Chris Meloni Tenderly Hugs Wife on 63rd Birthday: She Quit LA Life to Be with Him & Made Him a Dad

• "Law & Order's" Chris Meloni, 61, has been married to his wife, Sherman Williams, 63, for almost three decades.

• Sherman is an oil executive's daughter who sacrificed her life in Los Angeles to be with Chris, even though he only had a few dollars in his pocket.

• She made him the dad of long-awaited kids, and he still thanks her for staying with him.

The "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star Christopher Meloni and Sherman Williams, his wife, celebrated her 61st birthday on Sunday, January 22, with the rest of their family. The Maloni family spent the evening enjoying each other's company, and Chris and Sherman even donned their dancing shoes for a night out.

The late-night revelries included dancing at a local nightclub and family festivities at home. Sherman's daughter, Sophia, posted a tribute to her mother on Instagram, chronicling the progression of the celebrations in snapshots. In a moving homage to her Sherman, she wrote that she wanted to be just like her mom.

Chris shared photos of the birthday celebrations, showing his family getting ready to go out after starting the night in their apartment. The rest of the images offered glimpses of the Malonis dancing and enjoying each other's company. The actor captioned his post:

"So…this happened. My gurl. Ageless. Timeless. Steppin' out with the young-uns to show em how it's done."

Chris and his beloved wife have been married since 1995, but to them, it feels like they said their vows only a few years ago. They had two children together, Sophia, and her younger brother, Dante Meloni. Although, despite all the years, Chris credits his wife's even temper and logical approach for their marriage's success.

He Only Had Few Bucks in His Pocket While She Was Oil Executive's Kid

When Chris jumped on his bike and found his way to Los Angeles, nothing hinted that he would have the lucky break he was looking for. At the time, the actor was still in college, and he decided to try his luck in L.A. mostly on impulse. Nonetheless, it turned out to be the right one for several reasons.

Although L.A. was exciting, and Sherman adored the city, Chris felt much more at home in New York, where he was originally from.

Chris spent a while in L.A. and realized he had a talent for acting. He found work, although not often, and spent time perfecting his art while exploring the new city. Eventually, he encountered the spellbinding Sherman, growling down the street on her Harley Davidson motorcycle. The actor was instantly intrigued.

Full of bravado, he strolled up to her and introduced himself. to his surprise, they hit it off, but Sherman had a boyfriend. So, Chris cursed his luck and went on his way, fully expecting never to see her again. Funnily enough, the two seemed to have a natural tendency to gravitate toward each other.

Chris left L.A. but couldn't stay away. When he returned, he and Sherman kept running into each other. Eventually, after two years, they started dating. After four more, they finally married and spoke about having kids. Although they both wanted children, Chris had a meager salary at best, and he struggled to find work.

Sherman Made a "Great Sacrifice" to Be with Chris

Although L.A. was exciting, and Sherman adored the city, Chris felt much more at home in New York, where he was originally from. So, after a stint in L.A., Chris broached the topic of moving back to New York to start a family, and Sherman agreed. Chris was still penniless at that stage, but things changed when they arrived in New York.

Although Hollywood couples aren't known for their longevity, these two certainly can't be considered the usual celebrity duo.

As if the move was meant to be, Chris started landing roles as soon as he and Sherman settled into their new life. In 1999, he found success that would grant him financial security when he got a part in "Law & Order." Even though they finally started a family, he admitted that Sherman made "a great sacrifice" by moving. Although, he confessed:

"I love my children beyond all reason. They're my joy, even when they're wild with kid energy."

So, the couple finally had the family they had been dreaming of for several years, and eventually, they made a life for themselves in Hell's Kitchen, New York. They bought a comfortable apartment 60 stories above the bustle of the metropolis. Here, they raised their children, and Chris admitted fatherhood is his favorite role.

The "Wet Hot American Summer" star opened up about raising his two kids, saying it has been one of the most fulfilling things he has done in his entire life. Chris spoke candidly about his first experiences as a father, saying he knew why he wanted kids the minute he held his firstborn.

Throughout the years, fatherhood has taught Chris much about life and himself. The actor shared that his mother always said parenting means learning from children, but he only really understood once he experienced it himself. He also credits his wife for her unwavering support and her "patience."

Chris and Sherman's Secret to a Lasting Marriage

Chris and his beloved Sherman have spent an impressive 28 years together. Although Hollywood couples aren't known for their longevity, these two certainly can't be considered the usual celebrity duo. Their bond hasn't grown weaker throughout the years, and they still invest time in each other. Sherman noted:

"I really appreciate how much he appreciates me."

Others have also noticed how Chris and Sherman have stuck it out, even though they could have crumbled like so many around them. The comedian Martin Shortt once praised Chris for his loyalty to his wife. He noticed that Chris could have been unfaithful to her, but he always chose his wife. Chris responded:

"Affairs, drama — that's complicated stuff. I'm not a fan of complicated. There's so much energy expended in personal drama, in having a dramatic life. People get addicted to the drama."

Sherman shared another secret to their lasting loyalty and happiness. The artist admitted that they genuinely enjoy each other's company but divulged the core elements that helped her marriage to Chris withstand the trials of fame are "Space, respect, trust, and freedom," adding, "We laugh a lot."

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