S. Epatha Merkerson

From The Law & Order Wiki

S. Epatha Merkerson
...as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (Season 18)
Characters Lieutenant Anita Van Buren & Denise Winters
Date of birth 28 November 1952
Place of birth Saginaw, Michigan
...as Denise Winters
IMDb profile

S. Epatha Merkerson is an actress known for her portrayal of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren in Law & Order. Her character also appeared in the spin-off series Law & Order: Criminal Intent Season 1 episode "Badge", and in the Law & Order: Trial by Jury episode "Skeleton". Van Buren also appeared in the franchise's only movie, "Exiled: A Law & Order Movie". Merkerson gave voice to her character in the games "Dead on the Money" and "Double or Nothing".

Merkerson has appeared on the show longer than any other cast member. She was the first actor to appear in 300 episodes.

She previously played Denise Winters in the Law & Order Season 1 episode "Mushrooms".