S. Epatha Merkerson Cast in Jonathan Demme's Supernatural Pilot for CBS

Former "Law & Order" staple S. Epatha Merkerson is the latest addition to the currently untitled CBS pilot set to be directed by Jonathan Demme.

According to Deadline.com, "Michael (Patrick Wilson), [is] an ultra-competitive surgeon whose life is changed forever when his ex-wife (Jennifer Ehle), a doctor running a free clinic, dies and begins teaching him what life is all about from the hereafter. Merkerson will play Michael's assistant Rita. Without her help, he probably wouldn't make it through the day as she is really the person running the office. Sassy and strong willed, Rita is not someone you should cross."

In addition to her role on "Law and Order," Merkerson is best known for having received Tony nominations for her work in COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA, and THE PIANO LESSON. Additional theater credits include BIRDIE BLUE, F*CKING A, and THREE WAYS HOME. She earned Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for her performance in Ruben Santiago-Hudson's Lackawanna Blues on television.