S. Epatha Merkerson (née Sharon Epatha Merkerson) is an American film, stage, and television actress. She has received a Golden Globe, Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, an Obie Award, 4 NAACP Image Awards, and 2 Tony Award nominations.

She is best known for her role as New York Police Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (1993–2010) in the long-running NBC police procedural drama series Law & Order, as well as in the television film Law & Order: Exiled. She appeared in 390 episodes of the series — more than any other cast member.

She stars as Sharon Goodwin in the NBC series Chicago Med. She also had a recurring role as Reba (the mail carrier) in Pee-wee's Playhouse and Miss St. Mart in the television series Here and Now.

She has appeared in feature films including She's Gotta Have It, Loose Cannons, Jacob's Ladder, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Random Hearts, Radio, Black Snake Moan, Lincoln (2012), and People. She has also appeared in television films including A Place for Annie, A Mother's Prayer, Breakthrough, The Lakanawanna Blues, and The Gabby Douglas Story.