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
Euphoria Star Colman Domingo's Multiple Law & Order Characters Explained Colman Domingo, the actor best known for his role in the hit series Euphoria, has built a notable career across the Law & Order franchise and its spin-offs. Over the years, Domingo has portrayed multiple distinct characters on the long-running crime dramas, a testament to his versatility as an actor and his deep connection to the Dick Wolf universe. His journey through the franchise began in 2004 with a guest appearance on the original Law & Order, where he played defense attorney Ronald Gumer. This role marked a significant milestone in his career, as Domingo described the opportunity as a “rite of passage” for actors aiming to establish themselves in the industry. By 2006, Domingo expanded his presence within the Law & Order universe by joining the short-lived spin-off Law & Order: Trial by Jury. There, he portrayed Gus Johnson, a character that diverged from his initial audition for an attorney role. A British director on the project unexpectedly cast him as a “schizophrenic heroin addict,” a role Domingo admitted he found intriguing despite the initial surprise. He explained that the character aligned more with his acting preferences, as it allowed him to explore complex, non-traditional roles. Domingo’s involvement with the franchise continued in 2006 when he appeared on Law & Order: Criminal Intent as Sergeant Ev Sides. His work on the show demonstrated his ability to adapt to different types of roles, from courtroom attorneys to law enforcement officers. In 2008, he returned to the flagship Law & Order series to play a witness named Donnie, showcasing his range as an actor who could seamlessly transition between dramatic and procedural roles.#colman_domingo #law_order #law_order_trial_by_jury #law_order_criminal_intent #nash_bridges
