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Mariska Hargitay opened up about her experience auditioning for Law & Order: Svu.

The 60-year-old actress has been playing Olivia Benson on the hit series since 1999. During a new interview, she recalled what it was like going up for the part after wrapping a stint on ER.

She also spilled on meeting her costar Christopher Meloni during the process.

Keep reading to find out more…

“I walked in there and because after ER I said, ‘What am I — what am I going to do? This is the greatest show ever. There’s no other show. Oh, except for Law & Order,” she said about meeting with creator Dick Wolf during an interview with Today.

Mariska recalled getting “a couple notes” from Dick. “I remember going, ‘That was good. That’s good.’ And he was like, ‘Oh really? Is that — is it good? Is that a good note?’”

While the meeting went well,...

It feels like Chicago Med is in its own Rennaisance.

And Chicago Med Season 10 Episode 8 certainly left us on the edge of our seats with a finale that saw beloved Goodwin at the mercy of a disgruntled spouse of a patient.

Her life hangs in the balance, but could it potentially hang in the hands of the man she demoted?

(George Burns Jr/NBC)

In an exciting One Chicago press junket, TV Fanatic had the privilege of catching up with the legendary Steven Weber about Dr. Archer’s shocking decision to resign, and those final moments of Goodwin’s stabbing.

Incredibly charismatic and candid, Weber breaks down Archer’s evolution as a character, teases what the future may hold for him in the revolving door Dick Wolf Universe, and gets into the epic “Avengers: Endgame” style One Chicago crossover.

(NBC/James Washington)

Weber has his finger on the pulse regarding...

Mariska Hargitay’s long run as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Svu significantly affected how she saw the real world. She learned that the heinous crimes described in the title card of the show were not just the product of the writer’s imagination. Benson realized that these were real-life crimes happening around her, giving her secondary trauma in the process.

Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Credits: NBC

Before she became the champion of victims of s*xual assault, Hargitay believed that she would thrive in comedy. However, her agent instead brought her the role in Svu, which he had warned her to be much darker. Hargitay’s character soon went on to become a TV legend, with celebrity fans like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez.

Mariska Hargitay Explains How Law & Order: Svu Still Gives Her Secondary Trauma Mariska Hargitay with Ice-t in Law...

Law & Order: Svu is nothing if not long-lasting. The procedural drama is currently on its 26th season, making it the longest-running live-action TV series in American history. You don't get to nearly three decades of dominance without a reliable stable of actors, but one of Svu's most recognizable faces was almost axed after four episodes.

Ice-t was introduced Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola in Law & Order: Svu season 2. He was originally hired on to appear in four episodes, in what would have amounted to a glorified cameo, but the show writers and producers quickly took notice of Ice-t's chemistry with the rest of the cast.

Ice-t's chemistry with the cast impressed producers Law & Order: Special Victims Unit -- Season: 15 -- Pictured: Ice-T as Detective Odafin Tutuola -- (Photo by: James Dimmock/NBC)

NBC claims that the Svu team was particularly pleased with the camaraderie between Ice-t's Fin and...

The legendary Mariska Hargitay is best known for her incredible role as Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. For the past twenty-six seasons, Hargitay’s character has been solving cases related to s*x crimes and the actress has become an activist against the prevalence of such crimes in society.

For the initial twelve seasons, Hargitay had actor Chris Meloni as a co-star playing Detective Elliot Stabler. The two have expressed their respect and adoration for each other over the years, and the actors even reunited when Meloni came back to the show in 2021. However, Meloni had reportedly offended Hargitay with a remark early on in the series.

What Was Chris Meloni’s Remark That Offended Mariska Hargitay? Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: Svu | Credits: NBC

Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay formed a great pair in the procedural drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Mariska Hargitay is spending the day on set.

The 60-year-old Emmy-winning actress filmed a few outdoor scenes with co-star Peter Scanavino for season 26 of Law & Order: Svu on Tuesday afternoon (December 3) in New York City.

For their afternoon of filming, Mariska wore a long black coat with black leather gloves while Peter, 44, sported a dark navy coat over a navy suit.

The fall finale of Svu just aired back on November 21 and the show is now on hiatus until next year. Find out when new episodes will air!

In a recent interview, Mariska, who has been playing Detective Olivia Benson on Svu since 1999, addressed when she might possibly leave the show.

Find out what the 10 best episodes of Law & Order: Svu are, ranked!

