From the moment Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni began working together on Law & Order: SVU, they developed an instant and deep bond. Their partnership as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler became iconic over 12 uninterrupted seasons. However, when Meloni left the show, Hargitay had to adapt to a new cast, making the series feel initially unrecognizable to her.
Mariska Hargitay’s Reaction to New SVU Co-stars
Meloni’s departure profoundly affected Hargitay, both personally and professionally. She realized that the absence of her longtime co-star would significantly impact the dynamics of SVU.
“I had to do so many mental gymnastics and sort of do a reinvention in my own mind, which of course turned out to be a gift, as any sort of growth is. But I was scared; I was sad,” Hargitay shared with People.
To fill the void left by Meloni, SVU introduced new characters, Detectives Nick Amaro and Amanda Rollins, played by Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish. Initially, Hargitay’s character, Olivia Benson, had a strained relationship with Nick Amaro, mirroring Hargitay’s real-life adjustment to the new cast members.
“When Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish arrived [in season 13], I felt like I was almost on a new series. Those two brought a completely new energy. It was really sad when Danny left [in 2015]. We wrote him a song with a Cuban beat,” Hargitay told TV Insider.
Mariska Hargitay Always Believed Chris Meloni Would Return
Despite Meloni’s departure, Hargitay always had a feeling he would return to the Law & Order franchise, even when Meloni himself doubted it. Her intuition proved correct when Meloni returned to headline the spin-off Organized Crime, allowing for crossover opportunities with SVU.
“You know, when Chris left, I knew he would be back. I don’t think he did — I know he didn’t — but I did,” Hargitay told Entertainment Tonight. “So, it was very exciting for him to come back and to come back in such a beautiful way.”
When Meloni did return, the chemistry between the two co-stars was as strong as ever.
“Because there’s history, there’s an effortlessness,” Meloni said. “I think we get to play notes that only she and I can play together, you know? Whatever comes out of the duet is very unique. And so, that is refreshing and gives life to both of us.”
Hargitay agreed, highlighting how their bond remained intact and their laughter and perspectives aligned perfectly.
“We laugh the same. We just see things the same a lot,” she said. “So, it was a beautiful gift and it was very invigorating for me and for him. I’m just so proud of him to be gone for 10 years and to be so culturally relevant now and welcomed back, because he’s that good and that special.”
Revisiting Chris Meloni’s Exit Brought Mariska Hargitay to Tears
Hargitay recently revisited the episode depicting Meloni’s character’s departure from SVU. The scene, where Olivia Benson learns about her partner’s exit, mirrored Hargitay’s real emotions at the time. Re-watching the clip brought back those feelings, leading to an emotional response.
“I just remember that. I remember that. It was so hard because that happened,” she said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It was sad. Just brings me back. It was a hard adjustment because there was so much unknown.”
In summary, Mariska Hargitay’s journey on Law & Order: SVU has been deeply intertwined with Chris Meloni’s presence. His departure and eventual return have had a profound impact on her and the show, showcasing the enduring bond and chemistry between the two actors.
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