Mariska Hargitay Was 'Sobbing' & Almost Split from Her Spouse Yet Chris Meloni's Marriage Played a 'Big Role'

"Law & Order" actress Mariska Hargitay has been in a progressive marriage with her younger husband for eighteen years. While he is the man after her heart, she also loves her close friend, Christopher Meloni, "her work husband," whom she almost kissed.

Mariska Hargitay's most significant role in her career is as Detective Olivia Benson in the NBC series, "Law & Order: SVU." For years, she has remained the show's protagonist, and fans see her as an awe-inspiring figure.

In reality, she also commands the same respect. She is a philanthropist who helps abuse victims. She also enjoys an enviable marriage with her husband, Peter Hermann, an actor, producer, and writer.

In the past, the couple has been generous in sharing the secrets of their successful marriage. In 2019, Hargitay explained that they knew it was "going to be good" when they shared their vows. Interestingly, this feeling was cemented by their conviction that they were each other's soulmates.

While it may sound all rosy and blissful, Hermann confessed it involves effort and the willingness to make it work, which both parties have contributed over the years. According to him:

"That doesn't mean that they're easy, but they're not that complicated. It's fundamentals— kindness, listen well and fight fair."

On their journey to forever, Hargitay and her beloved husband welcomed three adorable kids. They adopted their first son and later added two adoptees, a daughter, Amaya, and a son, Andrew, to the mix.

Amid their busy schedules, the Hollywood couple makes time for their kids and marriage. They have continued to ignite the sparks through the years using constant communication.

Last year, during an interview on EDailyPop, the correspondent, Justin Sylvester, referred to the couple's marriage as a progressive one as it involves three people, Hargitay, Hermann, and Christopher Meloni, Hargitay's onscreen husband and longtime friend.

Although Meloni is married, he has remained a constant in the Hargitay-Hermann home. The actress's husband affirmed that there is always room to communicate and understand one another, which has somehow been the magic touch in the throuple!

Mariska Hargitay's Longtime Friendship with Christopher Meloni

What seemed like a perfect story with Hermann was, at one time, rocked by doubts. The couple met in 2002 when Hermann appeared as a guest star alongside Hargitay's character.

Because of their onscreen roles and how well they complement each other, a devoted fan thought that Hargitay was Meloni's second wife.

Soon, they became friends, and their relationship progressed. The couple dated for a long time, but along the line, they had a conversation about their future, and doubts gnawed at the actress, who ran off to Meloni, her onscreen partner and off-screen supporter. Recalling that day, he stated:

"After they'd been dating a long time, she came in one day and she was crushed. She goes, 'Peter and I had a really deep, long conversation. We cried, and I just don't think it's going to work.' And she's sobbing, and the whole time, the [thought] bubble in my head was just: 'You'll be married within five months.' That's all I was thinking. I knew. I knew."

Eventually, Hargitay became Hermann's wife after two years of dating, while she still had a great friendship with Meloni. As time progressed, her TV husband also witnessed some changes in his life, yet throughout their transformations, marriage, and parenthood, they remained supportive of each other.

When Meloni welcomed his first child, Sophia, with his wife, Sherman Williams, Hargitay was made the baby's godmother. Apart from having such an honor, the actress was grateful to have Meloni as a friend because he was the perfect example she could copy.

In addition, Margitay admired Meloni's parenting and loving marriage to Williams. Without mincing words, she explained:

"And it made me feel even safer with him, as opposed to: 'Great guy—but single.' Or 'Great guy — except for his romantic life.' Instead, he's this man who is as solid as a rock, and who is that rock in his relationship. And I got to lean on it when I needed to. It was like family."

What Uber Fans, Hargitay, and Hermann Feel about the Meloni-Hargitay Relationship

Fans have watched Hargitay and Meloni's close relationship as investigative partners (Meloni plays Detective Elliot Stabler) on the crime series. Although there is a spark between them, they are yet to be an official couple. In reality, they are inseparable good friends alongside their spouses.

Because of their onscreen roles and how well they complement each other, a devoted fan thought that Hargitay was Meloni's second wife. While discussing this view, the actress cheekily revealed that there is a truth in it!

However, she clarified her statement by adding, "I mean, I don't think I'll be marrying him any time soon, but I am kind of like his second wife. Wife, therapist, bestie, sister, mother. I think the uber fans literally want our spouses to go away."

Despite the anticipation from fans, the "Law & Order: SVU" stars find it interesting to joke around the subject of their romance. During the 2022 Emmy Awards, while they prepared to present an award on stage jointly, the duo teased fans with a near-kiss.

So far, Hermann has been fine with the BFFs. While speaking about being in a throuple, he said, "We make it work. Sometimes, Chris and I have some things to negotiate, but we've gotten really good with communicating with each other, and there's a lot of give and take."

For Hermann and Hargitay, there is nothing complicated about their relationship. Despite having a long-term friendship with Meloni, Hargitay has enjoyed a peaceful marriage free of controversies. On the other hand, Meloni is still waxing stronger in his nearly three-decades-long marriage with Williams.