Modern Family‘s Alex Dunphy once encountered Svu‘s own Olivia Benson. Ariel Winter appeared in Season 21 Episode 2 of Law & Order: Svu, titled The Darkest Journey Home. The episode had a lot of nuances when it came to presenting its victim Raegan, played by Winter. Needless to say, it was much darker than her popular role in the sitcom.

Ariel Winter as Alex Dunphy in Modern Family | Credits: ABC

Winter, who had been a lifelong fan of Svu, immediately jumped at the chance to portray the character. She shared that after eleven seasons on one of TV’s most popular sitcoms, she believed that she could easily transition from Alex to Raegan. However, it was difficult for her as she revealed she wanted to do right by Raegan and do the best job that she could.

Modern Family Star Ariel Winter Was Moved By Her Role In Law & Order: Svu...

Law & Order Svu star Chris Meloni always had high praise for his longtime onscreen partner Mariska Hargitay. But although he meant well, there was one remark Meloni made about Hargitay that she didn’t take too kindly to. Fortunately, Meloni was able to make up for his mistake years later.

Mariska Hargitay once called out Chris Meloni for ‘great energy’ comment Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay | Virginia Sherwood / Getty Images

Hargitay and Meloni knew they were a perfect match ever since they first crossed paths. Meloni was already a recognizable face at the time thanks to his work on the HBO series Oz. Meanwhile, Hargitay’s career was just starting to gain some momentum. After their long journeys as actors, the two met at the right place and time for Svu. By then, they instinctively knew it was the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

“I walked in, saw him,...

Law & Order Svu star Ice-t hasn’t grown tired of working alongside Mariska Hargitay even after the pair being partners for over two decades. Not too long ago, Ice-t shared what he admired most about the Svu veteran.

What Ice-t and Mariska Hargitay had in common Ice-t and Mariska Hargitay | Arturo Holmes/WireImage

Neither Ice-t nor Hargitay knew what to expect from each other when they first met. The music artist didn’t even think he’d be acting in Svu for too long, let alone for 25 years. So he had no clue that Hargitay would soon be like family to him.

“It was interesting, because I only came on for four episodes, so I didn’t know how long I was going to have to be around the people. You’re walking into a room full of people you don’t really know. I didn’t know Chris...

The Season 23 finale of “Law & Order” left the fate of Tony Goldwyn’s D.A. Nicholas Baxter up in the air on election night, but showrunner Rick Eid told TheWrap ahead of the Oct. 3 premiere that the character has indeed won and will be back for the entire season.

He also promised that Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) will be “a big part” of the second episode, about the murder of a tech CEO. “[Benson] has a pre-existing relationship with the defendant in this case,” said Eid. “It’s really a big part of the episode. It felt organic to who Mariska’s character is, and it was an interesting element to the story that gave it another layer.”

Eid said the crossover, which also sees the return of Elizabeth Marvel’s character Defense Attorney Rita Calhoun, is more “organic” than some of the previous three-series premieres that included “Law & Order: Organized Crime.

Benson gets a full team for the first time in years in Law & Order: Svu season 26. Carisi's absence from Benson's new team photo hints at a separation between police and legal sides in the series. Carisi's unique experience as a cop turned lawyer is crucial for ensuring justice for survivors in Svu cases, making him a valuable member of Benson's Manhattan team.

While Law & Order: Svu's Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) will have a full team for season 26, an important character is missing. For the past several seasons, Benson has been incredibly short-staffed, using rotating team members who have been on loan from the Bronx Svu or other law enforcement organizations. However, Benson's Svu team for Law & Order: Svu season 26 includes four detectives who are permanently part of the unit, which opens the door for new storyline possibilities.

The people who are not included in the team are...

Law And Order: Svu Mariska Hargitay has helped solve thousands of real-life sex crime cases. Fans love how she is putting her knowledge and funding to good use. Mariska has helped so many cases get solved in the real world. This is something people look up to and cannot wait to hear what else she does. Keep reading to find out more about her help.

Will Olivia Benson Be Staying On The Show?

Mariska Hargitay has played Olivia Benson on the show for 26 Seasons. This is a long time for a show to go on. Just like Grey’s Anatomy, it has a big fanbase and has lasted a long time. However, fans want to know if Mariska plans on staying around to play Olivia any longer.

“I’m obviously not done with Svu and I have so much responsibility there still, which is keeping me artistically challenged. It’s challenging.

Mariska Hargitay shares a behind-the-scenes photo from Law & Order: Svu season 26, revealing her posing with Ice-t, Octavio Pisano, Juliana Aidn Martinez, and Kevin Kane. Martinez joins as a new detective in season 26, with no details having been revealed about her character. Kane joined Law & Order: Svu in season 24, but he has been promoted to a series regular in season 26.

