Mariska Hargitay's Hilarious 'Law & Order: SVU' Audition Story Revealed

As 'Law & Order: SVU' enters its 27th season on the 2025 TV schedule, the show's longevity is a testament to the chemistry between its lead actors, Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni. In a recent interview, Hargitay revealed the hilarious story behind their initial audition, which cemented their partnership as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler.

Hargitay explained that she and Meloni immediately bonded over their similar personalities and sense of humor during the callback. However, she initially thought she'd be paired with actor John Slattery, not Meloni. When Hargitay learned Slattery was also at the audition, she was determined to impress him and build a connection. But fate had other plans, and she ended up reading with Meloni instead.

The initial back-and-forth between Hargitay and Meloni was a bit awkward, with 47 people in the room. But once Hargitay discovered the real reason behind Meloni's Jesus tattoo - a hilarious joke - she knew they would get along. That moment sealed the deal, and Hargitay realized Meloni was the perfect fit for the role of Stabler.

The chemistry between the two actors has been a driving force behind 'SVU's' enduring success. Even after all these years, Hargitay and Meloni remain best friends, and their on-screen partnership continues to captivate fans with its "will they/won't they" dynamic.