In a candid interview with Variety, Mariska Hargitay opened up about the controversial departure of her Law & Order: SVU co-star, Kelly Giddish, from the long-running procedural.
Giddish, known for her role as Detective Amanda Rollins, left SVU midway through its 24th season, a decision that stirred disappointment among fans and crew alike. As an executive producer on SVU and one of the show’s original stars, Hargitay revealed that seeing Giddish leave was the most challenging moment in her tenure with the series. Despite her influential role behind the scenes, Hargitay expressed regret that she couldn’t alter Giddish’s fate.
“It’s a sensitive topic,” Hargitay acknowledged to Variety. “While I have significant input on the show, I felt powerless in this instance.”
Reflecting on the dynamic between their characters, Hargitay emphasized the powerful portrayal of two complex and supportive women, which resonated deeply with viewers. She indicated ongoing efforts to secure Giddish’s permanent return for SVU’s upcoming season, underscoring her commitment to restoring a pivotal element of the show’s fabric.
Notably, Giddish has already made cameo appearances in the season 24 finale and the season 25 premiere, with another scheduled for the 11th episode airing on May 2. Hargitay’s advocacy for Giddish’s return parallels the successful comeback of Christopher Meloni, who reprised his role as Detective Elliot Stabler in 2021 after a decade-long absence.
As anticipation mounts for future developments in SVU, fans await news on whether Giddish will once again become a permanent fixture alongside Hargitay in this iconic series.
