S. Epatha Merkerson's Favorite 'Law & Order' Guest Star Was a Humorist With a Heart of Gold

S. Epatha Merkerson has been a part of the ‘Law & Order’ family for nearly two decades, playing the role of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren from 1993 to 2010. Reflecting on her tenure, Merkerson notes that the show's unique filming style and its impact on television are major factors in its enduring popularity. The show's constant moving camera, for instance, has become a standard in modern television production.

During her time on the show, Merkerson got to work with a diverse range of actors, including some who became like a lasting family to her. While she has fond memories of working with many of her castmates, one guest star stood out to her due to his humor and kindness. That person was Jerry Stiller, who appeared in two episodes of ‘Law & Order’ in 1993 and 1996.

‘Jerry Stiller was probably one of our favorites,’ Merkerson shares in an exclusive interview. ‘He was just such a nice guy, he was funny, and he had great stories.’ The actress credits Stiller's humor and kindness for making him her favorite guest star of the many she worked with during her time on the show. ‘I think he was on with me and Ben [Bratt] and Jerry [Orbach], but he was just such a nice guy,’ Merkerson says.

Stiller's legacy on ‘Law & Order’ extends beyond his memorable appearance, however. Merkerson notes that his presence on the show helped to bring a unique perspective and energy to the set. ‘When you have someone like him on the set, it lifts everyone up,’ Merkerson explains. ‘He had this infectious laughter and energy that spread to everyone around him.’

Merkerson's fond memories of working with Stiller are a testament to the close-knit family that is the ‘Law & Order’ cast. Despite the show's success, Merkerson notes that it was never about just individual performances – it was about the entire cast coming together to create a cohesive and engaging story. ‘We all worked together, and that's what made it so special,’ Merkerson says. ‘It was a true ensemble effort, and I think that's part of why the show lasted for so long.’

Looking back on her 17-season tenure on the show, Merkerson reflects on the lasting impact of ‘Law & Order’. The show, Merkerson notes, made a huge impact on television production and changed the way audiences consume TV. ‘To be involved with something as the history of it and people watch the show. They see reruns over and over. It made a huge impact, and I believe it changed how we looked at television, even the way it was shot with the moving camera constantly moving,’ Merkerson explains.

In addition to its lasting impact on television production, ‘Law & Order’ also had a profound effect on the cast members themselves. For Merkerson, the show became a part of her life, both on and off screen. ‘Jesse and I were very close,’ Merkerson shares. ‘He's like a little brother to me. And Ben and I stay in touch. I stay in touch with Jill [Hennessy]. That kind of family, you just don't drop.'

Merkerson's experiences on ‘Law & Order’ serve as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in the entertainment industry. As an actress who has spent nearly two decades working on a popular TV show, Merkerson has seen firsthand the power of collaboration and the impact it can have on both the cast and the audience. ‘It was a true ensemble effort, and I think that's part of why the show lasted for so long,’ Merkerson says.

In the end, Merkerson's journey on ‘Law & Order’ has come full circle. From her early days as a guest star to her long tenure as a main cast member, Merkerson's experiences on the show have made her a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry. As she looks back on her time on the show, Merkerson is proud of the impact they made and the lasting legacy they created.

In a career spanning over three decades, Merkerson has made a name for herself as a talented and versatile actress. Her work on ‘Law & Order’ has been a defining part of her career, and it's clear that the experiences she had on the show have stayed with her long after the cameras stopped rolling. As she continues to work in the entertainment industry, Merkerson's dedication to her craft and her commitment to collaboration and teamwork are qualities that will undoubtedly continue to serve her well.