Mariska Hargitay Fights to Bring Back Kelli Giddish toLaw & Order: SVU

Mariska Hargitay, the star and executive producer of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is on a mission to bring back Kelli Giddish as Detective Amanda Rollins. Giddish, who portrayed the beloved character for 12 years, made a shocking exit from the show midway through Season 24, leaving fans and co-stars alike in disbelief.

In a recentinterviewwith Variety, Hargitay opened up about her relentless efforts to keep Giddish on the show. "Kelli is my favorite actor to work with... Kelli is my heart,"Hargitay passionately expressed. Despite her influence as an executive producer, the decision to write off Giddish's character came from higher-ups, leaving Hargitay feeling powerless. "It's a sore subject. I have a lot of say on the show, but I didn't have enough there,"she admitted.

Hargitay's close relationship withLaw & Order: SVU creator Dick Wolfhas been a defining aspect of her career. She credits Wolf with teaching her to advocate for herself and find her way through the complex world of television. "We're extremely close, like family,"Hargitay said of their bond. "He and I have had some gnarly negotiations... He's said things to me that are almost paternal over the years, but tough. "Despite their mutual respect, the decision to let Giddish go was out of Hargitay's hands.

Giddish's departure was announced in August 2022, with her final appearance as a series regular airing in the Season 24 finale. However, fans were thrilled when she returned for guest appearances in Season 25, including the premiere episode and another later in the season. In her last episode, Detective Amanda Rollins tied the knot with Assistant District Attorney Dominick "Sonny" Carisi and bid farewell to the Special Victims Unit to pursue a new chapter as a professor at Fordham University.

The on-screen chemistry between Hargitay's Olivia Benson and Giddish's Amanda Rollins was a highlight of the show, and their real-life friendship only added to the depth of their performances. Giddish herself acknowledged the significance of their relationship, telling People, "They were going to miss, not only the Carisi-Rollins thing, but also Benson and Rollins. I think the fans were right in saying, 'Wait, what's going to happen there too? What about Benson?'"

Following Giddish's official exit, Hargitay took to Instagram to express her love and admiration for her co-star and friend. "Kelli, I've loved acting, learning, growing, talking, laughing and crying with you,"she wrote."I've loved watching your achingly beautiful performances. I've loved watching our friendship deepen and grow and blossom. I've loved every single minute of it, and I will miss you so much. You have my respect, love and appreciation forever.

As Law & Order: SVU continues its historic run, currently in its 24th season, the impact of Kelli Giddish's portrayal of Amanda Rollins and her dynamic with Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson remains an enduring part of the show's legacy. While fans eagerly await news of Giddish's potential return, Hargitay's unwavering support and determination to bring her back serve as a demonstration of the power of their friendship and the enduring appeal of their on-screen partnership.

Key Takeaways

• Mariska Hargitay wants Kelli Giddish to return to Law & Order: SVU as Detective Amanda Rollins.
• Giddish left the show midway through Season 24, despite Hargitay's efforts to keep her.
• Hargitay credits Law & Order: SVU creator Dick Wolf with teaching her to advocate for herself.
• Giddish has made guest appearances in Season 25, including the premiere episode.
• Hargitay and Giddish's on-screen chemistry and real-life friendship were a highlight of the show.