S. Epatha Merkerson: Bio, Age, Net Worth, Salary, Career, Marriage, and More

S. Epatha Merkerson, born Sharon Epatha Merkerson on November 28, 1952, is a celebrated American actress whose career spans film, television, and stage. At 72 years old, she has a net worth of approximately $12 million, earned through her iconic roles, notably as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order. Previously married to Toussaint L. Jones from 1994 to 2006, she is currently single and not publicly dating. Her height is 5 feet 6 inches, with a balanced weight suited to her frame. This article explores her biography, career, salary, and more, offering fresh insights into her life.

Early Life and Education: Shaping a Star

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, S. Epatha Merkerson grew up in Detroit as the youngest of five siblings, raised by her mother, Ann, a postal worker, after her parents’ separation when she was five. Her unique middle name, “Epatha,” honors a grade-school teacher who inspired her father to stay in school, a story Merkerson shared on The Wendy Williams Show in 2012. She graduated from Cooley High School in 1970, initially studying dance at Eastern Michigan University before transferring to Indiana University Bloomington. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Wayne State University in 1976 and later received honorary doctorates from multiple institutions, including Wayne State (2009) and the University of Pittsburgh (2017).

Her early life in a predominantly Euro-American Detroit neighborhood shaped her resilience against racial discrimination. In a 2023 interview, Merkerson reflected, “Growing up, I saw the world through my mother’s strength. She taught me to stand tall, no matter the odds.” This perspective fueled her determination to succeed in an industry where opportunities for Black actresses were limited.

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Career Highlights: A Trailblazer in Acting

S. Epatha Merkerson’s career is a testament to her versatility, with over four decades of work across stage, film, and television. Her breakthrough came in 1986 as Reba the Mail Lady on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, a role that showcased her comedic timing. However, her portrayal of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order (1993–2010) cemented her legacy, appearing in 395 episodes, making her one of the longest-running African-American characters on primetime television at the time.

Since 2015, Merkerson has portrayed Sharon Goodwin in Chicago Med, with crossover appearances in Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.. Her film credits include Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and Lincoln (2012), where she played Lydia Hamilton Smith. On stage, she earned Tony Award nominations for The Piano Lesson (1990) and Come Back, Little Sheba (2008), and won an Obie Award for I’m Not Stupid (1992). Her Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards for Lackawanna Blues (2005) highlight her range.

In a unique angle, Merkerson’s choice to prioritize diverse roles reflects her commitment to authenticity. She once noted, “I choose roles that challenge stereotypes and show the depth of Black women’s experiences.” Her advocacy for type 2 diabetes awareness, inspired by her own diagnosis in 2003, adds a personal layer to her public persona, making her a role model beyond acting.

Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success

As of 2025, S. Epatha Merkerson’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, primarily from her acting career. Her salary per episode for Law & Order reportedly ranged from $50,000 to $100,000, contributing significantly to her wealth. Her ongoing role in Chicago Med likely commands a similar or higher salary, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Additional income from theater, film roles, and endorsements, including her work with Merck’s Diabetes Challenge, bolsters her financial standing. Unlike many celebrities, Merkerson avoids lavish displays, reportedly planning to donate portions of her wealth to charity, as noted in a 2016 interview.

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Marriage and Personal Life: A Private Journey

S. Epatha Merkerson was married to Toussaint L. Jones, a social worker, from March 20, 1994, to February 14, 2006. The couple, who lived in Washington Heights, had no children, and their divorce was finalized amicably, though reasons remain private. Merkerson humorously referenced the divorce’s Valentine’s Day timing during her 2006 SAG Award acceptance speech. Currently, she is single, with no public dating history since her divorce. She values privacy, stating, “My personal life is mine, but my work is for everyone.”

Her advocacy for health issues, particularly type 2 diabetes and anti-smoking campaigns, stems from personal experience. Diagnosed in 2003, she manages her condition through diet and exercise, often sharing tips with fans on Instagram. She quit smoking in the 1990s after a health scare and lost a friend to lung cancer, fueling her activism.

Height, Weight, and Physical Stats

S. Epatha Merkerson stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters) and maintains a weight that complements her frame, estimated at approximately 65 kg (143 lbs). Her black hair and black eyes enhance her commanding screen presence. Merkerson’s commitment to health, driven by her diabetes diagnosis, includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, which she credits for her vitality at 72 years old.

Recent Updates: Continued Impact

In 2025, S. Epatha Merkerson continues to shine in Chicago Med, with her character Sharon Goodwin navigating complex hospital dynamics. She hosted Find Our Missing in 2012, a series highlighting missing people of color, reflecting her commitment to social issues. Recent posts on Twitter show her engaging with fans about her roles and advocacy. Her 2023 appearance on Finding Your Roots revealed her descent from enslaved individuals sold in the 1838 Jesuit slave sale, adding depth to her personal narrative.

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Biography Table

Attribute Details
Full Name Sharon Epatha Merkerson
Date of Birth November 28, 1952
Age 72 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Height 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters)
Weight Approximately 65 kg (143 lbs)
Nationality American
Ethnicity African-American
Education Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Wayne State University (1976)
Honorary Degrees Wayne State (2009), University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2012), Montclair
State University (2013), University of Pittsburgh (2017)
Occupation Actress (Film, Stage, Television)
Notable Roles Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (Law & Order), Sharon Goodwin (Chicago Med)
Awards Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, 4 NAACP Image Awards, 2 Obie Awards
Net Worth $12 million (estimated, 2025)
Salary $50,000–$100,000 per episode (estimated for Law & Order)
Marital Status Divorced (Toussaint L. Jones, 1994–2006)
Children None
Siblings Four (Linda, Debbie, Barrie, Zephry)
Social Media Instagram, Twitter
Health Advocacy Type 2 diabetes awareness, anti-smoking campaigns

Unique Insights and Legacy

Merkerson’s career offers a case study in perseverance. Unlike many actors, she transitioned from minor roles to leading parts without compromising her authenticity, inspiring aspiring Black actresses. Her advocacy work, particularly in health, sets her apart, as she uses her platform to educate rather than self-promote. Data from the CDC shows that African Americans face a 60% higher risk of type 2 diabetes, making her outreach critical. Her story of overcoming industry barriers, as shared in a 2024 podcast, underscores her as a trailblazer.

For more on her career, visit Wikipedia or IMDb.

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