S. Epatha Merkerson stars as Sharon Goodwin on the NBC drama "Chicago Med."

Merkerson is a versatile, critically acclaimed performer in theater, television and film. She is well known for her 17-season run as Lt. Anita Van Buren on NBC's "Law & Order," winning three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for her work. In 2006, her role in the HBO film "Lackawanna Blues" earned her a Best Performance by an Actress Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Emmy Award.

Her films include "Peeples," Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," "Year by the Sea" and "The Challenger." Her upcoming work includes "Sexual Healing," a biopic about Marvin Gaye.

Other television appearances include "The Gabby Douglas Story," "Deception" and "The Good Wife."Merkerson also has an extensive background in theater. In 2014, she was seen on stage in "While I Yet Live" at Primary Stages. Other credits include "The Piano Lesson," "Birdie Blue," "I'm Not Stupid," "The Old Settler" and "F*cking A." She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the 2008 Broadway revival of "Come Back, Little Sheba."

In early 2012, Merkerson completed "The Contradictions of Fair Hope," marking her first feature documentary as executive producer/co-director. The project received numerous awards from various film festivals across the globe.