Who Is S. Epatha Merkerson? Age, Biography and Wiki
S. Epatha Merkerson was born on November 28, 1952, which means she turned 72 years old in 2025. An esteemed American actress, Merkerson is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the long-running television series Law & Order. Her multifaceted career spans over four decades, during which she has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for her outstanding performance.
| Occupation | Movie Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1952 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
S. Epatha Merkerson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
S. Epatha Merkerson stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). While her weight can fluctuate given her diverse roles in theater and film, she maintains a healthy and balanced physique that reflects her commitment to wellness. As of 2025, her body measurements remain closely guarded, but she exudes confidence and talent that transcends mere physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, S. Epatha Merkerson remains private about her personal life. Previously, she was married to Samuel L. Jackson from 1994 until their divorce in 2006; they have remained amicable. She has no publicly disclosed romantic relationships currently, focusing instead on her career and advocacy work.
During a segment on the January 31, 2012, episode of The Wendy Williams Show, when asked about the origin of her name, Merkerson said that "Epatha" was the name of "a grade-school teacher who was influential in keeping her father in school".
Merkerson graduated from Cooley High School in 1970 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre at Wayne State University in 1976. She was made an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Wayne State University in May 2009.
Net Worth and Salary
With a remarkable career spanning television, film, and stage, S. Epatha Merkerson’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $12 million. Her earnings stem from a diverse range of projects in acting, directing, and producing, showcasing her versatility and dedication.
Merkerson appeared on the television series of Henry Louis Gates' Finding Your Roots on February 5, 2019 (Season 5, Episode 5), in which she revealed that she was a descendant of Isaac Hawkins and eight others of the 272 enslaved people who were sold in the 1838 Jesuit slave sale by Jesuit priests.
These priests owned plantations on which the enslaved people tilled tobacco; proceeds from the sale were used to pay off the debts of the Jesuit-operated Georgetown College (now Georgetown University).
Career, Business and Investments
Merkerson's career launched with various roles in theater, but her breakout role came with Law & Order, where she captivated audiences for 16 seasons. Beyond acting, she has directed and produced several award-winning projects, including the film "Lackawanna Blues", which earned her critical acclaim. Merkerson has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting the arts and advocating for causes related to racial equality and healthcare.
Merkerson's career began to rise after she assumed the lead role in the one-woman play Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. That was followed by her performance as Berniece in August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize–winning play The Piano Lesson. For that, she was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Play.
Merkerson has also won 2 Obie Awards for her work in I'm Not Stupid and Birdie Blue, a Helen Hayes Award for The Old Settler, and a Lucille Lortel nomination for F**king A by Suzan-Lori Parks. Her screen credits include Jacob's Ladder, Loose Cannons, She's Gotta Have It, James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day; and Navy SEALs.
In 2006, she won a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild award for her performance in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues. In 2007, she starred as Lola Delaney in the Los Angeles stage production of William Inge's Come Back, Little Sheba.
In January 2008 the production opened a successful run on Broadway and earned Merkerson her second Tony nomination.
Social Network
S. Epatha Merkerson is relatively understated on social media but maintains a presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she shares insights about her projects, activism, and moments from her life. Her followership is a mix of fans who admire her work in the industry and those who appreciate her advocacy for social justice.
Education
Merkerson graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit with a degree in Fine Arts. Her educational background laid the foundation for a successful career in acting and directing, emphasizing the importance of education in the arts.
