Mariska Hargitay: Almost Monica Geller
Before stepping into the shoes of the formidable Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), Mariska Hargitay was on the precipice of playing another iconic character: Monica Geller from the beloved sitcom Friends. Instead of delving into the grim realities of crime with her esteemed detectives, Hargitay could have been iconic in her own right at Central Perk.
A Comedy Audition Surprise
In an October 2025 episode of the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, Hargitay shared this fascinating tidbit from her earlier acting career, revealing that she auditioned for the role of Monica Geller, which ultimately went to Courteney Cox. Hargitay reminisced, “I tested for Friends,” highlighting her journey through the early days of her career when she was involved with The Groundlings, a renowned sketch comedy troupe.
When Poehler expressed astonishment at Hargitay’s revelation, asking, “Which part?” Hargitay responded, “I think it [was] Monica.” She reflected on her aspirations, “But I always thought I’d end up being on a sitcom or doing comedy. That’s what I thought.”
A Path Diversified
While Hargitay might not have landed a role on Friends, she did not stray far from the comedic realm. Throughout the ’90s, she made guest appearances on series like Seinfeld and The Single Guy, demonstrating her versatility as an actress before cementing her spot on SVU in 1999 as the relentless Detective Benson.
Friendship and Humor with Chris Meloni
Transitioning from comedy to a more serious role didn’t diminish her playful nature. Hargitay’s rapport with her SVU co-star, Christopher Meloni, is a shining example of that. On the same podcast, she shared how they have a unique “love language” filled with playful teasing. For instance, Meloni would joke about a fictional boyfriend named “Gerald,” and Hargitay played along, showcasing their mutual sense of humor.
“I have this personality, and Chris and I… both have that sense of humor, that sense of play, sense of risk,” she explained. Hargitay described Meloni as a crucial player in teaching her about friendly banter. “Hard teasing, I learned that from, well, Chris Meloni was my teacher,” she noted.
A First Impression to Remember
Their friendship blossomed during their initial auditions for SVU. Hargitay recounted her first encounter with Meloni, noting that he made quite an unforgettable impression. “Chris comes in, and he’s wearing no clothes — big surprise,” she shared, laughing as she recalled their exchange. When she asked him about the large cross tattoo on his arm, his response, “Because I admire his commitment,” left her both amused and intrigued.
Cherishing the SVU Family
Over the years, Hargitay has come to cherish the close-knit bonds formed with her SVU cast and crew. In a heartfelt interview with NBC Insider in 2024, she expressed her deep affection for her “sacred” work environment. “I love my job… I love the community that I’m in,” she said. Hargitay highlighted the remarkable culture on set, emphasizing that they all rely on each other to create an incredible team atmosphere where collaboration and creativity thrive.
“Let’s do the work, let’s have a fun time, and best idea wins,” she remarked, expressing her gratitude for the familial connection that has developed over the years.