Law & Order: Svu star Mariska Hargitay shares a new behind-the-scenes photo from season 26, revealing Benson's team. Serving as a spinoff of NBC's hit Law & Order, the Dick Wolf series premiered in 1999, following the Special Victims Unit as they investigate and prosecute sexual crimes that are often pulled right from real-life headlines. Law & Order: Svu season 26 is set to bring the hit police procedural back later this year, with Harigtay reprising her role as Olivia Benson alongside Ice-t as Fin Tutuola.

In a recent post on Instagram,...

Law & Order Svu star Mariska Hargitay met the love of her life Peter Hermann on the set of her show. Hargitay has often felt she experienced love at first sight when she first saw Hermann. But Hermann felt slightly different about their first encounter.

How Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay reacted to each other Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann | Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Hargitay had a feeling about Hermann from the moment she saw him. The two met in season 3 of Svu with Hermann appearing as a guest star. The actor left an immediate impression on his future wife without even trying to. In The Drew Barrymore Show, Hargitay explained what her first reaction to Hermann was.

“’So, who is that Clark Gable Superman guy that I need to marry today?;” she remembered thinking.

But although Hargitay remembered feeling weak in the knees during their first encounter, Hermann had a more cautious approach.

NCIS stars Michael Weatherly and Mark Harmon had a relationship not too unlike their characters Tony Dinozzo and Leroy Gibbs. Weatherly felt Harmon especially shared this common trait with his NCIS counterpart.

Michael Weatherly felt Mark Harmon was like Gibbs in 1 way Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly | Sonja Flemming/Getty Images

Weatherly and Harmon had different but complementary personalities. Weatherly typically had a more outgoing presence both on NCIS and behind-the-scenes. Harmon, however, was more reserved and professional. But Harmon’s characteristics served Gibbs well, who was written to have a very quiet strength. So much so that the writers felt like Gibbs was one of the hardest NCIS characters to write for.

“On other shows, the lead actor is always counting his lines. But I remember when I first got to NCIS [in 2005], figuring out how to write that character was so complicated. You would type what you think is very little,...

Law & Order Svu star Mariska Hargitay reunited with her partner Chris Meloni not too long ago. But she recently hinted that it might not be the last fans have seen of the pair.

Mariska Hargitay has been talking about another ‘Svu’ reunion with Chris Meloni Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni | Chris Delmas / Getty Images

Hargitay has been just as excited to see Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler back on screen together as some fans. Meloni hasn’t been seen on Svu since the show’s 22nd season a couple of years ago. Since then, there have been references every now and then in regards to Stabler on Svu. But the pair have yet to reunite.

In a recent interview with Variety, Hargitay explained that she’s been communicating with Meloni personally about a reunion. It seems likely that it’ll happen eventually. But if it was up to Hargitay, the...

This fall, Law & Order: Svu returns for its 26th season and Ice-t will be back as Odafin “Fin” Tutuola. Also joining him is Mariska Hargitay as Oliva Benson. While Hargitay has been around for all 26 seasons, Ice-t joined in season 2, so this will mark his 25th on the show. He also has a prediction about the police procedural.

Here is what Ice-t said about Law & Order: Svu and its future on TV.

Ice-t Predicts Law & Order Svu’s Future

Ice-t has been part of the Law & Order franchise for 25 years now. This means the 66-year-old actor/rapper has been part of the franchise since he was 41 and has spent a quarter of a century playing Fin. He isn’t ready to stop playing the character yet, either.

[Late Night With Stephen Colbert | YouTube]Ice-t is excited about Law & Order: Svu Season 26 and he feels the show could last until Season 30 — if not longer.

Law & Order: Svu has featured plenty of guest stars during its over 25 years on air. This Modern Family alum was one of many celebrity appearances, and it changed her life forever.

How Ariel Winter felt about being on ‘Law & Order: Svu’ Ariel Winter and Mariska Hargitay | Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/Gc Images

Many fans might know Ariel Winter primarily from her role as Alex Dunphy in Modern Family. But in 2019, she made the brief jump to Svu in the episode The Darkest Journey Home. The episode saw Winter playing the victim of a crime, who works with the Svu department to catch the perpetrator. Winter described her time with the Svu cast as a life-changing event, as she was able to work on one of her favorite shows. Which was why she was incredibly nervous in the beginning.

