Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has reached a remarkable milestone with its 500th episode, and the show’s enduring success is closely tied to its star, Mariska Hargitay. Hargitay, who won an Emmy for her portrayal of Olivia Benson in 2006, has been a part of all 23 seasons of the drama. However, when it came time to watch the landmark episode, she found herself too nervous to do so. “They sent me the link so many times, and I was actually too nervous to watch it,” she revealed on Live with Kelly and Ryan. “Obviously, I’ve been doing this show for so long, and Olivia Benson is in me, but the idea of the 500th episode felt like so much pressure. I was so nervous coming to work that day.”
The show’s 500th episode is a significant achievement, marked by the return of former cast member Danny Pino, who played Detective Nick Amaro from Season 13 to 16. “It feels amazing to be welcomed back and for the show to be still so resonant and so needed,” Pino told Entertainment Tonight. He also expressed his admiration for Hargitay, stating, “I respect her so much, not only for who she is and for her artistry but for what she does for survivors.”
Hargitay has made her own mark in television history by portraying the same character in more consecutive seasons of a primetime drama than any other actor. She is also the only series regular from the Law & Order franchise to win an Emmy and has been nominated for the award nine times. Impressively, she has appeared in all but nine of SVU‘s over 500 episodes, missing a few in Season 7 due to her pregnancy. Upon returning from maternity leave, she seamlessly resumed her role. “I am so grateful and in love with this character that I am so blessed to play,” she told E! News. “This character is heroic and something our culture needed, someone who fought for women and elevated women’s voices.”
Law & Order: SVU focuses primarily on its characters’ professional lives, much to the dismay of fans shipping Benson and Stabler. Offscreen, however, the personal lives of the cast members are quite romantic. Mariska Hargitay, for instance, has been married to actor Peter Hermann since 2004, whom she met when he guest-starred on SVU as defense attorney Trevor Langan. Recalling their first date, she told People in 2019, “We went to church together, and it was like getting hit with a lightning bolt. I just started sobbing, realizing he was the one.” The couple has three children: sons August and Andrew, and daughter Amaya. Hermann continues to make guest appearances on SVU and stars in the Paramount+ comedy Younger.
Christopher Meloni, who played Elliot Stabler for the first 12 seasons and returned in 2021, shared his love story in a 2006 YourTango interview. He met his wife, Sherman Williams, in 1989 on an HBO series set. Despite Williams having a boyfriend at the time, they eventually started dating, and Meloni showed his commitment by altering his home to accommodate her motorcycle. They married in 1995 and have two children, Sophia and Dante. Williams has impressive credits in art direction and production design, including the film Platoon.
Ice-T, who plays Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, married model Nicole “Coco” Austin in 2002 after meeting her on a movie set. They welcomed their daughter Chanel in 2015. The couple starred in the reality series Ice Loves Coco from 2011 to 2013, which showcased their dynamic life. Ice-T shared that while he was initially drawn to Austin’s physical appearance, he quickly realized she was ready for a committed, domestic life.
Kelli Giddish, who has portrayed Amanda Rollins since Season 13, married artist Lawrence Faulborn in 2015. They have two sons, Ludo and Charlie. Giddish has spoken about the support she received from her SVU family when Faulborn was hospitalized for two months. “The job, the people I work with and for, I can’t say enough good things about,” she told Stuff.
Peter Scanavino, playing Dominick Carisi Jr. since 2014, shares two children with his wife, artist Lisha Bai. Bai, an accomplished painter and printmaker, has exhibited her work in major cities and taught at prestigious institutions. Scanavino often praises her work and supports her exhibitions.
Richard Belzer, who portrayed John Munch for 17 seasons, met his wife Harlee McBride on a blind date in 1981. McBride, a former Playboy model and actress, appeared alongside Belzer in Homicide: Life on the Street. The couple married in 1985 and have two daughters. Belzer credits McBride with teaching him about unconditional love and parenting.
As Law & Order: SVU continues to make television history, the personal stories of its cast add a rich layer to the show’s enduring legacy.
