Back in 1999, when Mariska Hargitay first received the script for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, her agents warned her that it might not be her cup of tea. “I remember them saying, ‘I don’t think you’re going to like it. It’s very dark,’” Mariska revealed during the Tribeca TV Festival’s Law & Order: SVU 20th Anniversary Celebration. But as it turns out, the role of sex crimes detective Olivia Benson resonated with her deeply. “It went straight to my heart and soul,” she said. Her portrayal of the tough yet compassionate cop has earned her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, and she calls it “a privilege and a gift” to tell these powerful stories.
Now, as the show kicks off its 20th season on NBC, its relevance and impact remain as strong as ever. Series creator Dick Wolf noted, “You couldn’t make up what’s in the news today,” highlighting the show’s ability to tackle real-world issues head-on. Mariska, now also a producer, expressed her gratitude for bringing topics that are often swept under the rug to the forefront of public conversation. “We’ve brought something to the watercooler that has traditionally been ignored,” she shared. Keep reading to uncover more fascinating secrets from the set of SVU!
Iconic Guest Stars Who Left Their Mark
Over the years, SVU has welcomed an impressive lineup of A-list guest stars, many of whom have earned Emmy nominations for their performances. So, which ones stand out to the cast? For Ice T, who plays Detective Fin Tutuola, the answer is clear: Jerry Lewis. “I grew up watching his movies,” Ice explained. Another standout was Carrie-Anne Moss from The Matrix. “Me and Philip [Winchester, who played A.D.A. Peter Stone] were like, ‘Yes!’” Ice recalled. There’s still one actor on Ice’s wishlist: Brad Pitt. “And that’s greedy because I just want to meet him. He’s my favorite actor!”
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For Mariska, Dylan Walsh tops the list of favorite guest stars. “He’s so amazing,” she gushed about the actor who will have a recurring role in the new season. Peter Scanavino, who plays Detective Dominick Carisi, agrees. “I love Dylan. He’s one of those actors who make everything seem so effortless, but when you’re working with him, you realize just how incredible he really is.”
The Lighter Side of a Dark Show
Despite the heavy subject matter that defines SVU, the set is anything but somber. “People would be shocked by how much laughter happens between takes,” Peter Scanavino revealed. “We joke around, tease each other, and keep things light. Ice always jokes with guests, saying, ‘You know this is a comedy, right?’”
For Ice, the contrast between the intense scenes and the real-life moments is striking. “Sometimes we’re interviewing these little girls who are crying, and then the director calls ‘cut,’ and they immediately grab their phones to start texting. It’s surreal,” he said with a laugh. “What the audience sees—with the music and everything—is terrifying. But for us, it’s a completely different experience.”
Peter and Philip Winchester have developed a strong bond both on and offscreen, often leaning into their shared sense of humor. “We can be really goofy,” Philip told Closer Weekly. “It’s part of what makes working together so much fun.”
Perks of Being Part of the SVU Family
Being part of SVU comes with some unexpected perks. Mariska, 54, met her husband, Peter Hermann, 51, on the set back in 2001 when he played defense attorney Trevor Langan. But the love doesn’t stop there—she’s also formed strong bonds with the NYPD. “Once, my nephew was playing in the US Open juniors, and Peter and I were running late due to traffic,” she recounted. “Out of nowhere, a police van pulls up, and they say, ‘Get in, Olivia!’ They drove us straight to the front door. I couldn’t believe it!”
Peter Scanavino discovered one of the best perks early in his career when a fan-cop let him off a speeding ticket—in exchange for an autograph. “I turned to my wife and said, ‘This is amazing!’” he recalled. And Ice T? Well, he’s embraced his newfound fame. “When I’m out on the streets, people love me because I’m on the show,” he said with a grin.
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