After nearly a decade of anchoring Chicago Med with her commanding presence, grace, and wisdom, S. Epatha Merkerson has officially confirmed that she will be leaving the series for good after the upcoming Season 10. The beloved actress, who has portrayed hospital administrator Sharon Goodwin since the show’s debut in 2015, revealed in an emotional interview that she made the difficult decision due to age, personal priorities, and the desire to slow down after a lifetime of work.
“I’ve been acting for over 50 years,” Merkerson said. “And at some point, you have to listen to your body and your spirit. It’s time.”
Her announcement has hit fans hard — and for good reason. As Goodwin, Merkerson wasn’t just a character; she was the moral compass of Chicago Med, the steady hand guiding the doctors through chaos, politics, and heartbreak. Her calm authority and sharp wit became the emotional foundation of the hospital drama, much like what Jesse Spencer or Jason Beghe represented in their respective One Chicago series.
NBC and Wolf Entertainment have since confirmed that Season 10 will mark her final chapter, describing it as “a celebration of a remarkable woman who helped shape the very heart of the show.”
Those close to the production say Merkerson’s decision has been in the making for over a year. “She’s been thinking about it for a while,” one insider revealed. “She loves the cast, loves the fans, but she’s 72 now — and she wants to travel, to spend time with family, to rest. She’s earned it.”
And indeed, she has. Merkerson’s career is nothing short of legendary. Before Chicago Med, she spent 17 seasons as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order, becoming one of the longest-running Black female characters in TV history. That kind of legacy is rare — and her Chicago Med run only solidified her status as one of television’s most respected figures.
“We wrote Goodwin with Epatha in mind,” one of the original writers said. “She brought this warmth, this authority, that nobody else could replicate. She made the show feel real.”
The actress herself admitted that leaving the role is “bittersweet,” saying she’ll deeply miss her castmates — including Nick Gehlfuss (Dr. Will Halstead) and Oliver Platt (Dr. Charles) — with whom she’s shared countless scenes and friendships. But Merkerson insists this isn’t an ending, just a new chapter. “I’m not retiring from life,” she laughed. “I’m just retiring from 4 a.m. call times.”
Fans have already begun flooding social media with tributes, calling her “the backbone of Chicago Med” and “the heart of Gaffney Medical.” Many say they can’t imagine the show without Goodwin’s steady leadership — especially after so many other veteran characters have exited over the past few seasons.
According to reports, the writers are planning a powerful farewell storyline that will honor both Sharon Goodwin and Merkerson’s legacy. Showrunner Diane Frolov hinted that her final arc will deal with themes of legacy, leadership, and knowing when to step back — a reflection of Merkerson’s real-life decision.
“Epatha’s final scenes will be some of the most emotional moments we’ve ever done,” Frolov teased. “It’s not just a goodbye. It’s a thank you.”
The network has yet to confirm whether the series will introduce a new hospital administrator or if Goodwin’s position will remain vacant as a tribute. Either way, it’s clear her absence will leave a void not easily filled.
Behind the scenes, cast members have described filming her final scenes as “incredibly emotional.” One insider shared, “There were tears everywhere. She gave a speech that had everyone sobbing. She said she felt blessed to have spent ten years surrounded by people she loved — and that the fans were the reason she stayed so long.”
Merkerson’s departure also reignites a larger conversation within the One Chicago universe: the gradual passing of the torch to a new generation. With several veteran stars stepping back in recent years — from Torrey DeVitto to Nick Gehlfuss — it feels like the end of an era.
Still, S. Epatha Merkerson leaves behind not just a character, but a legacy. Her Sharon Goodwin taught viewers that strength doesn’t always mean shouting, that compassion and integrity can coexist with power, and that true leadership is about heart.
And while fans will miss seeing her every week at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, Merkerson’s spirit will live on in every scene that carries her influence — the quiet moments of courage, the tough calls, the unwavering humanity.
As she put it herself:
“Goodwin will always be a part of me. But now it’s time to be Epatha again — to breathe, to live, and to see what’s next.”
After nearly a decade of healing Chicago onscreen, S. Epatha Merkerson has finally prescribed herself the medicine she’s given everyone else: peace.
