Mariska Hargitay Reveals Christopher Meloni’s Sweet Birthday Gift to Her

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have been longtime co-stars, appearing together since 1999 on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Even after Meloni left the long-running show in 2011, the two have remained close friends. And Meloni marked Hargitay’s 56th birthday by giving her an extra-special gift.

The Sweet Gift

On the morning of Mariska Hargitay’s birthday, Christopher Meloni posted an Instagram photo of her favorite flowers – 20 purple-and-white lilies – that he had sent her.

“Happy Birthday to my PARTY mate @therealmariska,” he captioned the photo. “Love and Appreciation and Respect for ALL you do and ALL you represent. Have a beautiful day!!! #purpleandwhite.”

The Sweet Response

Hargitay was moved and responded with a post on her own Instagram page.

“@Chris_Meloni – my angel of a friend,” she wrote. “How did you know that purple and white lilies are my absolute favorite?! I am filled with Gratitude. You Light me up like nobody else! I adore and appreciate you! #Flawless.”

A Unique Bond

This exchange between these two stars shows the unique bond they share. Their bond is demonstrative of the family-like relationship they created with the rest of the cast and crew of Law & Order: SVU.

Here are some other sentimental gifts Meloni has given Hargitay to show how much he cares:

• 2013: A hand-painted music box that plays “Happy Birthday”
• 2014: A snow globe with a tiny version of the pair in it
• 2015: A Netflix subscription
• 2016: An artwork of a beautiful fantasy scene

No matter what Meloni gives her, it’s clear that Hargitay treasures her friendship with her co-star and is thankful for the special gifts.

Mariska Hargitay Reveals Christopher Meloni’s Sweet Birthday Gift to Her

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have made huge waves together as characters in the famous crime drama show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Now, to celebrate the actress’s birthday, Meloni gave the perfect heartfelt birthday gift.

Unique and Memorable Present

On her birthday, Mariska Hargitay received the sweetest present. On Wednesday, April 2nd, in honor of her 56th birthday, E! News revealed that the actor sent Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Hargitay a one-of-a-kind gift—an incredible oil painting of the two of them together.

Poignant Tribute

Hargitay took to Instagram to share the oil painting and express her gratitude for Meloni’s thoughtful present. “@Chris_Meloni has given me the most meaningful gifts for my birthdays over the years—but this might take the (birthday) cake… The beauty of us, in the form of a painting, from his own hand! No words; heart exploding,” she posted.

The Bond between the Two

The two starred together on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the early 2000’s and continue to remain close friends. Fans of the show know and love their bond, as they are renowned for their incredible onscreen chemistry.

Longstanding Friendship

Hargitay posted another tribute to Meloni, saying:

”This is the man I get to work with, play with, laugh with, go to battle with. “Elliot Stabler & Olivia Benson forever and always.”

The Affection Meloni Feels for Hargitay

Meloni followed suit and posted a sweet tribute to Hargitay as well, saying:

“A formal portrait of two people who’ve caravanned through a lot of life together. So proud of you, my friend.”

The Top-notch Gift

It’s clear that Meloni has an immense amount of admiration for his friend. The oil painting is a clear indication of the friendship, love and admiration that the two continue to share with one another. Mariska Hargitay’s birthday gift is definitely something one of a kind and she seems to be over the moon about it.

Favorite Takeaways

• Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have been close friends since starring together on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
• Christopher Meloni gave the sweetest present on the actress’s 56th birthday–an incredible oil painting of the two of them together.
• The two posted tributes to each other about their friendship and admiration for one another.