S Epatha Merkerson Illness: What Illness Does S Epatha Merkerson Have? Does S Epatha Merkerson Have Cancer?

Who is S Epatha Merkerson?

S. Epatha Merkerson, whose full name is Sharon Epatha Merkerson, is an American actress. She was born on November 28, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan, United States. Merkerson is best known for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the long-running television series “Law & Order.”

She portrayed the character for 17 seasons from 1993 to 2010, making her the longest-serving cast member in the history of the show. Her portrayal of Lieutenant Van Buren earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, including an Emmy Award.

Before her breakthrough role in “Law & Order,” Merkerson had a successful career in theater. She performed in various off-Broadway productions and regional theaters, honing her craft and earning recognition for her talent. She also appeared in several films, including “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986), directed by Spike Lee, and “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990).

In addition to her work on “Law & Order,” Merkerson has had notable television appearances in shows like “The Cosby Mysteries,” “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” and “Chicago Med,” where she played the character of Sharon Goodwin. Throughout her career, Merkerson has received numerous accolades for her performances.

In 2005, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her role in “Lackawanna Blues.” She has also received several NAACP Image Awards and has been recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry. S. Epatha Merkerson is not only a talented actress but also an advocate for various causes.

She has been involved in raising awareness about diabetes, as she was diagnosed with the disease herself. Merkerson has spoken openly about her experiences and has worked to educate others about managing the condition. S. Epatha Merkerson has had a successful and accomplished career in both theater and television. Her talent, dedication, and significant contributions to the acting industry have made her a respected figure in the entertainment world.

S Epatha Merkerson’s Illness

S. Epatha Merkerson has been open about her personal battle with Type 2 diabetes. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2002, during her time on “Law & Order,” after participating in a health fair in Washington D.C. where she had her blood sugar levels tested.

After her diagnosis, Merkerson took her health seriously and made significant changes to manage her diabetes. She adopted a healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to help control her blood sugar levels. Merkerson also became an advocate for diabetes awareness, using her platform to educate others about the condition and promote healthier living.

By openly discussing her own experiences with diabetes, Merkerson has become an inspiration for many individuals facing similar health challenges. She has encouraged people to take charge of their health, seek proper medical care, and make positive lifestyle choices to manage and live well with diabetes. 

Merkerson’s journey with Type 2 diabetes serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive health management and the impact that lifestyle changes can have in managing chronic conditions effectively.

What Illness Does S Epatha Merkerson Have?

While portraying the role of hospital administrator Sharon Goodwin on NBC’s “Chicago Med,” S. Epatha Merkerson encounters numerous fictional medical cases. However, in her own life, she faces the challenge of managing a health issue: type 2 diabetes. In reality, Merkerson grapples with the daily demands of living with type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

This condition requires her to maintain a careful balance of diet, exercise, and medication to manage her blood glucose levels and overall health. “I was diagnosed about 13 years ago,” Merkerson tells “I have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, but I didn’t recognize the symptoms.

I found out the hard way. I was a part of a health fair and had my blood sugar tested, and it read very high that day. And then in retrospect, I understood what the symptoms were that I had.”

Does S Epatha Merkerson Have Cancer?

No, S Epatha Merkerson does not have cancer. Despite playing a character dealing with cervical cancer on-screen, S. Epatha Merkerson, who was 57 at the time, assures that her own health is in good condition. She clarifies that it is her character, Lt. Van Buren, who is going through the illness, not herself. However, Merkerson is deeply committed to an important cause: advocating against smoking. 

“My health is fine,” Merkerson, 57, assures us. “It’s Lt. Van Buren who’s going through cervical cancer, not me.” The actress is, however, on a serious anti-smoking crusade: “If someone had told me that two close friends who celebrated my 40th birthday would not be around to celebrate my 50th, I would have said they were lying. I miss them.”

S Epatha Merkerson Husband

S. Epatha Merkerson and Toussaint L. Jones entered into a long-term relationship after crossing paths in 1975 when Merkerson was working on a project in New York. After dating for a considerable period of time, they decided to take the next step and got married in a private ceremony in 1994. Throughout their marriage, the couple appeared affectionate and content, enjoying a happy and healthy relationship.

However, after over a decade of being married, they made the difficult decision to end their marriage in 2006. The specific reasons for their divorce and their choice not to have children together are not widely known or publicly discussed. Merkerson tends to avoid addressing questions related to her ex-husband and the dynamics of their relationship in interviews.

Information about Toussaint L. Jones’ life prior to meeting Merkerson and after their divorce is scarce, making it challenging to gather details about his personal life or any notable endeavors he may have pursued.

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