Mariska Hargitay is synonymous with the hit NBC series Law & Order: SVU. It’s safe to say the show wouldn’t be the same without her, as she has been an integral part of it since the very beginning. This year, in celebration of her 57th birthday, her longtime co-star Ice-T shared a heartwarming message that highlights their strong bond. Here are all the details.
Hargitay’s character, Olivia Benson, has evolved tremendously over the course of 22 seasons. She started as a detective and worked her way up to Captain, with fans witnessing her remarkable journey from the very first episode of season 1 to the present day.
Ice-T, who plays Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, joined the show at the beginning of season 2. Since then, he has become the Sergeant of the squad and works closely with Hargitay’s character. Over the years, their on-screen partnership has mirrored their real-life friendship, growing stronger and more significant.
In a 2018 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ice-T spoke highly of Hargitay, saying, “Mariska’s the best.” He also expressed his commitment to the show, stating, “I’m not going nowhere till she’s gone,” a testament to their close bond and mutual respect.
“We’re very fortunate to be on a show where everyone likes each other,” Ice-T said while sitting next to Hargitay. “Everyone gets along. 20 years is a long time, and it’s a very cool work environment. Mariska’s the best.” He also revealed that he initially joined the series for just four episodes, but it turned into a long-lasting role. “I’m happy,” he said, adding, “I’m not going nowhere till she’s gone.”
On January 23, Mariska Hargitay celebrated her 57th birthday, and Ice-T took to social media to share a sweet birthday message for his friend and co-star. He posted a photo of the two of them smiling at an event, with Ice-T sporting his signature shades and leather jacket, while Hargitay wore a stylish jacket and white blouse. Ice-T captioned the post: “Today is @therealmariskahargitay’s Birthday! We’ve worked side by side for over 20 years. I love her to death. Everyone show her some love.. 🎈🎂.” He shared the same heartfelt message on Twitter.
The photo appears to have originated from a fan page called thereal.mariskalover, which also shared the same post. Ice-T’s tribute to Hargitay on her birthday was a touching reminder of their enduring friendship. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what the future holds for this dynamic duo.
Ice-T’s heartfelt message for Mariska Hargitay on her birthday not only underscores their strong bond but also highlights the camaraderie that has helped make Law & Order: SVU such a beloved series for over two decades.
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