In the genre of television police procedural dramas, no show is more beloved or more successful than Law & Order: SVU. The long-running drama is the crown jewel in Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise, starring talented actors like Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T.
In addition to its stellar lead performers, the show features a wide array of supporting actors, including Peter Scanavino, who has played a prime role in the series for seven years. Hardcore Law & Order fans might recall, however, that before securing his current prominent role, Scanavino appeared in a different, more low-profile capacity.
Law & Order: SVU debuted on television in 1999 as the second series in the successful Law & Order franchise created by Dick Wolf. It stars Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson, the lead detective, and later Captain of the Special Victims Unit in the New York City Police Department.
Benson and her team focus primarily on crimes of a sexual nature, involving rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of sexual violence. For years, Benson worked alongside her partner, Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni.
Eventually, Meloni left the series to pursue other projects. Still, he has never been able to leave the character of Stabler behind and is set to return to the iconic role in a highly-anticipated spinoff.
In short order, Law & Order: SVU became one of the most popular shows on television. Viewers were drawn not only to the characters and the rich, complex way they were written but also to the intense situations portrayed in the series. Critics have also praised Law & Order: SVU, and over the years, the show has received a staggering 91 award nominations.
Hargitay has taken top honors for her acting in the series, even scoring the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006.
Peter Scanavino’s Role in ‘Law & Order: SVU’
Out of all the talented supporting actors who have graced the screen in Law & Order: SVU over the years, Peter Scanavino is a particular favorite. The actor began appearing on television in the early 2000s, scoring roles in shows like The Good Wife, The Blacklist, and Deception.
He earned a reputation as a reliable character actor capable of portraying any character, no matter how complex. Scanavino started portraying Det./ADA Dominick Carisi Jr. in 2014 and has been a mainstay ever since.
Initially, Carisi was featured in a recurring capacity, but when viewers responded positively to the character, he was promoted to series regular. The character of Carisi isn’t always the most sensitive member of the team and has a tendency to be rather brusque, but underneath his tough exterior, he has a caring heart and is beloved by all those he works with.
Peter Scanavino’s Cameo Before His Leading Role
Although Scanavino joined the cast of Law & Order: SVU as Carisi in 2014, he had actually appeared on the series before in a cameo role. According to a report by TheThings.com, Scanavino had a cameo role as a janitor in the 14th season of the hit show.
By season 16, he had been promoted to series regular. Ultimately, everything worked out, as Scanavino became one of the most reliable performers on the show and is still making waves as Carisi to this day.
Law & Order: SVU continues to be a groundbreaking series, pushing the envelope and addressing pressing social issues while delivering compelling and unforgettable characters. With stars like Hargitay and Scanavino at the helm, the show’s legacy is secure, ensuring its place in television history for years to come.
