S. Epatha Merkeson is a film, television, and stage actress, who has won Golden Globe, Emmy, SAG, Obie and NAACP Image awards. She's also earned two Tony nominations. Best known for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on NBC's Law and Order, Merkerson is an advocate against smoking and for lung cancer research, and has sat on the Board of Directors of the campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.