Neal McDonough Chose Family over Hollywood – Now His Oldest Daughter Is Getting Everyone Talking
May 28, 2026


Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay's relationship is admired by many. Their relationship got deeper after the former welcomed his first child. Find out more.
Actor Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay's relationship has been a constant topic of discussion for years. While some believe their relationship is deeper than they portray, the former has noted that their friendship is only platonic.
Meloni and Hargitay first met at the screen test for "Law & Order: SVU." The pair acted together on the show for twelve years as detectives Eliott Stabler and Olivia Benson.

A picture of Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni at an event | Photo: Getty Images
The former left the show in 2011 but remained close to Hargitay. The actress once opened up to People about her thoughts on Meloni's exit from the series.
Hargitay felt sad and devastated when the actor left because they had started and built the show together. Furthermore, Hargitay made it known that she and Meloni had gone through so many milestones and spent so much time together.

Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson, Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler on an episode of "Law & Order: SVU" | Photo: Getty Images
The actress said she did so much mental gymnastics and mind reinvention, after which she was okay. The pair supported and cheered each other on during memorable occasions, including marriage.
In 2005, Hargitay tied the knot with Peter Hermann, and the duo has stayed married for 16 years. They are also parents to three children, August, Amaya, and Andrew.
Speaking to USA Today in 2014, the dad of two made it known that he considered himself a crazy parent.
On the other hand, Meloni had been married to his wife, Sherman Williams, since the onset of "SVU." The pair first met each other on the set of the HBO series, where Meloni made his debut.
The star was smitten by Williams' good looks and was certain he had to meet the woman. Things didn't go as planned at first, as Williams was already in a relationship. However, a few years later, they began their relationship and eventually tied the knot.
In 2001, the pair welcomed their first child, Sophia, and asked Hargitay to be her godmother. Three years later, Meloni celebrated the arrival of his second child and son, Dante.
Since the arrival of his kids, he has focused on his role of fatherhood, as much as his role as an actor. His kids, especially Sophia, love sharing snaps of the actor on Instagram.
On Meloni's birthday in April 2019, Sophia took to her Instagram page to serenade her star dad with sweet words. She said the actor was a legend who always guided and inspired her.
Time and again, Meloni has spoken candidly about his role as a father. Speaking to USA Today in 2014, the dad of two made it known that he considered himself a crazy parent. He was physical and affectionate, and above all, he loved his children beyond all reason.
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