When you think of Christopher Meloni, you likely think of one of three roles: his turn as a psycho killer in the late ’90s HBO series Oz, his quirky (and completely comical) portrayal of a pervy camp chef in Wet Hot American Summer or his longtime role as tough-as-nails NYC detective Elliot Stabler. And if you’re of the latter camp, you’re probably holding on to the hope that he’ll one day return to the side of Mariska Hargitay, aka Sergeant Olivia Benson.
But while we love Meloni for all of those career-defining characters, those aren’t the only roles that won us over. With acting credits stretching back into the ’80s, Meloni boasts a ton of complex and captivating roles over the course of his career.
In fact, it’s hard to single out just one or two as top picks. Thankfully, we don’t have to! In honor of Wet Hot American Summer hitting Netflix, we decided to celebrate a slew of Meloni’s best gigs.
‘Dinosaurs’
Remember Robbie’s cocky, mooching friend Spike from Dinosaurs? Betcha didn’t know that was Meloni.
‘Bound’
Meloni definitely garnered some buzz for his role as gangster Johnnie Marzzone in 1996’s Bound.
‘Oz’
In this gritty late ’90s prison drama, Meloni captivated audiences as bisexual psychopath Chris Keller.
‘Law & Order: SVU’
We’ll never apologize for wishing (always) that Meloni would return as tough-talking Detective Elliot Stabler.
‘The Souler Opposite’
We’re calling it: this rom-com about a stand-up comic and his feminist friend was Meloni’s most underrated role.
‘Runaway Bride’
Poor Coach Bob! You couldn’t help but feel bad for Meloni’s likable (and jilted) character in this 1999 rom-com.
‘Wet Hot American Summer’
Meloni’s “Gene” — a fridge-humping Vietnam vet in this 2001 cult classic was a major, albeit hilarious, departure.
‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’
I think the picture pretty much sums this one up, eh? Meloni is far funnier than he gets credit for.
‘Nights in Rodanthe’
‘Twas a minor role, but Meloni served as a plot catalyst. Plus, it pitted him against Richard Gere once more.
‘True Blood’
Meloni slayed (literally, at times) in a recurring role as Vampire Authority guardian Roman on HBO’s True Blood.
‘Man of Steel’
In 2013’s Man of Steel, Meloni put forth a strong cinematic showing as Colonel Nathan Hardy.
’42’
Meloni truly embodied spitfire Dodgers manager Leo Durocher in this 2013 Jackie Robinson drama.
‘Surviving Jack’
If you ask us, this TV series about tough-love dad Dr. Jack Dunlevy didn’t get a fair shake.
‘Small Time’
Meloni portrayed car salesman Al Klein in this “small” coming-of-age movie with a big heart.
‘Veep’
Hot and hilarious are two words that aptly describe Meloni’s mini-arc on the hit HBO political satire Veep.
‘Sin City’
Meloni’s role as tough guy Mort in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For was definitely in his wheelhouse.
‘Underground’
Although Meloni’s slave-catching character was repulsive, he played the part brilliantly.
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