“My table read was actually the first time I was anywhere and meeting anybody.

Fans feared that NBC could cancel Law & Order: Organized Crime after never announcing a renewal. However, Peacock jumped in and saved the show, but this means it will move off of NBC, and now fans are worried that the beloved franchise crossovers with Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni will stop as well.

However, Mariska Hargitay has said she still plans to take part in crossovers despite the move of Organized Crime to Peacock.

Mariska Hargitay Talks Law & Order Crossovers In Future

Mariska Hargitay has a lot of say when it comes to Law & Order. While she couldn’t stop a co-star from being fired from the show, she does have a lot to say about her character and the direction of the long-running series. With that in mind, she said she still plans crossovers to reunite Stabler and Olivia.

While Organized Crime is moving to Peacok, it is still...

Law & Order Svu has teased a possible romance between Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler for years now. Actor Chris Meloni revealed his thoughts not too long ago about a relationship between the two characters actually happening.

Chris Meloni felt his relationship with Mariska Hargitay was the show’s currency Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni | Chris Delmas / Getty Images

Meloni and Hargitay were aware of their chemistry the moment they met. The two formed a quick bond with each other even before doing their screentest. One of their first memories together was Meloni making Hargitay laugh by telling her a story. Their bond was only solidified after auditioning together, which would create a friendship that would last for decades.

“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,” Hargitay told People not too long ago.

Mariska Hargitay is fighting for the return of a fired Law & Order: Svu co-star. She seemed to know that this would be a mistake and wished her intuition had been listened to. So, who is this co-star in question and is there any hope? Keep reading for more details.

Mariska Hargitay Fighting For Return Of Fired Svu Co-Star

Law & Order has been extremely successful, spawning several spinoffs that have had just as much success if not more. Svu has been on for twenty-five seasons and it is not slowing down anytime soon. Mariska Hargitay plays the key role of Olivia Benson and shows that women can do literally anything. She has been in good company with Ice-t and Christopher Meloni, who exited after Season 12 only to come back later in the series. Then, in Season 13, Kelli Giddish joined the cast as Amanda Rollins where she stayed until Season...

Sophia Bush, an American actress, stands at an average height for an American woman, measuring 5ft 4in (162.6 cm).

Sophia Bush Overview Actress’s Perspective on Body Standards Height Comparison with Other Actresses Advocating for Body Positivity and Empowerment Personal Life and Relationships Career Highlights and Net Worth Sophia Bush: Facts, Rumors, and Everything in Between Sophia Bush’s Quotes About Life, Love, and Success Elegance and Glamour: Sophia Bush’s Show-Stopping Appearance at Maxim Event

Sophia Bush, standing at 5ft 4in, dazzles in a custom Harbison Studio ensemble at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards, April 9, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Actress’s Perspective on Body Standards

In a 2008 interview with Health Magazine, the Supercross actress discussed the unrealistic body standards in the entertainment industry, noting that despite being a size 2, she’s considered curvy.

It’s weird: In our business, I’m a size 2 and considered curvy…ou can look...

Law & Order Svu stars Kelli Giddish and Mariska Hargitay have grown close with each other over the years. So much so that Hargitay invited Giddish and other co-stars to a bit of a Svu exclusive slumber party.

Kelli Giddish once reflected on the bond of her ‘Law & Order Svu’ cast Kelli Giddish | Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/Gc Images

Giddish was welcomed with open arms when she was first cast in Svu. It could’ve been an intimidating process for the actor. Although she’d been on Svu before, being cast as detective Amanda Rollins would’ve seen Giddish signing on to the show as a regular. She’d be joining Mariska Hargitay, Ice-t, and others, who all already knew each other for decades. Fortunately, they immediately made Giddish feel like she was a part of the family.

“No, I mean, they really love what they do, everybody there. And it’s...

Mariska Hargitay is opening up about her relationship with Christopher Meloni, that teased kiss on Law & Order: Svu that didn’t happen, Kelli Giddish‘s exit, and more.

Of her chemistry with Christopher, Mariska shared, “Our chemistry is undeniable. It’s just the way it is,” she says.

Keep reading to find out more…

She then brought up that teaser, which showed Benson holding Stabler’s face and appeared like they would end up kissing. However, when that episode aired, the face hold wasn’t even featured.

Why was it shown in a teaser and not in the show? Mariska said, “To be honest with you, Chris and I thought it should go one way and the powers that be didn’t, so it got changed at the last minute, that near kiss. Obviously Dick [Wolf] gets final say. It’s his show and he didn’t want that.

When a little girl can’t find her mother in a pocket park in New York City, she inexplicably runs crying straight into the arms of Mariska Hargitay. Though Hargitay’s in the middle of shooting a scene from “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” she doesn’t hesitate. She scoops up the child and begins circling the playground looking for the missing mom.

She doesn’t stop to think about the cast and crew, all of whom are waiting at the other end of the park, hoping to finish the scene before the sunlight reappears from behind the clouds.

Hargitay isn’t NYPD Capt. Olivia Benson, but after portraying her for 25 years on the NBC procedural, their names, and some of their qualities, are synonymous. Benson’s compassion radiates from Hargitay. It’s evident from the moment we meet: Just one day on the set of “Law & Order: Svu,...

Law & Order Svu did a lot for Ice-t’s acting career when casting him on the show way back in 1999. But it was a good thing Ice-t was cast in his more mature years. If he was approached for the show when he was younger, he might’ve turned it down.

What Ice-t learned about himself doing ‘Law & Order Svu’ Ice-t | Ron Adar/ /Getty Images

Ice-t is one of Svu‘s veterans, having been a part of the show from the beginning. Acting wasn’t anything new to Ice-t when he was first approached for the project. But the series’ creator Dick Wolf was concerned Ice-t would have issues with playing a police officer.

“When Dick Wolf put me on the show, he said, ‘Ice, you don’t like the cops, do you?’ I said, ‘Not all of ‘em. I ain’t got problems. Some of ‘em are cool.

Law & Order Svu welcomed Kelli Giddish onto the team full-time in its thirteenth season. Giddish would remain on the show for over a decade until her recent departure in 2022. Her partner Mariska Hargitay was especially saddened by the news, as she developed a close bond with Giddish over the years.

How Kelli Giddish was different than Mariska Hargitay’s past partners Kelli Giddish and Mariska Hargitay | Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/Gc Images

Hargitay had seen many Law & Order stars come and go over the years. She even outlasted the show’s original lead Chris Meloni, who left the series for a decade before returning in Organized Crime. Giddish was another co-star she had to say goodbye to after their long journey together. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hargitay touched on what Giddish meant to her.

“Oh god, Kelli. I love Kelli, she’s my girl. She is one of...

Mariska Hargitay is well-known for her Law & Order Svu character Olivia Benson. Mariska actually is a lot more like Olivia Benson than a lot of fans realize, and advocates for sexual abuse victims in real life too.

The Me Too movement took a huge loss today in New York, and the Law & Order star is heartbroken over the court’s decision in the Harvey Weinstein case.

Harvey Weinstein – Verdict Overturned

Harvey Weinstein’s guilty verdict in his 2018 rape case in New York has been overturned and thrown out.

Weinstein’s lawyer argued that the judge in the case didn’t give Harvey a fair shake, and made it nearly impossible for a jury to come to a fair verdict.

The Supreme Court unfortunately agreed that Weinstein’s character was put on trial, rather than cold hard facts in the rape case.

On Thursday April 25 the official announcement came that...

Mariska Hargitay is a real-life detective in some people’s eyes!

While filming one of the final episodes of Season 25 of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on April 10 in New York City, the 60-year-old actress was approached by a little girl who believed her to be a real police officer based on the badge she was wearing as part of her character’s outfit.

An eyewitness told People that the little girl had been separated from her mother in the Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park and went to Mariska for help, who stopped production for 20 minutes and helped the child find her mother, consoling them both.

Keep reading to find out more…

The little girl had no idea there was a show being filmed, nor did she recognize Ice-t, the witness noted.

Law & Order: Svu airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. Et on NBC. Find out...

Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay hasn’t only been the star of the show. She’s also directed quite a few episodes herself. One actor recently commented on what he thought about Hargitay’s directorial skills.

Kevin Kane on Mariska Hargitay as a director Mariska Hargitay and Kevin Kane | Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/Gc Images

Kane has been a recurring character in Law & Order Svu. He’s known now on the show as detective Terry Bruno. But this wasn’t the first time Kane appeared in Svu, as he’s played a variety of characters over the years. In an interview with Collider, Kane recently revealed what it was like becoming a permanent part of Svu history.

“It felt amazing and really unexpected,” Kane said. “I had done an episode that Mariska directed a few years before, and I was prepping our series Life & Beth. I was on a director scout in New Orleans,...

