The Law & Order franchise is a collection of American television drama series created
by producer Dick Wolf.
These enduringly popular series revolve around the investigation and prosecution of crimes
in various American cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Each series typically focuses on the activities of police detectives, who work to solve crimes,
and prosecutors, who bring the perpetrators to justice.
The franchise is known for its signature "dun-dun" sound effects, its multi-episode story arcs,
and its use of ripped-from-the-headlines storylines.
The first spin-off of the crime/legal drama TV franchise, Law & Order: Special Victims
Unit, commonly abbreviated to SVU, began airing on NBC in 1999.
The series follows the style of the original Law & Order series in that most episodes are
loosely based on real crimes that have received widespread media attention.
As its name implies, SVU focuses on the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department,
a division that investigates crimes of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
Each episode follows the detectives as they work to solve the crimes, while also exploring
the personal and professional lives of the detectives and their colleagues in the criminal
justice system.
"Law & Order: SVU" is known for its strong characters, intense storylines, and socially
relevant themes, and has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1999.
In this video, we'll be taking a look at the cast of Law & Order: SVU over the years, from
the series' inception back in 1999 to today.
Stay tuned to find out which Law & Order: SVU alums currently hold the claim to fame
for portraying the longest-running prime-time live-action characters on TV.
We'll also reflect on a few actors who have left the show to check in with them and see
what they are up to today.
Facts Verse Presents: Law and Order SVU Cast Then and Now (1999 to 2023)
Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay is an actress best known for her role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order:
Special Victims Unit.
Hargitay has been with the show since its inception in 1999, and her character, Benson,
is a central figure in the series, serving as the lead detective in the Special Victims
Unit.
Over the course of the series, Hargitay's character has become a beloved and iconic
figure, known for her compassion and dedication to her work as a police detective.
While playing Olivia Benson for the past two decades, Hargitay has earned a total of eight
Emmy Nominations, including one win.
Today, even after portraying Benson for so many years, Hargitay says that she has no
plans to leave the drama series any time in the foreseeable future.
In addition to her acting work, Hargitay has also been an advocate for survivors of sexual
assault and has used her platform to raise awareness about the issue.
She is the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization that provides support and
resources for survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
Through her work on and off the screen, Mariska Hargitay has become an important voice in
the fight against sexual violence and a widely respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Christopher Meloni
Christopher Meloni is an American actor, best known for his role as Detective Elliot Stabler
in Law & Order: SVU.
Meloni appeared on the show from its inception in 1999 to 2011, and his character, Stabler,
was a central figure in the series, serving as the partner to Mariska Hargitay's character,
Detective Olivia Benson.
Stabler and Benson formed one of the most iconic partnerships in the history of television,
and Meloni's portrayal of the character was widely praised by audiences and critics alike.
During his time on SVU, Meloni became a fan favorite, and his departure from the series
in 2011 was widely mourned.
Despite his departure, Meloni's connection to the Law & Order franchise remains strong,
and he continues to be remembered and celebrated for his work on the show.
He has since appeared in several other television series and films and continues to be a respected
and sought-after actor in the entertainment industry.
Most notably, Meloni has appeared in offerings such as True Blood, Surviving Jack, The Handmaid's
Tale, and Veep.
He has also made an appearance in the Wet Hot American Summer reboots.
In 2020, it was announced to much fan excitement that Meloni would be reprising his role as
Elliot Stabler in an SVU spin-off series.
In 2021, he joined the cast of Law & Order: Organized Crime and has remained a central
character of that series ever since.
Richard Belzer
Richard Belzer is an American comedian and actor best known for his role as Detective
John Munch in Law & Order: SVU and in several other television series.
Belzer first appeared as Detective Munch in the 1990 NBC series "Homicide: Life on the
Street," and has since reprised the character in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," as
well as in several other Law & Order-branded series.
Belzer's character, Munch, is a wisecracking and highly experienced detective who has become
one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the Law & Order franchise.
Over the course of the series, Munch has become a staple of the show, appearing in over 400
episodes across multiple series, and his appearances are often a highlight of each episode.
In 2013, Belzer announced his departure from Law & Order: SVU, but that hasn't stopped
him from making regular appearances in other Law & Order series.
In addition to his work on Law & Order, Belzer is also a successful stand-up comedian and
author and has made numerous appearances in films, television shows, and on stage.
Many of his fans fondly recall his role as Detective John Munch on the X-Files.
Belzer remains a beloved and iconic figure in the entertainment industry, and his connection
to the Law & Order franchise continues to be an important part of his legacy.
