Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, who played partners in Law & Order: SVU and Elliot Stabler in 1999, have been friends since their roles were introduced in 1999 and continue to be friends over two decades. They have even reunited onscreen for crossover events between the show and its Stabler-centric spinoff, "SVU." To celebrate Meloni's 65th birthday on April 2, 2026, look back at some of his best friendship moments with Hargitsay, both on and off screen. The pair's relationship began when they met and ended up becoming friends. Hargitting during their initial screen test was described as "effortless, easy, fun."