“Law & Order” crossovers never fail to open up sweet opportunities where our favorite characters from different “Law & Order” universes get to meet and interact with each other. As a result of this, crossover episodes has become something that the long-running show’s dedicated fandom “L&o” occasionally yearn for. Well, “Law and Order’s” latest addition Tony Goldwyn wants this too.

Tony Goldwyn – Wants Kerry Washington To Guest Star On “Law & Order”

“Scandal’s” Tony Goldwyn recently joined “Law & Order” as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter after Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy retired from the role.

So far, warming up to the detectives and adjusting to his new role, whilst harboring humongous ambitions, has been his character’s driving force. In real life, Goldwyn has his ambitions too.

You may remember Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant from “Scandal” – yeah, the one who got entangled with Kerry Washington’s...

Mariska Hargitay and Ice-t are reminiscing about Law & Order: Svu.

The co-stars sat down for an interview with Entertainment Weekly about the show’s 25th season, and the 25 year reign of the series.

If you didn’t know, Ice-t is now the longest-running male actor on a primetime TV series, and Mariska is the longest-running actor on a primetime series overall.

Click through to find out what they had to say…...

Law & Order: Svu‘s Sgt. Odafin Tutuola has been a sex-crimes cop for decades. But as tonight’s episode (NBC, 9/8c) proves, every once in a while, even he gets pitched a curveball.

In the exclusive clip above from “The Punch List,” Fin and Det. Bruno visit a man they believe was sexually assaulted the night before. But they run into quite a bit of interference, starting with the fact that the man — played by guest star David Krumholtz (Numb3rs, The Plot Against America) — claims to have absolutely no knowledge of the attack or the circumstances surrounding it.

More...

Law & Order Svu changed Mariska Hargitay’s life in more ways than one. In addition to the show being her breakthrough role, it also unexpectedly helped her find her soulmate.

Mariska Hargitay was told she wouldn’t be able to find a partner on ‘Law & Order’ Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay | Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

During Hargitay’s single years, the actor found it difficult finding the one. The long hours she had to work in Law & Order limited the amount of time she could go out on dates. A friend of Hargitay’s tried to convince her to have more of a life outside of work. Especially since it was unlikely Hargitay would find a potential suitor at her job.

“She threw a dinner party for me and she was like, ‘Mariska, you need to get out more’ … I could never go anywhere because 15 hours a day, 16 hours a day [on set] every day,...

Law & Order Svu has had a couple of rappers make guest appearances on their show over the years. But Ice-t recently shared he was hoping for one familiar emcee to return to the long-running franchise.

Ice-t hopes to see this rapper-turned-actor back on ‘Law & Order’ Ludacris and Ice-t | NBCUniversal / Getty Images

There have been a few hip hop artists who were invited on to Law & Order Svu. Among them were stars like Method Man and Snoop Dogg, who are also known for their respectable acting careers. Ice-t credited producer Dick Wolf’s eye for talent for spotting the latent potential in the musicians he’s cast.

“The one thing about Dick Wolf [productions] is they understand how musicians translate into acting — they have no fear of that. I think Dick Wolf’s theory is, ‘If you could be a star at something, you could be a star at anything,’” Ice-t told Billboard.

David Krumholtz is no stranger to the Law & Orderverse: He guest-starred in the original series and played a mushroom-obsessed murder suspect in Svu Season 12. But when he shows up Thursday in the current season’s Episode 3, he told TVLine, you should expect something a little out of the ordinary.

First off, in the same way that Kelli Giddish played a rape victim years before she became Det. Amanda Rollins, Krumholtz is portraying a completely new character. “I’m a victim this time, but I won’t give anything else away,” Krumholtz said at a recent celebration of Svu‘s 25th season.

Law & Order: Svu was a bit of new territory for hip-hop artist Ice-t. When he first met the cast, he noticeably kept a bit of distance. But little did the rapper know he’d be working with his Law & Order for 25 seasons now.

Ice-t failed to hang out with his ‘Law & Order’ co-stars at first Ice-t, Chris Meloni, Richard Belzer, Diane Neal, Dann Florek, B.D. Wong, Mariska Hargitay | NBC Universal / Getty Images

Ice-t couldn’t have known Law & Order was going to last as long as it has when he was first cast. The actor has always shared that he was originally only supposed to be on the show for four episodes.

“Here it is, we’re starting the 22nd season. I can’t really explain it, man,” Ice-t said not too long ago on Straight Up Steve Austin.

But Ice-t doesn’t mind the show’s longevity.

Few assistant district attorneys have left as indelible a mark on Law & Order: Svu as Rafael Barba. Even fewer have left as indelible a mark on Svu‘s Capt. Olivia Benson.

