Edwin Sherin attended Brown University, then served in the armed forces during the Korean War. On his return home, he was accepted to the Marquette University School of Medicine, but became interested in Theatre by chance while waiting for a date at an actor’s workshop. Sherin began acting in theatre and television, and eventually discovered that directing was his passion. He went on to direct many successful Broadway productions, like The Great White Hope in 1967.
After his success in the theatre, he was hired to direct the film Valdez is Coming with Burt Lancaster, followed by Glory Boy (aka My Old Man’s Place), starring Michael Moriarty. Sherin became disillusioned with the studios, consequently returning to Theatre, and working in movies for television. King Lear brought him accolades as a director in the genre, which led to other noted television films such as Lena: My 100 Children and The Father Clements Story. Sherin also began working in episodic television, where he directed numerous successful series like Moonlighting, L.A. Law, Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order, which he also executive produced for over seven years. Most recently, he directed episodes of Medium and The Black Donnellys.
For his work in Theatre, he received a Drama Desk Award for The Great White Hope and a Tony nomination for Find Your Way Home, as well as the New York Drama Critics Award and an Off-Broadway Obie Award. For his work in television, Sherin has won a Producer’s Guild Award, an International Monitor Award, eight Emmy nominations and an Emmy Award for his work on the acclaimed series Law & Order.
Ed Sherin joined the DGA in 1969. He served on the DGA National Board for 15 years, including three terms as National Vice President from 1997-2003 and two terms as Second Vice President from 2003-2007. During his tenure, he oversaw the renovation of the DGA’s New York building and was instrumental in the establishment of DGA Honors, the Guild’s annual celebration of filmmakers and leaders in labor, government and business who have made contributions to American culture. He also served on the Eastern Directors Council from 1996-2014 and was a member of the 2008 and 2011 Negotiating Committees as well as the DGA Task Force on Social Responsibility and the Directors Guild Foundation Board of Trustees. In recognition of his extraordinary service to the Guild, Sherin was awarded the Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award in 2002 and the DGA Honorary Life Member Award in 2012.