THEN AND NOW: All 18 'Law and Order: SVU' series regulars

Frank OlitoJul 29, 2020, 23:59 IST

A lot has changed on "SVU" since the show premiered over 20 years ago.NBC/ Getty

NBC's "Law and Order: SVU" wrapped its 21st season this year.
Throughout the show's run, there have been 18 actors who have been cast as series regulars.
Mariska Hargitay has played Detective Olivia Benson since the show aired in 1999. Ice-T is still on the show after joining in the second season.
Actors like Stephanie March, BD Wong, and Richard Belzer have all returned to the series in guest appearances after leaving the show as a series regular.

Over the course of its 20-year history, "Law and Order: SVU" has become known for its lengthy list of guest appearances — from Serena Williams to Bradley Cooper. But the show's regular cast members have also been making a name for themselves throughout the years.

Some of these actors have stayed on the show for decades, like Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, and Ice T, while others only appear for a season or two. Some even return in guest appearances after their departure.

Keep reading to find out when each actor joined the series and to see what they're up to now.

Mariska Hargitay started playing Detective Olivia Benson when the show premiered in 1999.

Mariska Hargitay. Stephen Trupp/ AP

Twenty years later, Hargitay continues to play Olivia Benson and says she has no plans to leave the drama series any time soon.

Mariska Hargitay. Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Christopher Meloni was one of the original leads, playing Detective Elliot Stabler, but he left the show in 2011.

Christopher Meloni. Chris Pizzelo/ AP

Since "SVU," Meloni has turned to comedy, starring in films like "Wet Hot American Summer." But he's set to make his return to the "Law and Order" universe.

Christopher Meloni. Jordan Strauss/ AP

Richard Belzer played Detective John Munch long before "SVU" premiered.

Richard Belzer. Walter Weissman/ AP

Since leaving "SVU," Belzer reprised his role as Detective Munch in a number of other series.

Richard Belzer. Reuters

Dann Florek started playing Police Captain Donald Cragen on "SVU" in 1999.

Dann Florek. NBC/ Getty

Florek has remained relatively under the radar in recent years.

Dann Florek. Evan Agostini/ AP

Michelle Hurd played Detective Monique Jeffries for two seasons on "SVU."

Michelle Hurd. Paul A. Hebert/ AP

Since then, Hurd has appeared on several TV shows, including "The Glades" and "Blindspot."

Michelle Hurd. Matt Sayles/ AP

Stephanie March joined the show in its second season as Alexandra Cabot, the assistant district attorney.

Stephanie March. Peter Kramer/ AP

Since "SVU," March has started her own makeup line, SheSpoke.

Stephanie March. Evan Agostini/ AP

Ice-T joined the series in the second season as Detective Fin Tutuola.

Ice-T. Malcolm Clarke/ AP

While Ice-T is still on "SVU," he has also expanded into the world of reality television with his wife, Coco.

Ice-T. Evan Agostini/ AP

Tamara Tunie joined the cast in the show's seventh season to play medical examiner Melinda Warner.

Tamara Tunie. Stuart Ramson/ AP

Since breaking away from "SVU," Tunie has appeared on several TV shows, including "Better Call Saul."

Tamara Tunie. Charles Sykes/ Ap

BD Wong first appeared on "SVU" in the second season, but didn't become a series regular until the fourth season.

BD Wong. Brennan Linsley/ AP

Since "SVU," Wong has continued his acting career on TV shows like "Mr. Robot" and movies like "Bird Box."

BD Wong. Vince Bucci/ AP

Diane Neal started her career on "SVU" as Casey Novak in the show's fifth season.

Diane Neal. Peter Kramer/ AP

After "SVU," Neal appeared in several other crime shows like "NCIS," but more notably, she ran for Congress in New York.

Diane Neal. Mary Esch/ AP

Adam Beach played Detective Chester Lake for only one season.

Adam Beach. Nick Ut/ AP

Beach went on to continue his acting career in blockbusters like "Suicide Squad," and is also an activist for Native American rights.

Adam Beach. Patricia Schlein/STAR MAX/IPx/ AP

Michaela McManus was a series regular for barely one season, playing Assistant District Attorney Kim Greylek.

Michaela McManus. Peter Kramer/ AP

Since then, McManus has continued her career as a TV actress, appearing in "SEAL Team" and "The Orville."

Michaela McManus. John Nacion/ AP

Danny Pino played Detective Nick Amaro for four seasons on "SVU."

Danny Pino. Henny Ray Abrams/ AP

Post "SVU," Pino continued his television acting career on shows like "Scandal" and "Mayans M.C."

Danny Pino. Willy Sanjuan/ AP

Kelli Giddish joined the show in 2011 as Detective Amanda Rollins.

Kelli Giddish. Heidi Gutman/ Getty

Giddish continues to play Detective Amanda Rollins today.