Fans of the NBC procedural will remember that Raúl Esparza played the prickly public servant for several seasons. During that time, Barba and Benson grew close; when he left the show in Season 19, after helping the distraught mother of a terminally ill child end her son’s life, his departure was fraught.

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[This story contains spoilers for the season 25 premiere of Law & Order: Svu.]

Law & Order: Svu opened its landmark 25th season by getting the band back together, celebrating the christening of Rollins (Kelli Giddish) and Carisi’s (Peter Scanavino) baby. And, of course, that happy moment was counterbalanced by a nightmare of a case — the disappearance of a teenage girl in broad daylight.

The NBC series, along with its Law & Order siblings and Wednesday night’s three Chicago dramas — all from Universal TV and Wolf Entertainment — are among the first scripted series to return to the air after the end of strikes by writers and actors (aside from a handful of fall dramas that had banked episodes before the labor actions began). Peter Jankowski, president and COO of Wolf Entertainment and an executive producer of all six shows (along with CBS’ FBI triumvirate, which returns in February) says that the company’s team and each series’ showrunners took...

The stars are stepping out to celebrate 25 seasons of Law & Order: Svu!

Mariska Hargitay and Ice-t posed for photos together while arriving at the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 25th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday night (January 16) in New York City.

Fellow cast members in attendance included Christopher Meloni and wife Sherman Williams, Peter Scanavino, Kelli Giddish and husband Beau Richards, Tamara Tunie, Stephanie March, Ainsley Seiger, David Krumholtz, and Dann Florek.

Mariska‘s husband Peter Hermann and Ice-t‘s wife Coco Austin were also in attendance.

Keep reading to find out more…

Mariska recently talked to People about Svu‘s big milestone.

“I have two diametrically opposed answers. One is I can’t believe it’s been 25 years, a quarter of a century!” Mariska shared. “And the other is, I can’t see it any other way. I can’t imagine the show ending, and can’t imagine not going...

Mariska Hargitay is a major Swiftie, and she’s sharing her favorite track from Taylor Swift‘s discography!

The 59-year-old actress has attended Taylor‘s Eras Tour twice, and she also appeared in the Grammy winner’s music video for “Bad Blood” back in 2015.

During a new interview with People, Mariska revealed that her favorite Taylor song is “The Man” from the Lover album. She explained why the song is so important to her.

Keep reading to find out more…

The song began playing during her cover shoot for the magazine, and she immediately exclaimed, “I love this song!” Mariska requested to hear it one more time.

“I love Taylor Swift so much,” she told People. “I love what she stands for. I love her music. It’s been an anthem for all ages. I think she is a magnificent creature on this planet and such an important cultural soul.

Mariska Hargitay is opening up about a traumatic experience.

The 59-year-old Law & Order: Svu star shared her story with People in a new, powerful essay.

“A man raped me in my thirties. It wasn’t sexual at all. It was dominance and control. Overpowering control,” she began.

Keep reading to find out more…

“He was a friend. Then he wasn’t. I tried all the ways I knew to get out of it. I tried to make jokes, to be charming, to set a boundary, to reason, to say no. He grabbed me by the arms and held me down. I was terrified. I didn’t want it to escalate to violence. I now know it was already sexual violence, but I was afraid he would become physically violent. I went into freeze mode, a common trauma response when there is no option to escape. I checked out of my body.

Taylor Swift is sharing her love for Mariska Hargitay‘s new cat!

The 59-year-old actress recently got a new cat and named it Karma, after Taylor‘s song on Midnights.

On Thursday, Mariska took to Instagram to share some adorable photos of the feline, prompting a response from Taylor!

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The “Out of the Woods” singer reacted to Mariska‘s cat name in the comments section of her Instagram post on Saturday (December 2). The songstress wrote: Are you serious?!!!! Nothing has ever come more full circle ⭕️ Love This So Much!!

Mariska Hargitay got a new cat recently, and the name she chose was inspired by her friend Taylor Swift!

If you recall, Taylor actually has a cat named Olivia Benson after the actress’ Law & Order: Svu character.

Mariska and Taylor have become friends over the years, with the actress appearing in the singer’s “Bad Blood” music video. She also of course attended the The Eras Tour movie premiere!

See Mariska Hargitay’s new cat and find out it’s name…

“Karma is a Cat @taylorswift Meet Karma. My Cat.

