Christopher Meloni Biography

Fast Facts

• A longtime supporter of the Human Rights Campaign
• Was nominated for three Prism Awards for Performance in a Drama Series Episode for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit․"
• Graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in History in 1983
• Married production designer Sherman Williams in 1995
• Trained under acting teacher Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse
• Worked as a construction worker, club bouncer, bartender and personal trainer before becoming a professional actor
• Made his screen acting debut in the TV series "The Equalizer" in 1988
• Quote: "You need humor to counteract the drama; they're all human moments, ultimately․ But at the end of the day, it's about people looking for love, for purpose, and a place for meaning․"
• Quote: "All aspects of life that I look around, I'm very thankful to be standing where I am․"
• Best known for his role as Detective Elliot Stabler in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and as Chris Keller in "Oz․"
• Often takes on the role of characters who display intense emotions
• Appeared in a McDonalds commercial "Blind Date" in 1987
• Was inducted into his high school's Hall of Fame for being a member of their 1978 undefeated football team