Mariska Hargitay is now in her 26th season of *Law & Order: SVU*. Early in her career, one "magical" moment became a clear sign of her future success.

 

Mariska Hargitay has always been, and will forever be, Olivia Benson.

Jan. 12, 2025, 7:58 PM GMT+6 \

Mariska Hargitay has been the cornerstone of television’s iconic crime drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for 26 years, but she credits much of her success to her on-screen partner and self-described “yin to her yang.”

Since the show’s debut in 1999, Hargitay has brought Olivia Benson to life, navigating her character’s journey from detective to captain. For many years, she solved crimes alongside Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni.

“Chris and I are polar opposites in who we are as people. You couldn’t find two more different individuals,” Hargitay shared during a Sunday TODAY interview with Willie Geist on January 12. “And yet,” she added, clapping her hands, “there was this yin-yang. We just fit. Everyone noticed it early on. It wasn’t a surprise because we felt it.”

Mariska Hargitay’s SVU Audition in 1999

Before becoming Olivia Benson, Hargitay had to secure the role through Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, whom she describes as “a visionary” and a trusted friend.

In the late ’90s, fresh from a recurring role on ER, Hargitay auditioned for SVU. “After ER, I thought, ‘What’s next? This is the greatest show ever. The only other show that compares is Law & Order,’” she recalled. During her audition, she told Wolf, “This is my role. I am Olivia Benson.” Wolf, amused by her confidence, gave her some feedback and called her back for another meeting.

At one audition, Hargitay spotted another stunning actress, Mili Avital, in the waiting room and panicked. “I thought, ‘She’s my competition,’” Hargitay laughed. “But it turned out she was reading for a different part.” Avital later appeared as a guest star in the pilot and other episodes.

Meeting Christopher Meloni

The first meeting between Hargitay and Meloni laid the foundation for their iconic partnership. “When Chris and I got in the room together, Dick Wolf said, ‘That’s it,’” Hargitay recounted. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

During callbacks, Hargitay immediately knew Meloni was the right fit. “I looked at him and thought, ‘That’s the guy.’ And apparently, he felt the same way.”

Their mutual love of comedy and natural chemistry sealed the connection. “Even when we disagreed or had tense moments, the chemistry was always there,” she said. “We’ve been important people in each other’s lives from the start, and we’re still very close.”

Recognizing the Show’s Success

As SVU entered its 26th season in October 2024, Hargitay reflected on when she realized the show was destined for greatness. By the second or third season, she recognized its potential, largely due to her partnership with Meloni. “We had this magical chemistry, and we knew it,” she said.

Hargitay also praised Wolf’s intelligent storytelling and understanding of the human condition. “The complexity of good versus evil and the need for justice resonates with audiences,” she said. “That’s part of his legacy.”

The Genius of Benson and Stabler

Hargitay believes the dynamic between Benson and Stabler is a major factor in the show’s enduring appeal. “The brilliance of the show’s concept lies in its balance,” she explained. “Elliot was the angry, protective father, while Olivia was the nurturing, empathetic mother. It was the perfect combination.”

She continued, “Viewers wanted Elliot to fight for them and Olivia to hold space for their most tender feelings. At its core, the show is about being seen, which is something every human being longs for.”

Through its complex characters, emotional depth, and enduring chemistry between its leads, Law & Order: SVU continues to captivate audiences, a testament to the power of connection both on and off the screen.