S. Epatha Merkerson Reveals Her ‘Most Favorite’ “Law & Order” Guest Star: ‘He Had Great Stories’ S. Epatha Merkerson, the veteran actress known for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order, has shared her most cherished memory from her lengthy tenure on the iconic series. Reflecting on her time on the show, Merkerson highlighted Jerry Stiller as her favorite guest star, praising his humor, kindness, and the stories he brought to the set. Stiller, who passed away in 2020 at age 92, appeared in two episodes of the series—one in 1993 and another in 1996. Merkerson described him as a “nice guy” and a “funny” presence, emphasizing how his contributions left a lasting impression. Merkerson, now 73, began her role on Law & Order in 1991 and secured a permanent position from 1993 to 2010. Her character, Lieutenant Van Buren, became a defining figure on the show, and even after her departure, Merkerson remains recognized for the role. She recounted instances where strangers on the street would greet her as “Lieu,” a nickname derived from her character, highlighting the show’s cultural impact. “A lot of police officers watch the show,” she noted, adding that she once stopped to chat with officers who recognized her from the series. Beyond her work with Stiller, Merkerson also praised her collaborations with fellow actors Dennis Farina and Jesse Martin, calling them her “favorite combination.” She described their dynamic as a “great thing” and emphasized the lasting bonds she maintains with castmates like Ben Bratt, Jesse Martin, and Jill Hennessy. “That kind of family, you just don’t drop,” she said, underscoring the sense of camaraderie that developed over the show’s run. Merkerson’s reflections also touched on the broader legacy of Law & Order.#law_order #s_epatha_merkerson #jerry_stiller #dennis_farina #jessie_martin
