Sherin began acting in theatre and television, and eventually discovered that directing was his passion. He went on to direct many successful Broadway productions. 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, then working in movies for television.
King Lear brought him accolades as a director in the Movies for Television 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.
Edwin Sherin is a member of the DGA National Board, having served as National Vice President of the DGA from 1997 to 2004, and Second Vice President from 2005-2007. He was instrumental in establishing the DGA Honors, an annual celebration of filmmakers and leaders in labor, government and business who have made contributions to American culture. In 2002, Sherin was awarded the Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award in recognition of his service to the Guild and in 2012 he received the DGA Honorary Life Membership Award.