People are thinking about Chicago in lots more ways than just the “Windy City.” Now it’s the TV drama city, blowing a breath of fresh air onto the small screen.
That’s because of executive producer Dick Wolf’s mega-hit trilogy and franchise of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and the newest entry, Chicago Med.
Wolf was also creator and executive producer of Law & Order. In that hit series, S. Epatha Merkerson worked with him from 1993 to 2010, cast as NPYD Lt. Anita Van Buren. She held the record for appearing in the most episodes at 391.
In character
Now she’s Sharon Goodwin on Chicago Med, with a big title and a great role: She’s Administrator of Clinical Operations, dealing with issues that keep the hospital running in the midst of everyday drama among ER staff and patients at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
The first season brings us 18 episodes, and on February 1, NBC renewed the series. Epatha joins cast members Nick Gehlfuss, Torrey DeVitto, Yaya DaCosta, Rachel DiPillo, Colin Donnell, Brian Tee and of course, Oliver Platt.
Helping with health
As you watch the multi-talented Epatha on Chicago Med, know that she has an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG Award, Obie and four NAACP Image Awards—along with two Tony Award nominations. She has a strong resume in film and theater, too.
She’s been a spokesperson and advocate for diabetes awareness, especially among the African-American community. Epatha was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after a health fair blood sugar test—she hadn’t known previously. African-Americans are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and 13 percent have been diagnosed.
Catch up with her here about the show, her health and what she does for fun! And don’t miss Chicago Med Tuesdays at 9 p.m ET on NBC!