These cats need a playdate! On Thursday, Mariska Hargitay shared a photo of her new pet cat on social media — and revealed that she named it Karma after a Taylor Swift lyric. It’s a full-circle moment for the kitties (and celebrities), since Swift named one of her own feline friends after Hargitay’s character in Law and Order: Svu: Olivia Benson.

“Karma is a Cat @taylorswift Meet Karma. My Cat.,” Hargitay wrote on Instagram, quoting the lyrics to the Midnights song with hashtags #MeAndKarmaVibeLikeThat and #KarmaIsACat.

“Please bring this baby to work,...

Kelli Giddish is returning to Law & Order: Svu season 25 after her controversial exit, which received backlash. Amanda Rollins, Giddish's character, may have already given birth in the new season based on her lack of a baby bump. The Manhattan Svu team will be understaffed in the upcoming season, making it likely that Rollins will return to help Benson.

A big change is coming Amanda Rollins' way when Kelli Giddish returns in Law & Order: Svu season 25. In arguably one of the most shocking and controversial exits in the long-running NBC and Wolf Entertainment police procedural, it was announced in late 2022 that Giddish was exiting the series. This was after more than a decade of playing one of Olivia Benson's most trusted team members.

Following her brief return in the recent Law & Order crossover finale, Giddish is reunited with her old co-workers as she comes back for Law & Order: Svu...

Law & Order: Svu season 25 is back in production, making it the longest-running primetime show on American television. Mariska Hargitay shared a photo on Instagram wearing Elliot Stabler's compass necklace gift. The compass is a symbolic gift, potentially pointing Olivia Benson towards happiness and indicating a possible romance with Stabler.

A new behind-the-scenes image for Law & Order: Svu season 25 shows Olivia Benson wearing Elliot Stabler's compass necklace gift. As expected, the majority of the scripted shows that have been delayed due to the history of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes are back in production post-Thanksgiving. That includes Law & Order: Svu, which is entering its monumental 25th year as it continues to hold its place as the longest-running primetime live-action series on American television.

Series star Mariska Hargitay shared a photo on Instagram confirming that they are back on set for Law & Order: Svu...

The stars are hitting the red carpet in New York City!

America Ferrera and husband Ryan Piers Williams joined Mary J. Blige and Mariska Hargitay on the red carpet at the 2023 Glamour Women of the Year Awards held on Tuesday evening (November 7) at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Keep reading to find out more…

Other stars in attendance included Brooke Shields, Chloe Moretz, Millie Bobby Brown, Selma Blair, Ayo Edebiri, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Malin Akerman, AnnaSophia Robb, Lauren Sanchez, Chelsea Handler, Abbott Elementary actresses Quinta Brunson and Lisa Ann Walter, And Just Like That actresses Karen Pittman and Sarita Choudhury, Real Housewives of New York City stars Brynn Whitfield and Ubah Hassan, influencer Olivia Ponton, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore, fashion blogger Olivia Palermo, model Aoki Lee Simmons, Girls actress Jemima Kirke, The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham, Tony winner Alex Newell, comedian Amber Ruffin,...

Mariska Hargitay is sharing a touching story about meeting a young girl named after her TV persona and trading Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets!

The 59-year-old Law & Order star made an appearance at the 2023 Women’s Media Center award ceremony on Thursday (October 19). Prior to the event, Mariska had a fun encounter!

Keep reading to hear Mariska’s story…

While out for a jog earlier in the day, Mariska ran into a familiar face and made a new friend.

“I saw my friend’s daughter, and she introduced me to her best friend, who was named after Olivia Benson,” she told People.

“And so I met this little girl, and she was named after me, and we sat there on the street and I gave her my ‘Fearless’ bracelet that I got at the [Eras Tour] movie. And the other one I gave my ‘Olivia Benson’ bracelet. I had two of them on,...

In a heartwarming display of family bonding, actress Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as NYPD detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, was spotted enjoying a special outing with her son, August Hermann, during the 2023 U.S. Open.

The 59-year-old star and her 17-year-old son were seen relishing in all the high-intensity action from their court-side seats at the prestigious sporting event, before Mariska’s husband, Peter Hermann, 56, could join them in the stands.

Mariska Hargitay Sits Courtside with 16-Year-Old Son August at the U.S. Open — See the Rare Shot! https://t.co/KjtDfhqGNw

— People (@people) September 7, 2023

Hargitay and August have made the U.S. Open together a mother-son ritual, attending the event together for the past three years. This year’s match was the quarter-final match between Frances Tiafoe and opponent Ben Shelton at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.