
[ 2009 ] Ada
[ 2009 ] Ada
The Six Wives of Henry Lefay
[ 2009 ] Effa
[ 2009 ] Effa
Lincoln
[ 2012 ] Lydia Smith
[ 2012 ] Lydia Smith
Peeples
[ 2013 ] Daphne Peeples
[ 2013 ] Daphne Peeples
The Challenger
[ 2015 ] Jada
[ 2015 ] Jada
Year by the Sea
[ 2016 ] Liz
[ 2016 ] Liz
TV Shows
Here and Now
Ms. St. Marth
Ms. St. Marth
Law & Order
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, Mrs. Denise Winters
Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, Mrs. Denise Winters
Chicago Fire
[ 2015-2024 ] Sharon Goodwin
[ 2015-2024 ] Sharon Goodwin
Chicago Med
[ 2015-2025 ] Sharon Goodwin
[ 2015-2025 ] Sharon Goodwin
Chicago P.D.
[ 2015-2025 ] Sharon Goodwin
[ 2015-2025 ] Sharon Goodwin
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 Merkerson, The 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 Merkerson, The Piano Lesson
Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
S. Epatha Merkerson, The Piano Lesson
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
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
News
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, AMERICAN IDIOT and More Set for Goodman Theatre 26/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins have revealed the 2026/2027 Season line-up, beginning this fall. With 12 productions—five world or Chicago premieres, a reinvestigated classic and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins have revealed the 2026/2027 Season line-up, beginning this fall. With 12 productions—five world or Chicago premieres, a reinvestigated classic and more.
A BREAK IN THE RAIN Starring Elizabeth A. Davis and More to Screen at Big Apple Film Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2026
Tony Award nominee Elizabeth A. Davis, currently playing Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at Bucks County Playhouse, also stars in indie film A Break in the Rain, screening at the Big Apple Film Festival in New York City.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2026
Tony Award nominee Elizabeth A. Davis, currently playing Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at Bucks County Playhouse, also stars in indie film A Break in the Rain, screening at the Big Apple Film Festival in New York City.
A BREAK IN THE RAIN Film Adds New Festival Screenings
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 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.
Woodie King, Jr., Founder of New Federal Theatre, Passes Away at 88
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 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.
Photos: Raúl Esparza, Corey Cott, & More Attend LAW & ORDER Season 25 Celebration
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 - 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.
Paul Reubens Documentary PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF Sets HBO and Max Premiere
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 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!
Cynthia Erivo Joins Peacock's POKER FACE Season 2
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 - 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.
How Jen Silverman Turned Family Drama Into a Hit Play
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 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!
THE PIANO LESSON Film to Be a 'Cinematic' Adaptation of the August Wilson Play
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
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.
Shout! TV to Air PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE Marathon
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 - 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.
Malcolm Washington's THE PIANO LESSON Film to Make International Premiere at TIFF
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 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.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Launches Legacy Collection, New Historical Video Series
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 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!
Shout! Studios Acquires Home Entertainment and Digital Distribution Rights for PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE
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 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.
Photos: MOTHER PLAY Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
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 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!
THE PIANO LESSON Broadway Revival Officially Recoups
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 - 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.
Ethan Watermeier & Rachel Stern to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Olney Theatre Center
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 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.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS
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 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!
New Federal Theatre to Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration Next Month at Edison Ballroom
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 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.
New Federal Theatre To Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration in October
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 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.
Annual Black Theatre Day to Celebrate The Legacy of the African Grove Theatre & More
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 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.
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?
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.
What awards has S. Epatha Merkerson won?
S. Epatha Merkerson won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Play award at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Old Settler.
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