Past and Future Careers of Actors on 'Law & Order: SVU'

Ever since its debut in 1999, Dick Wolf's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" has made famous the faces of its characters, Detectives Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). But where were these actors before they made it big on this show?

Here is a brief recap of past -- and future -- roles where you can find your favorite "Law & Order: SVU" stars.

Mariska Hargitay

Hargitay got her start in several minor film roles in the '80s before starring in her first television role as Jesse Smith on "Downtown" in 1986. She continued in television with her role as Carly Fixx in 1988 on "Falcon Crest," and as Officer Angela Garcia in 1992 on "Tequila and Bonetti." There were also several TV movies and guest-starring roles on shows such as "Baywatch" (1989), "Thirtysomething" (1990) and "Seinfeld" (1993).

Hargitay got her most mainstream role in 1995's "Leaving Las Vegas" starring Nicholas Cage, where she played a hooker. She continued starring in TV series like "Can't Hurry Love" (1996), "The Single Guy" (1996) and "ER" (1998) before debuting as Detective Benson in 1999. Since then, the actress has stuck to "Law & Order: SVU" as her main acting job, and is returning for at least half of Season 13, which resumes in September.

Christopher Meloni

Meloni got his start in several TV series, notably "1st and Ten: The Championships" (1989) as Johnny Gunn/Vito Del Greco, "The Fanelli Boys" (1991) as Frankie Fanelli, "Dinosaurs" (1993) as the voice of Spike, and "Misery Loves Company" (1995) as Mitch. He had some small film roles, such as playing Lt. Halperin in 1995's "Twelve Monkeys," Johnnie Marzzone in 1996's "Bound," and Coach Bob Kelly in 1999's "Runaway Bride." And let's not forget his quirky, memorable roles as Sven, the Flamingo Hotel clerk in 1998's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," Gene the cook in 2001's "Wet Hot American Summer," and Freakshow in 2004's "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle."

He continued pursuing TV amid these film roles, playing characters such as Jimmy Liery in 1996 on "NYPD Blue," Joe in 1997 on "Brooklyn South," and Chris Keller in 2003 on "Oz." He continued taking parts in various films and TV movies before and during his most famous role as Detective Stabler on "Law & Order: SVU."

As for Meloni's future, he is scheduled to play Sandman in the "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" video game, and Colonel Hardy in 2013's "Man of Steel," a film co-starring Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane (based on the Superman comic books). Unfortunately for fans, Meloni won't be returning to "Law & Order: SVU" for its 13th season in 2011.

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