Mariska Hargitay, the beloved star of Law & Order: SVU, recently opened up about her long-standing friendship with Chris Meloni and how their on-screen chemistry translated into one of television’s most iconic partnerships. During a heartwarming interview with Vanity Fair, Hargitay revealed that some of her fondest SVU memories weren’t even in the script.
A Bond Beyond the Script
Hargitay and Meloni’s connection as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler was immediate and deep, leading to a partnership that has become legendary in television history. Hargitay fondly recalled their unique bond, stating, “I think Chris and I, Benson and Stabler, at the end of the day, it’s all the same. In the relationship, whether it was acting or being partners, there was a level of trust.”
She elaborated on their multifaceted connection, describing how their partnership transcended their roles on screen. “If I had, like, six dots and this was him and this was me, and then you connect the dots, they connected in so many ways: acting partners, friends, comedians, people that hold each other accountable. We almost had our own language. I mean, here we were for these 12 years, and we spent more time with each other than our spouses. All day we were making this thing together, all day long that we built together, that we created together.”
The Unscripted Hug
One particular scene from the early seasons of SVU stands out in Hargitay’s memory—a moment that was completely unscripted. It was the first time Stabler hugged Benson, a gesture that wasn’t planned but felt incredibly right.
“If I’m correct, I think that’s the first time we ever hugged on the show,” Hargitay reminisced. “And he surprised me with it, and it was so right. And in that scene, I think it’s somewhere where you can really feel everything unspoken, almost more than the spoken word.”
She emphasized the careful approach she and Meloni took towards their physical interactions on screen, ensuring that every gesture was meaningful and genuine.
Instant Chemistry
Hargitay and Meloni didn’t know each other before their screen test for SVU, but their connection was instantaneous. Hargitay recalled their first meeting vividly, sharing with People, “I walked in, saw him, and I went, ‘That guy. That’s the guy.’ It went deep, very fast. We both knew that it was something big.”
Meloni, too, recognized the special bond he and Hargitay shared from the moment they met. Reflecting on their screen test, he told NPR, “You know, all the actors who screen-tested were great. But – and this is one of the rare moments – when I walked in with Mariska. First of all, we were walking down the hall, and I was telling her a joke, telling her a story that was a funny story. And we walked into the room with all the suits and, you know, all the decision-makers. And I said, hold on guys; let me just finish this story. And from that – and – the hutzpah – I thought about it afterwards. But that was the idea. You guys will hold on ’cause we got control of the room. We’re in here, and we got control of everything. We’re going to control this scene and our characters.”
A Partnership That Endures
Their immediate and deep connection set the foundation for one of TV’s most beloved partnerships. Hargitay noted the profound impact Meloni had on her life, stating, “My father, my husband, [Law & Order creator] Dick Wolf, and Chris are the four pillar men in my life. And that happened early.”
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni’s bond on Law & Order: SVU is a testament to their incredible chemistry and mutual respect. Their partnership, both on and off-screen, has created countless memorable moments and has left an indelible mark on television history. As Hargitay continues to reflect on their journey together, it’s clear that their connection is as strong as ever, making SVU not just a show, but a legacy.
