“Law & Order: SVU” tackles some of the most serious and pressing issues on television. Yet, behind the scenes, the atmosphere is anything but somber. In a recent interview, Kelli Giddish, who portrays Amanda Rollins, shared insights into the lighter side of the set, revealing that Mariska Hargitay, who has played Olivia Benson since the show’s inception, is the funniest cast member.
Mariska Hargitay: The Unseen Comedian
“Law & Order: SVU” is one of the longest-running TV series, with Hargitay being a cornerstone since its premiere in 1999. Despite the gravity of her character, Benson, Giddish describes Hargitay as a source of endless laughter and energy on set.
“Oh, God, she’s a ball of energy,” Giddish told Smashing Interviews Magazine. “No one could understand how funny that lady is based on what they see on TV because Benson’s an empathetic, deeply concerned character. But in real life, she’s laughing all day, every day.”
A Set Filled with Joy
A quick glance at Hargitay’s Instagram reveals a set filled with joy and camaraderie. Giddish confirmed this in her interview, highlighting how much fun the cast has together.
“We have a lot of fun,” she shared. “I was thinking about the show while brushing my teeth this morning, and we’re doing the 500th episode right now. I kept thinking about how much we laugh on set. Not that the end is in sight, but I laugh a lot at work. We crack each other up and challenge each other, and that’s something I really enjoy about our show.”
The Magic of Chemistry
Since joining “Law & Order: SVU” in season 13, Giddish’s character, Amanda Rollins, has developed a deep and complex relationship with Hargitay’s Olivia Benson. This bond, Giddish notes, has been hard-earned and richly rewarding.
“It’s not like Amanda just came in and started being best friends with Benson,” she explained. “It’s been a rocky road. Now, seeing two strong females like that really trust and rely on each other has been a pleasure and an honor to cultivate that relationship.”
Giddish cherishes the on-screen chemistry she shares with Hargitay, describing their scenes together as magical.
“Those scenes are what I look forward to most in doing the show now because there’s some magic that happens between me and Mariska, two strong women,” Giddish suggested. “It’s what makes the show exciting to work on.”
Tune In for More
As “Law & Order: SVU” continues to air new episodes on Thursdays on NBC, fans can rest assured that behind every intense and emotional episode, there’s a lot of laughter and joy shared among the cast. This blend of serious storytelling and behind-the-scenes fun is part of what has made “Law & Order: SVU” a beloved staple on television for over two decades.