Dann Florek
Dann Florek is best known for his role as Captain Donald Cragen in Law & Order: Special
Victims Unit.
Florek appeared in the show from 1999 to 2015, and his character, Cragen, was the commanding
officer of the Special Victims Unit and a mentor to the detectives under his command.
In addition to his work on SVU, Florek is also known for portraying Captain Don Cragen
in the original "Law & Order" series as well, and he has additionally made appearances in
several other Law & Order-branded series.
In 2013, it was announced that Florek was finally leaving the drama series after appearing
in more than 300 episodes.
Florek has appeared in numerous other television shows and films, including "L.A. Law," "Moon
Over Parador," and "The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer.", although he's been keeping a relatively
low profile since leaving Law & Order behind.
Throughout his career, Florek has been a respected and versatile actor, and his connection to
the Law & Order franchise has helped to solidify his place in the pantheon of great television
actors.
He continues to be remembered and celebrated for his contributions to the franchise, and
for his memorable performances in a wide range of other projects.
Michelle Hurd
Hurd appeared in Law & Order: SVU from 1999 to 2000, and her character, Detective Monique
Jeffries, was a detective in the Special Victims Unit who worked closely with Detective Olivia
Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay.
In addition to her work on SVU, Hurd has also appeared in numerous other television shows
and films, including "The Practice," "Blindspot," and "Marvel's Daredevil."
She has been a respected and versatile performer throughout her career, and her work on SVU
helped to establish her as a talented actress in the television industry.
Hurd's connection to the Law & Order franchise, while brief, has had a lasting impact on her
career, and she remains a beloved and memorable figure to fans of the show.
She continues to be active in the entertainment industry, and her contributions to the franchise
are celebrated and respected by audiences and industry professionals alike.
Ice-T
Ice-T is an American rapper, singer, actor, and producer known for his role as Detective
Odafin Tutuola in Law & Order: SVU.
Ice-T joined the cast of SVU in 2000, and his character, Tutuola, is a seasoned and
no-nonsense detective who brings a unique perspective and sense of humor to the Special
Victims Unit.
In addition to his work on SVU, Ice-T is a pioneering figure in the world of hip-hop,
having helped to popularize the genre in the 1980s and 1990s.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of all time, and has released numerous
albums, collaborated with other artists, and performed on stages around the world.
Ice-T's connection to the Law & Order franchise has been a defining part of his career, and
his role as Tutuola has established him as a talented and versatile actor.
He has been praised for his performances on the show, and his contributions to the franchise
have helped to make SVU one of the most popular and enduring television series of all time.
He continues to be active in the entertainment industry, having recently expanded into the
world of reality TV with his wife, Coco, with their E! Network series Ice Loves Coco.
That said, his work on SVU remains a highlight of his illustrious career.
Stephanie March
March is widely revered for her role as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot in Law & Order:
SVU.
March appeared in the show from 2000 to 2012, and her character, Cabot, was a prosecutor
who worked closely with the detectives in the Special Victims Unit to bring perpetrators
of sexual assault and domestic violence to justice.
In addition to her work on SVU, March has also appeared in numerous other television
shows and films, including "Ally McBeal," "30 Rock," and "Death of a Salesman."
She has been a respected and versatile performer throughout her career, and her work on SVU
helped to establish her as a talented actress in the television industry.
Demore Barnes
Demore Barnes is a Canadian actor best known for his role as Deputy Chief Christian Garland
in Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Barnes appeared in the two series from 2019 to 2021 before announcing his departure.
In March 2022, it was confirmed that Demore, after a lengthy hiatus would once again be
appearing in future episodes of the drama series.
In addition to his work on SVU, Barnes has also appeared in numerous other television
shows and films, including "The 100," "12 Monkeys," and "Supernatural."
He has been a respected and versatile performer throughout his career, and his work on SVU
helped to establish him as a talented actor in the television industry.
There are so many incredible actors who have been apart of the Law & Order: SVU family
over the years, and unfortunately we don't have the time to cover all of them.
Still, it's been nice checking in with a few of the most famous faces who have made their
mark on television while starring in the long-running drama.
Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T, in particular, have a lot to be proud of.
In their respective roles in the series, they've earned the bragging rights of playing two
of the longest-established television characters of all time.
Who is your favorite past or present Law & Order: SVU character, and which since departed cast
members would you like to see come back and reprise their roles in future episodes of
the series or one of its spin-offs?
Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching!